Sorry, but I don't accept that it is okay for action movies to be brainless simply because they are action movies and, therefore, suspension of disbelief comes with the territory. A bit more care over the script and you've got a half-decent film with action at its core. Hard Target is soft where it counts - in the head.
I have actually enjoyed other Van Damme movies - Universal Soldier, for one - otherwise I wouldn't have tuned into this one - so I didn't watch it with the intention of criticizing it. Sadly, I had expected better.
The script has more holes than Swiss cheese and the supporting cast are simply woeful. I won't go so far as to claim they make Jean-Claude look fit for Shakespeare but you get the idea. One can only wonder if they were chosen for the sole purpose of making him look good - by being as bland as possible. The lead female has done nothing of note since this outing and I, for one, am not surprised. Then again,what was she meant to do with a cartoon character like the one she was given? As for the lead bad guy when he was meant to be playing the piano??? Ham on the bone!
The action sequences themselves are the ONLY reason for watching this movie - and it's simply not enough for me. The set pieces aren't spectacular or imaginative enough, for starters. If you just want car chases, shoot outs and explosions, fine. Personally, I prefer a story to go with it. And a script that is somewhere this side of credible.
I have actually enjoyed other Van Damme movies - Universal Soldier, for one - otherwise I wouldn't have tuned into this one - so I didn't watch it with the intention of criticizing it. Sadly, I had expected better.
The script has more holes than Swiss cheese and the supporting cast are simply woeful. I won't go so far as to claim they make Jean-Claude look fit for Shakespeare but you get the idea. One can only wonder if they were chosen for the sole purpose of making him look good - by being as bland as possible. The lead female has done nothing of note since this outing and I, for one, am not surprised. Then again,what was she meant to do with a cartoon character like the one she was given? As for the lead bad guy when he was meant to be playing the piano??? Ham on the bone!
The action sequences themselves are the ONLY reason for watching this movie - and it's simply not enough for me. The set pieces aren't spectacular or imaginative enough, for starters. If you just want car chases, shoot outs and explosions, fine. Personally, I prefer a story to go with it. And a script that is somewhere this side of credible.