The Official JCVD (VanDamme) Appreciation Thread
Discussion
Lately I have been on a VanDamme movie escapade. Watching such classics as Lion Heart, Nowhere to Run, Time Cop, Desert Heat, Legionnaire, Maximum Risk (my favorite, natasha henstridge's nude scenes...drool), Cyborg, and Death Warrant.
JCVD has recently turned 60 yrs old (or is it 50?), either way you may have seen advertised his reality show JCVD: Behind Closed Doors which you can find all the episodes on Youtube. I have watched 2 episodes so far and it is very good. But seeing it has rekindled my interest in his movies. When I was younger I wanted to be just like him and like a Britney Spears fannie boy I have all his movies. I always preferred JCVD over Arnie or Stallone, though there is no arguing that Arnie's movies are far more entertaining and intricate. And before anyone starts with the wise cracking remarks i'll just answer the question I know is on your mind: Do I have a poster of him on my wall? the answer is, NO
VanDamme is still pumping movies out each year, sometimes 2 a year. Straight to DVD in the U.S., how about you guys on the other side of the pond? But in most other countries like Germany and his native homeland Brussels, he is a huge hit in cinema and reportedly he is regarded has a mega star on the level of guys like Arnie and the Hoff.
VanDamme has always been criticized for his acting, or lack thereof. And I am not one of those fans that defends him ignorantly. I can admit when something isn't the best or could be better. However, there are a few exceptions when it comes to his acting and the depth of the screenplay when transferred to the silver screen. These exceptions just happen to be my favorite of the bunch, and what I really like about them is that JCVD is really acting, not just being himself like Segal does. And he pulls it off flawlessly IMHO. And just to add one more opinion, the movie premise and writing itself is actually very good if you ask me, very enjoyable.
Here is a list of JCVD's movies that I highly recommend, these are my favorites. They have real acting and a great script all executed quite well, some better than others as you can imagine, but you can't go wrong with any of them. I would love to hear your opinions on the movies listed.
Maximum Risk
Lion Heart
JCVD
In Hell
Wake of Death
Time Cop
Desert Heat
Nowhere to Run
Cyborg
Death Warrant
Legionnaire
You will notice there is no mention of Universal Soldier. That is because I never really understood what all the hype was about. It was alright but he has done far better movies around that time. I will admit however that I was psyched when I heard Universal Soldier 2 was actually going to be played in the theaters
in the U.S. It was his last chance to pull big enough numbers at the box office where he would have most likely been able to make a come back in the U.S., albeit a small one, but somewhat of one nonetheless. It failed, it bombed MISERABLY. And that was the end of JCVD projected against the silver screen in the US of A. A shame really, but he does exceptional with DVD sales. But Universal Soldier 2 was the HUGEST pile of steaming monkey s
te I have ever seen. I remember being embarrassed in the theater, even though there was seriously only like 5 people if that watching it. LOL
I happened to see there is a Universal Soldier 3 while I was at my local DVD Red Box returning a movie. And there is another movie by JCVD. I really have no interest in seeing either of them as the prospect of a Unisol 3 with another supporting actor that happens to be a UFC fighter and the other one just sounds like the same old repetitive premis; hes a retired black ops guy or mob guy or something who is now doing freelance body guarding or something like that and his wife gets murdered and he avenges her death blah blah blah.
[b] Quick Fact 1: JCVD received $75,000 for Bloodsport (or Kickboxer). In the early '00s he was receiving $5 Million a movie. Not bad for what would be classified as a 'B' actor, and an action performer at that.
Quick Fact 2: During the filming of Knock Off JCVD was at the height of his cocaine addiction and it has been said that he demanded to have a ash tray full of cocaine in his trailer at all times, to which they obliged as he was after all the star of the movie. If you are even half interested in this fact and you happen to have that movie, Knock Off, or Netflix or view some scenes via Youtube you can clearly see he looks horrendous! Sweat pouring off him in each scene, his eyes are sunken and black rings around them, and he is overtly hyper. They had to use his stunt double for over half the movie because he was too messed up to act properly. [/b]
WHY THE HELL ISN'T BOLD HTML WORKING?!?
