The Bouncer

Not a masterpiece but still very good acting from JCVD, kind of a film noir, not deceiving, well filmed with good actors, the only movie that didn't deceive me that month :)

It's amazing how an action movie star that has always been looked upon with a smirk and a snigger can appear in a film this captivating, dark and tense. Van Damme carries his role to the bloody end. Partly spoken French, partly spoken English but the film is totally French in style. And this is no criticism. Beautifully paced yet offbeat, this film captivates with subtle screenplay and suggestive scores that always convinces you that danger could be around the next corner. Such a contrast to Van Damme's former films that dissolve any interest when this film keeps you magnetised to the bitter end.

Jean Claude is at his best here. It's good to see him working with professionals, cameramen, actors, producers. You can see here the true Van damme, the character is well played , acting, action, father, old timer, it's all there. Hope we see more of this. Sometimes slow (like French cinema) but overall, I had a great time

This movie delivers solid action and drama that reminds us of the good ole' 90's. Van-Damme's acting is great and down to earth, as he portrays a broken family man who lost his wife and struggles to provide for and protect his daughter by any means. Unlike classic Van-Damme, this movie is dark and realistic, and the action builds up nicely. It doesn't overdo anything, and gradually delivers more and more suspenseful scenes. For Van-Damme fans it's a must, but otherwise a satisfying action flick (except the rather indecisive ending). I'd recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys heavy characters and hard boiled suspense. That being said, it's not any superficial action-fest for teenagers with a short attention-span.

Van Damme has improved as an actor majorly, he needs to continue this European movie making streak and leave the usual hollywood action crap behind, this is a nice movie with better acting than story but still better then what he has done in the past decade. Watch it, won;t be disappointed.