Product: Replicant (2001)
Rating: 4.0
A return to JCVD's roots - Roundhouse Nirvana
The Jean Claude Van Damme Review Matrix (JCVD-RM)1. Who is he? Edward Garrotte, murder victims he burns. Nicknamed is "The Torch", his alias well earned. His hair has been used, for the DNA. A Replicant is made, to save the day.2. Which family member/friend must be avenged? His mother? Himself? This part is hazy. Suffice to say, the setup is crazy.3. Does he take his shirt off? When born as "Replicant", it's all for show. Think Keanu, Matrix, without the "Whoa".4. Does he have sex with a C-List actress? He meets a hooker, alone on the street. In less than one second, it's ugh, skeet skeet.5. Is there a tournament? Replicant has no tournament at all. Following the matrix, it's the sole fault.6. Is training needed for this tournament? Training is always essential to plot. Gymnastics, however? Probably not.7. Does he do the splits in training or in the tournament? When learning to use a body brand new, it's: crawl, walk, run, and practice the splits, too.8. Does he punch someone in the balls? With JCVD, balls should always be scared. Two Van Dammes, two roles, balls better beware. Samaritan not to swift on his feet? Gerrotte takes umbrage, and his heel meets meat. The police decide to pull out a Glock? Gerrotte fights back, and he hammers a c#@*.9. Does he do a series of flying or 360 kicks? Hey kitchen employees! What do you see? Roundhouse for each - 1800 degrees. When two Van Dammes meet, one can feel mana. This is, quite simply, roundhouse nirvana.10. Is his enemy unbeatable? Never before has Van Damme faced this threat, even in Bloodsport when he faced Bolo. It's his exact clone, not a silhouette; it's truly his first unbeatable foe.11. Does he overcome an injury or other hindrance? With two JCVDs, there are two problems. The Replicant seems slightly retarded. Garrotte, however, has some great drama. He burns because his childhood trauma.12. Does he win? It's the same as all; the end's transparent. But you'll love this movie, it's a sure bet.With Replicant JCVD brings back the double entendre title (Knock Off), as well as the dual role responsibility from a previous movie (Double Impact). One has to admire a guy who shamelessly makes the same movie throughout his career without acquiescing to an increasingly resistant fan-base. When that same guy makes a movie with a tongue-in-cheek title about his career's repetitiousness, then even more credit is deserved. When that same actor does it again within a three year span, make way, because he's clearly dragging his massive cojones a foot behind him. The production values, cast, action (especially a thrilling ambulance scene), and fights are great, making this not only an impressive return to JCVD's roots, but also proof of his growth as an actor (very convincing as the Replicant).All things considered, I felt that this review required special attention - my tribute to quintessential JCVD.