The Last Mercenary

I was waiting for this one for some time. As a long-time fan, I've had to deal with some pretty unwatchable films through JCVD's more recent career. God for him, that he was able to to this film for Netflix. The movie is not great. Very few Netflix productions are... but it entertains and it shows VD in a different light. It is a decent movie. Nothing to you'll still be talking about in ten years, but it is fun to watch. And wasn't it the whole point of the movie?

I'm happy for Van Damme that he finally managed to do a French comedy, but it's sadly rather average. And for those expecting an action-packed comedy change your expectations to a comedy film with a handful of action scenes.

The story setup was fun but quickly fades out and this leaves the side characters rather uninteresting and underdeveloped. The comedy, with exception of a few fun references and disguises, didn't amuse me but hey, it might amuse you ;). But of course, the main reason you'd watch this is for Van Damme and as per usual he delivers a solid performance with some fun action scenes (that sadly did get a little over-edited). It's all right for what it is but I think it's one of his lesser films and would recommend watching Jean-Claude Van Johnson (2016) instead.

5.5/10.

This is a very funny and entertaining movie that not only nods to Van Damme's old movies, but it is also in the good tradition of french comedies of the mid 20th century.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a nod and a wink at spy and action movies.

An entertaining Jcvd mxed with other comic actors like Djimo; A fairly simple plot and not-so-crazy fights, but a mix of action and humor that hits the mark.

JVCD is still charismatic, and not afraid to lampoon himself at this point in his career, so there's that going for this French comedy/adventure. Everyone knows it's dumb fun, and that's the way everyone plays it. I found the acting generally top-notch, and the characters likeable. Even the antagonists.

For what it is, it's very well-made, and quite funny at times. There are scenes you know are just there to appeal to a certain demographic, but that's hard not to find that in a movie these days. I really enjoyed the somewhat eclectic soundtrack which adds to the mood.

I never fast-forwarded which is more than I can say for a lot of modern movies. Take it for what it is, understand that the humor is somewhat French, and enjoy it.