DVD Review: JCVD

PEACE ARCH
Street: April 28
Prebook: March 31
> Unusually introspective outing from muscleman Jean-Claude Van Damme.

A Jean-Claude Van Damme movie for folks who have no interest in Jean-Claude Van Damme movies, JCVD presents the “muscles from Brussels” in a self-reflective mood, meditating on his life and career. He essentially plays himself, an international action star relegated to direct-to-DVD fare, who battles in the courts over custody of his child while trying to stay clean after years of drug use. During his trip to a post office to make a transaction, there's a robbery and hostage situation, and soon it's “Dog Day Van Damme,” with police believing Jean-Claude is involved in the crime. Using flashy editing and hand-held camerawork, the film expertly mixes self-deprecating humor, action sequences, inside references and insights into the actor's personal demons. Ultimately, this is a tale of a man trying to get some respect in a way that Rodney Dangerfield would approve of.

Shelf Talk: Despite solid reviews and a nice publicity campaign by the star to get the word out, JCVD didn't click in its limited, arthouse theatrical run. In all likelihood, the performer's legions of fans will be interested in the proceedings, and sophisticated audiences will certainly get a kick out of it as well. Expect lots of coverage in genre and film-follower magazines as well as online sites.