Universal Soldier: The Return

Plot synopsis:
Seven years after the events in the first film, Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme), now an ordinary human after having had his cybernetic implants removed, is a technical expert who is working for the US government with his partner Maggie (Kiana Tom), who has been through countless hours of combat training with him, in order to refine and perfect the UniSol program in an effort to make a new, stronger breed of soldier that is more sophisticated and intelligent to reduce the use of normal, human soldiers in the battlefield. All of the new UniSols, which are faster and stronger than the original UniSols, are connected through an artificially intelligent computer system called S.E.T.H. (Self-Evolving Thought Helix).
When S.E.T.H. discovers that the Universal Soldier program is scheduled to be shut down because of budget cuts, it takes action to protect itself. Killing those who try to shut off its power, and unleashing a platoon of super soldiers, led by the musclebound Romeo (Bill Goldberg), S.E.T.H. spares Devereaux, only because Devereaux has the secret code that is needed to deactivate a built-in program that will shut S.E.T.H. down in a matter of hours. With the help of Squid (Brent Hinkley), a rogue cyberpunk, S.E.T.H. is able to put its program in a UniSol which Squid made superior to any of the newer models (Michael Jai White). A team of four UniSols massacre the troops stationed outside the premises. Luc goes in later with a team of soldiers, but most of them are killed.
Not only must Luc contend with ambitious reporter Erin Young (Heidi Schanz), who will not leave his side, but he must also contend with General Radford (Daniel von Bargen) who wants to take extreme measures to stop S.E.T.H.. S.E.T.H. has arranged Romeo to kidnap Luc's injured 13-year-old daughter Hillary (Karis Paige Bryant), killing Maggie in the process.
However, Luc is the only person who can rescue Hillary, because Luc knows firsthand how a UniSol thinks, feels, and fights. Luc infiltrates the UniSol building, but finds Maggie, now revived as one of the UniSols. S.E.T.H is able to figure out the code itself, decides to kill Luc and raise Hillary as a daughter, who it has healed using UniSol technology. During the fight Luc covers S.E.T.H. in liquid nitrogen then shatters S.E.T.H.'s frozen body. Luc and Hillary leave the lab and head towards the exist, but find Romeo waiting for Luc. Luc then engages into a final fight with Romeo, which ends when Maggie finally rebels against the UniSols by shooting Romeo, and allows Luc and Hillary to get out of the building on time. However, the bomb that General Radford had placed was deactivated by S.E.T.H.. As Romeo and the platoon of UniSols start to march out for battle, Luc fires at the explosive charge blowing up the building, killing all the UniSols and their laboratory.

Tags: cult, violence, romantic

Review:
I don't know about you all, but I rented this movie to see Van Damme trade punches with the 290 pound Goldberg and Michael Jai White while uttering dozens of slightly pathetic/slightly amusing one liners at every conceivable opportunity, and I got just what I asked for =)If you don't like it...
tough.Go rent "The Piano" or "Lawn Dogs" if you want real movies, but if you just want Van Damme brawling with big guys plus some shots of pretty girls, this is just what the doctor ordered.One of my favourites..
Van Damme does his usual best which aint much, Jai White is good as Seth but the scene stealer is the cheesy but lovable Bill Goldberg.
This film is so ridiculously bad that it ends up being funny and quite enjoyable.If you like cheesy low budget action flicks that doesn't take itself too seriously then this is worth a laugh or two!
I like Van Dammes movies and Universal soldier was one of my favorites(along with Blood sport and Hard target).
Although it doesn't make much sense it is a good action film with some great fight scenes especially ones with Goldburg, and the final showdown.
I was hoping that Romeo or another soldier would take her out.Fourth plot problem, Kiana Tom, Van Damme's butt-kicking sidekick at the beginning of the movie, is left on the sidelines for most of the movie.
Original ¨Universal soldier¨ was followed by this ¨Universal soldier : the return¨ with a good cast as Jean-Claude Van Damme , Michael Jai White , Heidi Schanz , Xander Berkeley and Justin Lazard ; however , subsequently Universal Soldier films ignore the events of The Return and outright contradict it in a number of ways ; while still an official entry, it is no longer considered part of the series canon .
