“Paddle about in my wake. Of Dethhhhh!”
I hadn’t even heard of this one before the other day, but so far it is one of the better JCVD films going, even if I have absolutely no idea what the title is supposed to mean.
JCVD lives in South Africa, (though I think it is set in Los Angeles), he is a club owner who appears to do some part time bouncing, even if you would think they had guys paid for that. He quits the scene to spend more time with his wife and young boy, unfortunately this is short lived when his wife is killed by a Chinese underworld figure.
Apparently the Chinese guy killed his missus when she told him she was leaving him, right after some nookie.
(You would have guessed at that point he would have been feeling pretty mellow, but no.)
Of course their young daughter witnesses the act and somehow she managed to get aboard a people smuggling ship. Exactly how is never explained. When the ship is intercepted by US authorities JCVDs wife takes the girl under her wing, so when the Chinese guy comes a lookin’ he decides to kill both her and her parents.
Why?
So JCVD gets mad and has reason for revenge of couorse, can’t see another reason to kill the person looking after your runaway daughter.
Of course JCVD hunt those responsible down, with the help of some shady business associates, in a series of scenes that grow increasingly bloody and brutal, most notably an interrogation and torture scene involving a well worn drill.
For some unknown reason JCVD takes the girl to the final showdown. I mean, everyone knows the Dad is going to get fucked up right royal, you don’t mess with JCVD’s girl and get away with it. There are 20 some examples of that over various films! And of course when he does get toasted she shows up just in time to bear witness.
1 – Why is he French?
Not explained.
2 – Who is he saving/helping?
A random Chinese refugee girl and at times his son.
3 – Who is the Bad Guy(s)?
Bad Chinese criminal guy who happens to be a drug runner, people smuggler, murderer, and the Dad of the Chinese girl.
4 – Does he do the splits?
Nope.
5 – Is he shirtless in the film?
Yes Sirr!
6 – Does he hold poses after the final punch/kick? (Extra points for slo-mo!)
Yep, and after a head stomp no less!
7 – Is the soundtrack full of ‘orrible cheesy toons?
Actually no. The highlight is a great Lamb song.
8 – Are there any other recognisable actors in the film?
Only an old Chinese guy who gets offed after no more than 30 seconds of onscreen time.
9 – Is there a love interest? (Or at least some tit!)
You betcha!
10 – Is the damme thing any damme good?
Actually it sorta is. Especially by JCVD standards.
Verdict – Not your normal flashy JCVD effort but still pretty good. Be aware there aren’t many roundhouse kicks or sweaty fist fights, this is played pretty straight and has a high body count of both goodies and baddies.
