OK, I saw the movie today and here's my review: This movie is by far the best movie I've seen with Van Damme. Not his best action movie, because it's not what you would expect of a Van Damme movie, but the best movie he ever made. For me this is the highlight of his career and he'll probably never make a better movie.
The movie had indeed a dog day afternoon, even a Tarantino feel to it. The story is told in pieces and by the end of the movie all the pieces come together.
The beginning with the action scene is nicely done, and the one-take scene puts you right in the action.
Then the story continues with Van Damme arriving in Schaarbeek and going to the postoffice. From that moment one the story unravels.
Van Damme plays a portrait of himself and does this extremely well. He does have a sense for drama, and he really acts well. I do believe this has something to do with him being more comfortable in his native language.
The other main characters are perhaps not very well developed, no real background story, which for me is a bit off a flaw. But the movie off course centers around Van Damme.
The famous monologue is definitely a must see and is a summing of what he has encountered in his life, very moving.
This movie, for me, shows us that he definitely CAN act given the right director and script. I hope this opens eyes, and also his.
The direction for me was excellent and I think the director will go far. He clearly has talent.
I think the movie should've given a chance on the festival circuit, it definitely would've found an audience. (maybe they should do this in te states).
So conclusion? The best I've seen from Van Damme... A must see.
8/10.
The movie had indeed a dog day afternoon, even a Tarantino feel to it. The story is told in pieces and by the end of the movie all the pieces come together.
The beginning with the action scene is nicely done, and the one-take scene puts you right in the action.
Then the story continues with Van Damme arriving in Schaarbeek and going to the postoffice. From that moment one the story unravels.
Van Damme plays a portrait of himself and does this extremely well. He does have a sense for drama, and he really acts well. I do believe this has something to do with him being more comfortable in his native language.
The other main characters are perhaps not very well developed, no real background story, which for me is a bit off a flaw. But the movie off course centers around Van Damme.
The famous monologue is definitely a must see and is a summing of what he has encountered in his life, very moving.
This movie, for me, shows us that he definitely CAN act given the right director and script. I hope this opens eyes, and also his.
The direction for me was excellent and I think the director will go far. He clearly has talent.
I think the movie should've given a chance on the festival circuit, it definitely would've found an audience. (maybe they should do this in te states).
So conclusion? The best I've seen from Van Damme... A must see.
8/10.