Review of JCVD (2008) by A.j. E — 28 Dec 2009

This film wasn't quite what I expected.

Then again, I'm an American film-goer that's only familiar with the Van Damme of "Bloodsport" fame and "Street Fighter" infamy.

'JCVD' marked the first time I had ever HEARD Van Damme speak in his native language. I believe that may have helped carry the weight of the man's anguish, frailties and frustration a long, long way; just watch that scene w/ Van Damme and that annoying cab driver.

This movie wasn't w/o it's rough edges. I didn't give a rat's arse about the the robbery storyline. At times, the film also comes off as too self-reverential to Van-Damme's career and the image of his action-movie stardom in his native Brussels. And Van-Damme's single-take monologue can be equal parts uncomfortable and disheartening, but it was a scene I couldn't skip or turn away from.

Still, this is likely the only movie from Van-Damme's that has me still thinking about, even when his past films I've all but forgotten.

Know I know why he turned down a role in the 'Expendables' movie.