I must admit that in my younger years I liked Van Damme's films. As I grew older, Van Damme's films were becoming less intriguing. Though, what is left from those films in my memory is the respect and admiration the kid I was.
If you are an action/thriller fan, then you probably do not mind watching a B-movie just for the action and the fighting. In that case, "Until Death" may not be your favorite of the year. "Until Death" shifts track from the fast, super martial arts moves, such as in his films, "Double Impact" and "Lionheart." Instead, this film has more dialogue, more talking, and still, but less, fights. Most of the fighting is the protagonist's, Stow, struggling to get his life back, which is not that apparent until later in the film. Although, there is more words and somewhat worked-on dialogue, Van Damme's English pronunciation did not develop much.
"Until Death" seems like it wants to be counted as a major production, but it does not quite reach there. The film, simply, is about a cop, who may or may not be "bad," who needs straighten out his life, and thus, he must face the ruthless antagonist, Callahan (so very close to messing with Dirty Harry here), played by Gary Beadle. Unfortunately, the story line does not hold, and it reveals itself more than it should.
The editing and the scene shifts, as time elapsing or progression, is a little gore. I think it is more disturbing than being helpful with plot tracings. Therefore, sitting down and watching the film is not most pleasant, for me, that is.
Van Damme looks older than he ever was, of course, but the makeup did fine with hiding things. The lighting was fine, the camera angels were fine. Besides Van Damme and Gary Beadle, the cast was not an Academy Award selection; however, each played his/her part well enough.
The time of early 2000 was an amazing era for Jean-Claude Van Damme. He produces two good films "In Hell" and "Wake of Death." Amazingly, I did like "In Hell" much more than any Van Damme movie. It offered some serious depth and great cinematography. "Wake of Death" was not a bad film, yet not superb, but it offered more action and fights. I think that "In Hell" is what made me think that the level of Van Damme films has progressed; unfortunately, however, "Until Death" only brought Van Damme, and his movies, back to the gallows where they belong. The only reason is I am awarding this film four stars is for effort.
If you are an action/thriller fan, then you probably do not mind watching a B-movie just for the action and the fighting. In that case, "Until Death" may not be your favorite of the year. "Until Death" shifts track from the fast, super martial arts moves, such as in his films, "Double Impact" and "Lionheart." Instead, this film has more dialogue, more talking, and still, but less, fights. Most of the fighting is the protagonist's, Stow, struggling to get his life back, which is not that apparent until later in the film. Although, there is more words and somewhat worked-on dialogue, Van Damme's English pronunciation did not develop much.
"Until Death" seems like it wants to be counted as a major production, but it does not quite reach there. The film, simply, is about a cop, who may or may not be "bad," who needs straighten out his life, and thus, he must face the ruthless antagonist, Callahan (so very close to messing with Dirty Harry here), played by Gary Beadle. Unfortunately, the story line does not hold, and it reveals itself more than it should.
The editing and the scene shifts, as time elapsing or progression, is a little gore. I think it is more disturbing than being helpful with plot tracings. Therefore, sitting down and watching the film is not most pleasant, for me, that is.
Van Damme looks older than he ever was, of course, but the makeup did fine with hiding things. The lighting was fine, the camera angels were fine. Besides Van Damme and Gary Beadle, the cast was not an Academy Award selection; however, each played his/her part well enough.
The time of early 2000 was an amazing era for Jean-Claude Van Damme. He produces two good films "In Hell" and "Wake of Death." Amazingly, I did like "In Hell" much more than any Van Damme movie. It offered some serious depth and great cinematography. "Wake of Death" was not a bad film, yet not superb, but it offered more action and fights. I think that "In Hell" is what made me think that the level of Van Damme films has progressed; unfortunately, however, "Until Death" only brought Van Damme, and his movies, back to the gallows where they belong. The only reason is I am awarding this film four stars is for effort.