JCVD has recently turned 60 yrs old (or is it 50?), either way you may have seen advertised his reality show JCVD: Behind Closed Doors which you can find all the episodes on Youtube. I have watched 2 episodes so far and it is very good. But seeing it has rekindled my interest in his movies. When I was younger I wanted to be just like him and like a Britney Spears fannie boy I have all his movies. I always preferred JCVD over Arnie or Stallone, though there is no arguing that Arnie's movies are far more entertaining and intricate. And before anyone starts with the wise cracking remarks i'll just answer the question I know is on your mind: Do I have a poster of him on my wall? the answer is, NO
VanDamme is still pumping movies out each year, sometimes 2 a year. Straight to DVD in the U.S., how about you guys on the other side of the pond? But in most other countries like Germany and his native homeland Brussels, he is a huge hit in cinema and reportedly he is regarded has a mega star on the level of guys like Arnie and the Hoff.
VanDamme has always been criticized for his acting, or lack thereof. And I am not one of those fans that defends him ignorantly. I can admit when something isn't the best or could be better. However, there are a few exceptions when it comes to his acting and the depth of the screenplay when transferred to the silver screen. These exceptions just happen to be my favorite of the bunch, and what I really like about them is that JCVD is really acting, not just being himself like Segal does. And he pulls it off flawlessly IMHO. And just to add one more opinion, the movie premise and writing itself is actually very good if you ask me, very enjoyable.
Here is a list of JCVD's movies that I highly recommend, these are my favorites. They have real acting and a great script all executed quite well, some better than others as you can imagine, but you can't go wrong with any of them. I would love to hear your opinions on the movies listed.
Maximum Risk
Lion Heart
JCVD
In Hell
Wake of Death
Time Cop
Desert Heat
Nowhere to Run
Cyborg
Death Warrant
Legionnaire
You will notice there is no mention of Universal Soldier. That is because I never really understood what all the hype was about. It was alright but he has done far better movies around that time. I will admit however that I was psyched when I heard Universal Soldier 2 was actually going to be played in the theaters
in the U.S. It was his last chance to pull big enough numbers at the box office where he would have most likely been able to make a come back in the U.S., albeit a small one, but somewhat of one nonetheless. It failed, it bombed MISERABLY. And that was the end of JCVD projected against the silver screen in the US of A. A shame really, but he does exceptional with DVD sales. But Universal Soldier 2 was the HUGEST pile of steaming monkey s
te I have ever seen. I remember being embarrassed in the theater, even though there was seriously only like 5 people if that watching it. LOLI happened to see there is a Universal Soldier 3 while I was at my local DVD Red Box returning a movie. And there is another movie by JCVD. I really have no interest in seeing either of them as the prospect of a Unisol 3 with another supporting actor that happens to be a UFC fighter and the other one just sounds like the same old repetitive premis; hes a retired black ops guy or mob guy or something who is now doing freelance body guarding or something like that and his wife gets murdered and he avenges her death blah blah blah.
[b] Quick Fact 1: JCVD received $75,000 for Bloodsport (or Kickboxer). In the early '00s he was receiving $5 Million a movie. Not bad for what would be classified as a 'B' actor, and an action performer at that.
Quick Fact 2: During the filming of Knock Off JCVD was at the height of his cocaine addiction and it has been said that he demanded to have a ash tray full of cocaine in his trailer at all times, to which they obliged as he was after all the star of the movie. If you are even half interested in this fact and you happen to have that movie, Knock Off, or Netflix or view some scenes via Youtube you can clearly see he looks horrendous! Sweat pouring off him in each scene, his eyes are sunken and black rings around them, and he is overtly hyper. They had to use his stunt double for over half the movie because he was too messed up to act properly. [/b]
WHY THE HELL ISN'T BOLD HTML WORKING?!?
