"JCVD" review
Okay, going to shake off the hangover that I'm nursing this morning - thanks, Gran Marnier - and do the review I should have dropped a few days ago: "JCVD."
Ah, Jean-Claude Van Damme. I've always had a soft spot for the man - after all, he starred in such cinematic classics as "Bloodsport" and "Universal Soldier." But the years haven't been kind to the Muscles from Brussels, and he's been forced to retreat into direct-to-video fare. The world thought they'd seen the last of the man, but "JCVD" brings the man, and his declining career, back to the forefront.
Quick, spoiler-free summary: Jean-Claude's on hard times, as he's losing a custody battle for his daughter and can't land a role in anything close to a studio picture. After bouncing a check to his attorney, he goes into a post office to receive a wire transfer - but unfortunately, he picks the one post office that's being robbed (and the cops are convinced that he's behind it). If this were one of his movies, Jean-Claude would kick his way out, but how does he react when the guns are real?
This film lives and dies by the acting ability of Jean-Claude, and you know what? He's actually pretty damn good. We see a side of Van Damme that's never revealed - vulnerable, wounded, scared - and it's much more convincing than any of the roles he's played in years. There's also another piece that we see, the philosopher in the man, and these instances produce equal parts laughter and amazement at the profound knowledge of the man. Most noteworthy is the 10-minute monologue he gives after literally rising above the set and speaking about life, fame, poverty, reputation, and many more subjects. I found myself laughing at him - only to stop and say, "Wait, what was that?" If you need a reason to see the movie, that's the best one I can give you.
All in all, I'd recommend the movie to anyone who has ever enjoyed Van Damme or likes to see a more "real" side to their stars. "JCVD" was one of the bigger surprises that I've seen in a long time.