Although former "UniSol" Luc Deveraux (Jean Claude Van Damm , also producer) and other staff members as Xander Berkeley playing Dr. Dylan Cotner and Daniel Von Bargen as General Radford , all of them attempt to prevent the revolt .
Jean-Claude Van Damme and Michael Jai White have some scenes together at an impressive fighting .
New sequel titled ¨Universal soldier : day of reckoning¨(2012) by John Hyams with Scott Adkins , Andrei 'The Pit Bull' Arlovski , Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme , but here they have not scenes together .
Jean-Claude van Damme has to fight an almost invincible computer and his universal soldiers..
There are really only 3 reasons to watch this: Michael Jai White has some quality screen time; Kiana Tom is quite gorgeous except for her dismal second incarnation, and this film has the most hilariously gratuitous T & A sequence since Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder hid out in the poledancing club in Stir Crazy.Actually I quite like Van Damme - he makes martial arts look attainable.
The formula isn't Van Damme's alone but he's certainly the most prolific of the action movie stars.
Personally, I don't think there was a script, I think they just hooked Van Damme up with Michael Jai White (anyone remember "Spawn"?) and Bill Goldberg and said, "you guys are basically gonna kick the crap out of each other and we'll try to incorporate some kind of plot line into all the violence".
But if you can look past a silly plot and horrible acting, you will find a great no holds-barred action movie that boasts some incredible fights and lots of explosions and gratuitous deaths.
i love van damme and i think he has a lot of potential, give him a 100 million dollars film and a director like michael bay, and watch how he captures the screen and the whole holywood.
it was also nice to see bil goldberg's humor as a big hard-ass unisol being kick-assed by van damme in various parts of the movie.
Whether if these goods please your taste is another problem, but if you like films with lots of fights, explosions, heavy metal, Bill Goldberg and some gun hardware this could be a good one to watch with your friends on a rainy Saturday night.Nothing special, but there are definitely worse movies around...
Goldberg was ok in this movie much better than I expected though, and Michael Jai White was actually very good, man he can fight, good moves.
Overall this movie was good to go see if u are a die hard Van Damme fan or Universal Soldier fan, however the ending stank, it was the worst part of the movie, other than that, it wasn't a bad flick..
The first movie was just boring and had bad (and too little) action, but that's not the case with "Universal Soldier: The Return".
I must say when I first saw this movie I'd only seen bits of the first one and hadn't seen the 2nd or 3rd which are made for TV, so didn't really get the overall plot although I knew this one basically follows on from the 1st as it features Van Damme whilst the 2nd and 3rd don't, so I thought thats good enough for me.Anyway, I sat down and watched it and must say I was very, very impressed.
The film is so riddled with mindless action sequences and inane character motives it is comparable to watching someone play a conventional video game in which the player must shoot down as many bad guys as possible before the time limit runs out.
One of the soldiers is Luc Deveraux (Jean-Claude Van Damme), who is helping to train a new breed of these combat weapons.
Universal Soldier: The Return is a good action packed sequel film that casts Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bill Goldberg, Michael Jai White, Heidi Schanz, Xander Berkeley, Kiana Tom, and Daniel von Bargen.
If you like Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bill Goldberg, Michael Jai White, and the rest of the cast I've mentioned above and exciting non-stop action films then I Strongly recommend this film!.
Worth watching if you like van damme films.I give this one 7/10..
BATMAN BEYOND TV series),so this one will be appreciated by it's followers.I for one go for this type of combo and hope more like these are released.But if one is like most people out there who do not like precition and to the point Testosterone Hong Kong/Tokyo style martial-art choreography mixed in with loud/fast energetic cyber rock or cyber rock type background music blasting away while all mixed into the weird sci-fi story flow (and a dash of comic humor here and there too),do not,I repeat,do not expect to like this one as it is only for a TARGET AUDIENCE.I am surprised this movie made it thru the big screen circuit.This type formula movies are usually only for straight to video and cable TV markets where they rake in a lot of profits later on.May be Van Damme's second best movie (after Universal Soldier) as of this writing.I hope he makes more movies of better quality.I like his new mature/hardened look in this movie.......
Two of the things that I look for in a good movie are the special effects and lots of action.
One of the best action scenes in the movie is at the end when Van Damne is fight Seth, the leader of Unisols.
UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: THE RETURN does not have to requistite b-movie fun that saved the other Van Damme pictures from utter unwatchability.This sequel is essentially a low budget action movie trying to imitate a high budget action movie and failing.
Some of the fight scenes are good, but they can't redeem the failings in script, direction, photography, casting, score, performances, etc.Van Damme plays the same character he did in the first film, now helping the military to train the newest line of cyborg/zombie soldiers.
The action is all confined and the film is under-populated.UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: THE RETURN is a useless and boring waste of resources that even Van Damme is better than.
Whilst movie critics will probably poke holes in the storyline of Universal Soldier: The Return, the story line is personally not what I go to see a Van Damme film for.
I go to see a Van Damme film for the Martial Arts sequences, which is something Van Damme performs better than anyone else has done on the big screen since Bruce Lee. Universal Soldier: The Return certainly does not disappoint in this area, Van Damme goes back to doing what he does best which is of course kicking.
Universal Soldier: The Return combines the best of both era's of Van Damme films, it has the budget of Timecop with the type of Martial Arts scenes you would see in Wrong Bet (Lionheart).
The fight scene w/Van Damme & Michael Jai White was nicely shot, well paced & exciting.
I saw this w/my girlfriend, & she hates action films but she liked this movie(especially White) & so did the sold out crowd we watched it with.
Van Damme still knows how to kick ass and all his fans will enjoy this movie after the bad 'Legionnaire' and 'Double Team'.
Universal Soldier 1 was a really entertaining movie that became a classic action movie that most hold in high regard (Action movie fans) but Van Damme hits rock bottom (Like Knock Off wasn't bad enough) This is a horrible movie that needs to be shunned.No Stars (Out Of four).
I'm not a fan of Van Damme but the only thing I can say about this movie is that it sure is better than the first Universal Soldier !!!
Anyway as I was saying I actually liked this movie for two reasons:1- The fight at the end between Micheal Jai White and Van Damme.
These arcade action game movies seem to be getting worse as Jean-Claude Van Damme ages.
So, it was just a matter of time before the Van Damme series would make one.This one is a sequel to the 1992 film in which Luc Deveraux is brought back to life after being killed in Vietnam.
Maybe these are supposed to be comedies in modern times, without any funny or clever writing.Van Damme's female interest in this film is filled by Heidi Schanz who plays a TV reporter, Erin.
I'm always down for a fun cheesy movie even when it hilariously bad but this time the sequel for the Van Damme hit "Universal Soldier" tile The Return make my eyes rolling because it the most pointless movie in the franchise.Van Damme got no reason to comeback at Deveraux after all the hardship he been through in the first one and although the movie somewhat got the answer to why he chose to return to the Uni Sol program as the supervisor but I think it just a lame excuse to draw more fan of him to see this movie cause they think Michael Jai White name after the flop of Spawn is no good.I also don't think White is the main villain when almost entirely movie runtime is Deveraux try do deal this Romeo guy who I think must be very famous cause he still around even the movie about to end.It is no surprise that Uni Sol: The Return is a flop but it still worth a watch if you a hardcore 90s action movies fan.
We have Jean-Claude Van Damme reprising his role as Luc Deveraux and he is the protagonist of the film.
The action is very simple  if you think Van Damme films generally are pretty poor then this won't win you over.
Why did the bosses on the movie company when some guy came by and asked them for some money to do a movie with cocaine-brain Jean-Claude Van Damme- with no story, bad actors, a wrestler and some badly staged action sequences, just told him to get lost..
Before I rented this I was a bit weary seeing as JCVD'S last couple of films hadn't been too good (desert heat,the quest etc) and also WCW's Bill Goldberg I'm not a fan of wrestling and wrestlers aren't renowned for their acting ability but being a Van Damme fan I had to rent it.
The fight scene with Michael Jay White and Van Damme was so bad I almost cried.
I actually liked the first Universal Soldier, and I generally like Van Damme movies.
I was expecting better acting by Van Damme himself but looks like he was once again the one who made the movie into a kid's film.The plot and action was rather mundane and was systematic as you could predict what was gonna happen scene after scene.
They'll have fun on the action-scenes and buy van damme-toys...(like Star Wars...)3/10, because of nice fights.
