Review of JCVD (2008) by Christopher G — 09 Oct 2009

With all the drama involving Hollywood actors today, it's kind of cool to see a world-famous action hero take on a project like this. Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as a version of himself in this movie. He's down on his luck and his daughter is being taken away in a custody battle, so he goes home to Belgium, where he becomes involved in the robbery of a post office.

This movie is much funnier than I expected it to be, and Van Damme has no problem making fun of himself, the world of B-list actors, and the kinds of movies he makes. The opening scene involves a kickass single-take tracking shot where Van Damme goes through an entire, ludicrous scene in a generic war action movie. Many of the other characters in the film are fans and constantly hound him for pictures and autographs, so it touches on that aspect of celebrity as well.

It's not all satire, though. There is an impressive monologue towards the end of the film that hints that Van Damme may not just be the brainless brute that he's made out to be. It's a a good mixture of action, suspense, drama, and humor.

JCVD delivers a really interesting concept and it's pulled off impeccably (shock!) by Van Damme and the filmmakers.