Edited by ESOG on Friday 13th January 08:46
Cool story bro.
I was never much of a fan, I guess Time Cop was OK, and Unisol 1 was pretty good. Recently saw the latest one, probably the wrost film I've ever seen, JCVD still looked the part I guess, Dolf Lungren (or however it's spelt) looked a right state, looked like a skinny tall guy wearing a melted DL mask - still you'd expect that given his character was fed through a combine harvester at the end of the first one (plot, and holes there-in not being a major concern to the makers of Unisol 43 or whatever it was).
I like the beer ads he does.
Lesson for all Hollywood Stars, when times are good, don't say yes to everyone who waves a cheque and a terrible script under your nose. Some like Micheal Cain can come back from the brink, and then there's Steven Sea Gul...
I was never much of a fan, I guess Time Cop was OK, and Unisol 1 was pretty good. Recently saw the latest one, probably the wrost film I've ever seen, JCVD still looked the part I guess, Dolf Lungren (or however it's spelt) looked a right state, looked like a skinny tall guy wearing a melted DL mask - still you'd expect that given his character was fed through a combine harvester at the end of the first one (plot, and holes there-in not being a major concern to the makers of Unisol 43 or whatever it was).
I like the beer ads he does.
Lesson for all Hollywood Stars, when times are good, don't say yes to everyone who waves a cheque and a terrible script under your nose. Some like Micheal Cain can come back from the brink, and then there's Steven Sea Gul...
P-Jay said:
Cool story bro.
I was never much of a fan, I guess Time Cop was OK, and Unisol 1 was pretty good. Recently saw the latest one, probably the wrost film I've ever seen, JCVD still looked the part I guess, Dolf Lungren (or however it's spelt) looked a right state, looked like a skinny tall guy wearing a melted DL mask - still you'd expect that given his character was fed through a combine harvester at the end of the first one (plot, and holes there-in not being a major concern to the makers of Unisol 43 or whatever it was).
I like the beer ads he does.
Lesson for all Hollywood Stars, when times are good, don't say yes to everyone who waves a cheque and a terrible script under your nose. Some like Micheal Cain can come back from the brink, and then there's Steven Sea Gul...
Steven Segal is an ass. I dont want to see Unisol 3, but I will atleast once just for the sake of being a JCVD fan, and I assume once is all I will ever want to watch it. You should have known it was going to be absolute garbage. You want to see a surprisingly good JCVD movie that is RECENT, and by that I mean within the last 3-4 years, then have In Hell, Wake of Death, or JCVD a go. I would suggest viewing them in the order I listed just now.I was never much of a fan, I guess Time Cop was OK, and Unisol 1 was pretty good. Recently saw the latest one, probably the wrost film I've ever seen, JCVD still looked the part I guess, Dolf Lungren (or however it's spelt) looked a right state, looked like a skinny tall guy wearing a melted DL mask - still you'd expect that given his character was fed through a combine harvester at the end of the first one (plot, and holes there-in not being a major concern to the makers of Unisol 43 or whatever it was).
I like the beer ads he does.
Lesson for all Hollywood Stars, when times are good, don't say yes to everyone who waves a cheque and a terrible script under your nose. Some like Micheal Cain can come back from the brink, and then there's Steven Sea Gul...
KrazyIvan said:
Wow, that's some man crush you got going on there
To be fair his movies weren't all that bad in a brain out beer and pizza kinda way.
To be fair his movies weren't all that bad in a brain out beer and pizza kinda way.