Nudity and skin thrown in just because..not a bad thing..."We need to find a internet terminal..Strip Bars have Them!!"And this movie is perfect for playing Spot the Rip-off, and Spot the Plot Hole....oh boy!All in all a great laugh out loud Time, but for gods sake only $5 matinee, don't pay $8.50...it aint as funny if you pay over 5 bucks.Oh yeah, anyone know why its called The Return?There were two made for TV sequels II and III!!!!....Did anyone see em?..Thats what I thought..
Maybe it's all the acting background he's received in whatever stupid wrestling federation he's from...The rest of the movie leaves you shaking your head thinking, "I'm sure some little 12-boys would like to see that again, but is that REALLY your target audience?"  The fight sequences between Michael Jai White, and Van Damme are unexciting, and inordinately slow.
If White's character is supposed to have a body 5 times faster, stronger than a normal human, then why does he decide to block Van Damme's slow lazy kick with his face?This movie is so riddled with inaccuracies and plot holes that it makes an episode of Kung-Fu, the Legend Continues look good.
"Do we have to make this film?!"...." well we kinda promised Van Damme...."  So they hand a really bad stunt director a book of all the worst movie cliches known to man kind and production begins..
Jean-Claude Van Damme had a strict policy not to make any sequels, but after 7.years later, he decide to make the sequel to the Universal Soldier, which he did make this film and it was his last movie released in the movie theater until JCVD (2008).
Very fast paced, lots of action, cool fights, good soundtrack, and Van Damme acting with a smile on his face.
I like my Universal Soldier films to have Van Damme kicking ass, and smiling at the same time.
There are much worse Van Damme flicks than Universal Soldier: The Return and much worse action movies as well.
Jean-Claude Van Damme returns as Luc Deveraux, the former Universal Soldier who now trains others of his kind.
I don't understand why so many people are against this movie,it was just as good as the first one.not only that this one has a lot more action,the acting was pretty good and the pacing was good also.the fight scenes were nicely choreographed and the effects were nicely doneIf you liked the original then you're gonna love this trust me.Jean Claude van damne was great in his resuming role as luc deveraux Michael jai White was great also in his role as the main villainGoldberg was OK in his role as one of the villains,it was a start for himall in all good movie its worth a watch..
That is what you will get when you watch "Universal Soldier: The Return." With Jean Claude Van Damme (spelling?) taking center stage in this nonstop action thrill ride, you know you'll be on the edge of your seat when you are watching a movie like this!
That's right; any movie with action stars like Van Damme, Vin Diesel, and others put out the best in your action entertainment.Despite what people really think about "Universal Soldier: The Return," I am giving this a 10 out of 10 rating.
Universal Soldier was one of Jean Claude Van Damme's biggest hits.So a sequel would be a natural order to happen.But 7 years later?And a sequel so underwhelming that it makes Uwe Bolls efforts look good.But what a cast!JC Van Damme along with Michael Jai White,Bill Goldberg,Kiana Tom,Xander Berkley,and Daniel Von Bergen;All do what they can in a poorly scripted,directed,and conceived follow-up to one of the best action flicks of the 90's.Van Damme is looking better.White is an imposing villain.Goldberg is the comic relief here.There are a couple of good set ups.But they are predictable,totally-telegraphed, and undone by by over-loud metal songs.There is little or totally no exposition given to Luc's character or what it is like to have come back from the dead and the psychological effects.Now that is what it should have been like instead of the by the numbers paint job of a movie we see before us.If you liked the first skip this at all costs..
This is as pretty good van Damme movie, regarding his last efforts.
The action though is good, plus the film is funny at times and the plot is OK.
Bill Goldberg was also great as a soldier and funny because of how bad he acts and how he always get's hurt by Van Damme.
I don't think any movie of Van Damme's will ever beat Universal Soldier but u never know.
Especially the last fight between Van Damme and Jai White is surprisingly good.So a 10 out of 10, then?
Also, the fight scenes (with the exception of the Van Damme/Jai White-fight) are over way too quickly and are surprisingly tame for a film like this.
The best Jean- Claude Van Damme and Action Film.
All people liked the film and were surprised of Jean-Claude Van Damme.Go and see it!You will be surprised, too.
"Universal Soldier: The Return" was the last Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle to get a substantial theatrical release.
Was it the return of Jean-Claude Van Damme as Luc Deveraux?