Review of JCVD (2008) by James S — 09 Sep 2009

Proving there may well be some brains behind the brawn, Jean Claude Van Damme goes post-modern in this new take on the action movie.

Van Damme plays Van Damme, a strung out, washed up action star who is involved in a real life post office heist in Belgium which begins to resemble one of his own movies. It's definitely a bold move for Van Damme and a chance for him to show what he might be able to do with his acting range. It's also almost completely in Belgian too which is another big gamble, though this is surely destined for cult status rather than the Kickboxer crowd.

The movie is densely plotted, using non-linear storytelling to great effect and producing a decent hostage thriller while also commenting intelligently on the world of celebrity as fans rally in the streets in support of Jean Claude and his seeming attempt to rob the post office. In an increasingly fickle celebrity world, one does wonder how long it could be before a star attempts something like this.

Jean Claude does prove his acting chops some what. There is a weird talking head sequence towards the end which doesn't really make a whole lot of sense but on the whole he is watchable and likeable. The script is also absolute gold for him, getting shots in at Steven Seagal and adding some nice moments of humour.

As for entertainment value, you'd still be better off watching Sudden Death, Van Damme's finest hour but this is a lot better than 90 percent of his action movies.