Review of Sudden Death (1995) by David G — 21 Jan 2009

Get set for some nifty mid-90's Van Dammage as the man himself goes behind enemy lines at an ice hockey arena to take down Powers Boothe and rescue his kids and the vice-president... in that order.

Don't ask how a humble ex-fireman knows martial arts, weapons handling, bomb disposal, how to make air-pressure dart guns and homemade bombs, has every tiny little nook and cranny of the arena committed to memory, and perform as a professional ice hockey goalkeeper, he just does OK? Actually on second thought, DO ask these questions, it makes the experience a lot more amusing! Even more amusing than the sight of Van Damme getting his ass kicked by a girl in a giant penguin suit.

Perhaps. Powers Boothe was great as the villain and the opening half hour, as his plan goes into action with practically no JCVD in sight, was probably the best part of the movie. One thing I was surprised by was the often very sadistic violence that was shown - the old cook and his wife being killed, the mayor's wife.

.. it didn't pull any punches, and it sure was cool :) Very, VERY goofy in places (the penguin suit fight, the helicopter crash at the end) but worth your time if you're after some simple, mindless fun.