Double Impact

One of Van Damme's best films before he started losing it. This film sees Van Damme play twin brothers Alex and Chad, both very different in personality. Chad the pretty boy who if you look closely only uses kicks to fight his opponents and Alex who is the opposite are re united 25 years after they were separated when their parents were killed aim to get revenge on Nigel Griffith and Raimond Zang and reclaim the victoria harbour tunnel which is rightfully theirs. Together with family friend uncle Frank they kick arse in this most excellent action film.

Egos run wild as Van Dammage is given the double dosage in this rampant, enjoyable thriller; hampered somewhat by the now two dreadful acting displays instead of the one. Yet credit where its due, this is one of his better outings, broadening his thespian ranges as well as stylishly kicking people in the head a lot. Revenge is on the cards again, playing both twin brothers separated at birth and reunited 25 years later (one's a US aerobics instructor who wears the silk underwear, the other a tough cigar-chomping gangster-type raised in the Hong Kong). Their parents, you see, were hopelessly slaughtered when they were babies, and summarily they vow vengeance. It's all laughable enough, as it should be: violent as hell with a Bolo villain and two Jean-Claude's causing complete bloody chaos - who could ask for more?

Agreeable thriller with tongue-in-cheek, containing suspense, thrills, noisy action-packed, gun-play, loads of violence and it will appeal the true devotee of main actor. Sheldon directs this film that mixes for umpteenth time: action, a lot of violence and humor in the way that would later characterize the films of the genre from the eighties and especially those starring Van Damme or Arnold Schwarzenegger. This violent film contains thriller, suspense , action , tension and spectacular/well choreographed fights. Jean-Claude displays his usual likable acting and the mayhem is largely wrought by mighty Van Damme, who never delivers one blow or bullet where three will do. Van Damme plays two twins go to a relentless vendetta against Hong Kong mobsters. It begins with businessman Paul Wagner and his wife are brutally murdered in Hong Kong. Their two six-month-old twin children will follow different paths. Little Chad is adopted by a close friend of his parents, Frank Avery (Geoffrey Lewis) . While Alex is left in the care of his nanny, who puts him in an orphanage in Hong Kong. Years later, Chad (Jean-Claude Van Damme) discovers Alex (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is his twin brother he never knew and was given up for adoption. Chad and Alex meet again and decide to look for the murderers of their parents. One packs a punch One packs a Piece together they deliver !. Feel The Impact !. Double Van Damme !. Twin brothers torn apart by violence !. On a mission of revenge !. One packs a punch. One packs a piece. Together they deliver...!. Two brothers separated by the violence. Now together in a mission of revenge. The Other Side of Safety !. The other side of safe !. The nearer he gets to the truth, the closer he gets to the edge !.

Fine flick with more than a semblance of an enjoyable and entertaining story without being excessively cerebral, including thrills, spectacular fighting , mayhem and breathtaking chases. Sheldon Lettich is in charge of directing this martial arts film where Van Damme plays Chad and Alex Wagner twins against ruthless Asian mafias. Bulk fights, karate and a lot of action is the general tone of this blockbuster film that follows in the footsteps of Bruce Lee's cinema. Leading the cast is our endearing Jean-Claude Van Damme as one army man, he did not want to use doubles for the stunts and ended the filming with some wounds and bruises. Van Damme in a deja vu, similar to 'Ringo Lam's Maximum Risk', plays a double role, two identical twins and they go into action when the bad guys chase them. But this lunkhead kick-em-up doesnt take advantage of that gimmick. Entertaining movie , thanks to tight pace, skillful edition and well mounted combats . It's tense and exciting , at time glossy enough action movie and the overwhelming struggles are well done. The basic story would have been the same with just one Jean-Claude. Risk, noisy action and danger aside is not all that bad, what with gorgeous Alonna Shaw as his sib's squeeze benefits much the film. Has all the action you'd expect from a pic with 'The Muscles of Brussels' and more fists, guns, and chases is, of course, the major reason to invest your entertainment here.

The motion picture was average but professionally directed by Sheldon Lettich. Sheldon ensures that fast-paced pursuits and full-throttle combat is well done and visually appealing. He is a craftsman who has written/produced/directed some nice films, most of them starred by Jean-Claude Van Damme as "The Order, Double impact , Hard Corps, and Lionheart" , or performed by other hunk men as Daniel Bernhart : "Perfect Day" , Dolph Lundgren : "List Patrol" , or , Mark Dacascos : "Only the Strong". Rating 5/10. Mediocre but acceptable action picture. The flick will appeal to Jean Claude Van Damme fans. It's a must see for Van Damme fans.

I remember seeing this movie on the premiere night that Saturday evening on HBO. It was indeed one of the best damn martial arts movies I've seen around that time because at that time range there were nothing but action flicks being released to theaters here and there. Double Impact is one of my most favorite Van Damme flicks not only because he plays twin brothers in the film but because there's plenty of action to look for. Most movies that were made with an actor playing twins it would usually be a disappointment since they could never get the other person to like the same actor.....O.K. I admit, I was a little disappointed when I spotted the fake Van Damme trying to kick at Alex but missed by kicking the wall. My 3 favorite scenes in the film are #1.When Alex gives Chad a good evening greeting from a head-butt. #2.The final showdown between Chad and Moon(Bolo Yeung)-a great villan. #3.The brawl-for-all between Chad and Alex. Double Impact will always be in my video/dvd collection. But anytime there's a Van Damme film hitting either the big screen or the little screen, you know what to expect, nothing but dodging fire balls, doing 360 degree spinning heel kicks, etc. you get the picture. But hey at least you didn't see one of the Van Dammes smearing/or trying to fade away from the image like it was cheaply done on a computer such as the 2 Jackie Chans did in "Twin Dragons".

OK, face it, Jean-Claude cannot act his way out of a wet paper bag. That is not why we watch him. We watch for the action, and this film has plenty of that.

No viewing of Jean-Claude's films would be complete without this one where he plays both himself and his brother. Separated by 25 years, one (Alex) stays in Hong Kong as a smugger, and the other (Chad) is a fitness instructor in California. That's ladies fitness instructor in pretty blue tights. Hmm, is there something to his role as "Gay Karate Man" in his first film? California Jean-Claude returns to Hong Kong to join Honk Kond Jean Claude to regain what is rightfully theirs. Luscious scenery provided by Alex's girlfriend Danielle (Alonna Shaw). Hot breathing brought on by action between Danielle and Kara (Corinna Everson). The return of Bolo Yeung (Bloodsport) as Moon is a big big plus for the film.

Lots of action, lots of laughs, and a good time for all.