JCVD

Something about meta-esque films appeal to me. The self-aware characteristic of a film can draw you in, present a type of story not typically seen. JCVD (short for Jean-Claude Van Damme) is one of those films. He plays an actor, himself, someone with real world problems. Except he is also involved in the robbery of a post office in Belgium, his home country. What ensues is a wacky, multiple perspective piece that finds Van Damme mixed up in some legal issues, all because his wife is trying to take his daughter from him. Finally, he ends up in the post office, using his action star persona to make it through the hostage situation alive. The film is fun, mostly because Jean-Claude is able to poke fun at himself while maintaining a hint of cool that he is best known for. While JCVD is a fictional spin on Van Damme, there is a moment where the fourth wall is broken, leading to the best scene of the film. The plot is thick enough, and told from enough perspectives, that multiple viewings may be necessary. But, perhaps the most surprisingly aspect, is how great a job Van Damme does playing himself. It feels real, his words, his actions, his emotional toils, and you can't help but feel for the guy and his movie problems. Definitely worth a watch, especially if you're fans of Adaptation, Being John Malkovich, or Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Genre - Drama (3.25)

Screenplay (3)
Acting (4)
Production (3)
Directing (3)