I saw this movie at a screener first, and then on DVD after its release. I stand by my original review, posted below.
First, I have to give a point of reference. I am a white, 43-year-old single female; NOT the target audience this film was made for, at all. Second, I am in LOVE with good action movies, unlike most chicks (hate the standard "chick flick" and Braveheart is one of my desert-island-top-three films.) Third, although I love music of almost any kind, Hip-hop "ain't my thang, bro" so I am not inclined to go see this kind of film.
Having said that, I can only say that much to my everlasting surprise, I enjoyed this film immensely. From the opening scene, which was scored beautifully, to the first moment that Jean-Claude actually speaks on film (takes awhile) I was stricken with the thought that this was not another D-T-V piece of flotsam. The film has a really nice feel to it as it opens, which even carries it through the slower paced (edit, we need an edit!) parts about 50 minutes into it. Mr. Van Damme's character is built up carefully and slowly and we find ourselves wondering what makes this guy tick. This feat of achievement is carried out by the director/writer and the man himself, showing his best acting chops in YEARS, guys! I found myself laughing, as the audience did, at the funny parts, and full of suspense, along with the audience, at the build up toward the final showdown. As for a PG-13 vs. R rating, this is a very different type of film for Van Damme fans as he mellows into a fine actor and still kicks some butt that needs kicking, so I expect a PG-13 rating to follow. I am personally happy with that, as it is better for his box-office receipts should this be theatrically released, and his films have been over-the-top violent without any necessity for the violence in some cases.
I can definitely say that I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes an action film with a bit of smarts thrown in for good measure. I am not exactly biased, as I haven't been able to sit through the majority of Mr. Van Damme's films in the past few years. I would pay to see this again, and will! By choice, and out of deference to the hard work of Lettich, Van Damme and the gang, I would rather give fewer details. The fight scenes are exciting and fun but I won't go into why and how. Not much martial arts, but enjoyable anyway. I will say that there is a different (finally!) structure to his fight scenes and they are used sparingly, thereby giving them more impact than, say 90 minutes of kicking and fighting. I enjoyed them and the character he plays comes across as a real "hard core" (I love puns!) kind of guy. When he hits 'em, you feel it! Lots of hip-hop and other music tracks, great scoring by this Brit they hired. Nice job; I wasn't annoyed and I don't like hip-hop (I love dance music though, from Latin Samba to Disco) This film is scored much better than any of his films in recent memory.
In closing, I will add that there is ONE H-H-H-HOT KISS with Ms. Vivica Fox. And it is nicely done.
Sheldon was there at the screening. He is a very nice man who is quite polite, cordial and friendly. It was a pleasure meeting him.
P.S. There is an awesome fight scene between him and one of the major characters. I never want to say too much because they may re-edit the film and then you wouldn't see it!
First, I have to give a point of reference. I am a white, 43-year-old single female; NOT the target audience this film was made for, at all. Second, I am in LOVE with good action movies, unlike most chicks (hate the standard "chick flick" and Braveheart is one of my desert-island-top-three films.) Third, although I love music of almost any kind, Hip-hop "ain't my thang, bro" so I am not inclined to go see this kind of film.
Having said that, I can only say that much to my everlasting surprise, I enjoyed this film immensely. From the opening scene, which was scored beautifully, to the first moment that Jean-Claude actually speaks on film (takes awhile) I was stricken with the thought that this was not another D-T-V piece of flotsam. The film has a really nice feel to it as it opens, which even carries it through the slower paced (edit, we need an edit!) parts about 50 minutes into it. Mr. Van Damme's character is built up carefully and slowly and we find ourselves wondering what makes this guy tick. This feat of achievement is carried out by the director/writer and the man himself, showing his best acting chops in YEARS, guys! I found myself laughing, as the audience did, at the funny parts, and full of suspense, along with the audience, at the build up toward the final showdown. As for a PG-13 vs. R rating, this is a very different type of film for Van Damme fans as he mellows into a fine actor and still kicks some butt that needs kicking, so I expect a PG-13 rating to follow. I am personally happy with that, as it is better for his box-office receipts should this be theatrically released, and his films have been over-the-top violent without any necessity for the violence in some cases.
I can definitely say that I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes an action film with a bit of smarts thrown in for good measure. I am not exactly biased, as I haven't been able to sit through the majority of Mr. Van Damme's films in the past few years. I would pay to see this again, and will! By choice, and out of deference to the hard work of Lettich, Van Damme and the gang, I would rather give fewer details. The fight scenes are exciting and fun but I won't go into why and how. Not much martial arts, but enjoyable anyway. I will say that there is a different (finally!) structure to his fight scenes and they are used sparingly, thereby giving them more impact than, say 90 minutes of kicking and fighting. I enjoyed them and the character he plays comes across as a real "hard core" (I love puns!) kind of guy. When he hits 'em, you feel it! Lots of hip-hop and other music tracks, great scoring by this Brit they hired. Nice job; I wasn't annoyed and I don't like hip-hop (I love dance music though, from Latin Samba to Disco) This film is scored much better than any of his films in recent memory.
In closing, I will add that there is ONE H-H-H-HOT KISS with Ms. Vivica Fox. And it is nicely done.
Sheldon was there at the screening. He is a very nice man who is quite polite, cordial and friendly. It was a pleasure meeting him.
P.S. There is an awesome fight scene between him and one of the major characters. I never want to say too much because they may re-edit the film and then you wouldn't see it!