When my friends and I were in our early teens (before weed and beer), it was all about a Friday night in the lounge room eating pizza and watching a video tape (yes, video tape haha) of whatever Van Damme and Stallone movie were out at the time.I remember a night like that and it was about 8 of my friends and we rented Nowhere to Run. We just started the movie and there is a scene in the first 15 minutes where he sneaks up to a farm house and looks through the window at night and there is a naked, whats her name, showering, soaping up her massive cans. We were all fixated on it when all of a sudden my friends mom comes barging in, sees what were watching and snatches the movie from the VCR hahaha
Edited by ESOG on Friday 13th January 09:29
ESOG said:
I HATED that film! It was so ridiculous, I am embarassed for him. The fake long hair, the horse back riding scene. John Woo at his worse. It was SO incredibly bad.
When I were a lad I wanted a gas crossbow more than I can put into words. I LOVED that movie, even if it was totally gash.The original universal soldier is the daddy of JCVD films IMO.
Also, what the hell re the documentary? It is utter filth of the highest order!!
pork911 said:
though never a fan of his films, enjoyed JCVD (the film)
older and needs to make a buck
I disagree. Contrary to what I am sure is the opinion of the masses regarding JCVD's career, or what they think is lack thereof, VanDamme makes over $5 million a film, probably substantially more now as that figure was from almost a decade ago. His DVD sales are on par with any legitimately well to do actors, and as I mentioned earlier his movies although go straight to DVD here in the US, are shown in theatres across certain parts of Europe. older and needs to make a buck
Plus, he has his own gym, which to be fair he probably doesnt make much if anything from, but he does have his own clothing line aptly named JCVD he he.
He doesnt NEED a buck. So, I disagree with that notion. I do agree however that he does come off as somewhat cocky in his reality show, but less than arrogant IMO.
I tell you one thing, his daughter is pretty hot
but has the attitude of a typical spoiled American teenager. His Son seems to be doing quite well and he obviously has the same zest for life and his art as his father does. He is an actor and is to appear in some of JCVD's upcoming movies. He looks like his father a bit too doesnt he? Very skinny though. If I were JCVD I would put him on a program to gain some muscle right away.pork911 said:
though never a fan of his films, enjoyed JCVD (the film)
older and needs to make a buck
I disagree. Contrary to what I am sure is the opinion of the masses regarding JCVD's career, or what they think is lack thereof, VanDamme makes over $5 million a film, probably substantially more now as that figure was from almost a decade ago. His DVD sales are on par with any legitimately well to do actors, and as I mentioned earlier his movies although go straight to DVD here in the US, are shown in theatres across certain parts of Europe. older and needs to make a buck
Plus, he has his own gym, which to be fair he probably doesnt make much if anything from, but he does have his own clothing line aptly named JCVD he he.
He doesnt NEED a buck. So, I disagree with that notion. I do agree however that he does come off as somewhat cocky in his reality show, but less than arrogant IMO.
I tell you one thing, his daughter is pretty hot
but has the attitude of a typical spoiled American teenager. His Son seems to be doing quite well and he obviously has the same zest for life and his art as his father does. He is an actor and is to appear in some of JCVD's upcoming movies. He looks like his father a bit too doesnt he? Very skinny though. If I were JCVD I would put him on a program to gain some muscle right away.JCVD has done a couple of classic films but let's be honest, his martial arts is actually a pile of rubbish & he's surely not got a patch on the likes of Bruce, Tony Jaa, Chuck, Jackie, Jet, Sammo or even dare I say Seagal. Those guys should definatly have these kind of threads way before JVCD.
Don't get me wrong, I do like him but his films are rather pooh/tacky & his portrayal of martial arts on the big screen is pretty bad. Plus we all know Dulph would kick his @ss
Don't get me wrong, I do like him but his films are rather pooh/tacky & his portrayal of martial arts on the big screen is pretty bad. Plus we all know Dulph would kick his @ss
JC was what they call "black listed" from Hollywood for demanding £20 million a film back in the 90's! He wanted the same payout as Jim Carey who at the time was the highest payed actor. People started to dislike what he had become of himself, basicly JC got too big for his boots! So slowly but surely the inevitable happend, his career declined!
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