Van Damme's films have always catered to a certain mentality of film-goer. His films have never carried much of a plot, focusing solely on the action, be it through martial arts (“Bloodsport”; “Kickboxer”) or a mix of traditional action, focusing as much on gunplay as physical action (“Hard Target”). Action movies aren't made this way anymore… They try to incorporate more of a plot than the films are worth, and as a result the level of action suffers, as does the film overall.

As Hollywood has stepped away from producing nearly mindless action films, Jean-Claude Van Damme has been forced into the role of Direct-to-Video star, churning out picture after picture on the DTV market, all of varying quality. Films like “Until Death”, “The Hard Corps”, and “Derailed” probably don't ring a bell to the average action fan… as they no doubt slipped under the metaphoric radar. It's too bad, because these films often offer a similar experience (albeit on a smaller scale) to the glory of nonsensical 90's action blockbusters, like “Hard Target” and “Timecop”; films which didn't require you to think too hard, and just enjoy the ride.

Mabrouk El Mechri & Frédéric Bénudis draw their inspiration from Van Damme's nearly crippled career, as well as his well-publicized personal problems (Cocaine addiction & ongoing custody battles). They draw as much from reality as they do fiction, and the result is a brilliant work that showcases a side of Van Damme we have never seen (and, in all likelihood, will never see again). The film is as much a dramatic work, as it is a comedy, and, completely unexpectedly, action takes a nearly non-existent backseat to the films more realistic tone.

Van Damme has returned to Brussels , where he is still recognized and respected, by its populace. Needing money to pay his lawyer for the continuing battle for the custody of his daughter, he enters a local post office to receive a transfer, and finds himself in the middle of a hostage crisis. While this certainly sounds like the material of an action film, it is far from it. This is exactly why the film is so brilliant – It twists everything you would expect from a Van Damme film into something completely unique, the emotional centerpiece being an incredibly well performed and genuinely moving monologue from Van Damme, in which he reflects on his life, and his mistakes.

The film is not without action, however, as the film begins with an elaborate single-take action sequence, being filmed for Van Damme's next movie. It's a well-executed sequence that makes one wonder what Mabrouk El Mechri could do at the helm of an action film. Aside from this individual sequence, there is nary an action set-piece to be seen. But by the films conclusion, it doesn't matter… We've seen a presumed washed-up action hero put himself on film for the world to see, in a manner none have done before him. It's a one-of-a-kind movie-going experience, and will undoubtedly be the high point of Van Damme's career; the only instance in which he was given the opportunity to show us he has more to offer than being able to kick a cigarette out of someone's mouth.

I'm certain after “JCVD”, Van Damme will return to the action genre that has disowned him. Yet, I'm hopeful he may be brought back into the spotlight, at least briefly, as I've always enjoyed his movies. I will defend the man, and his films, against his critics, as I believe his movies embody a type of film that is sorely underrepresented in today's industry. And, for the record, I'll take Van Damme over Dolph Lundgren, any day.