Jean-Claude Van Dammewas among the biggest action stars of the 1990s, a decade that boasted just as many misses as hits for the Belgian martial artist. While most will think of JCVD’s work in the late ‘80s on iconic moviesBloodsportandKickboxer, it was during the 1990s that Van Damme truly started to break through in Hollywood as he began making a name for himself alongside titans like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. While Van Damme struggled to achieve the same widespread cultural relevance as those two stars, among action movie enthusiasts he’s just as much of a legend.
Many ofthe best Van Damme movieswere released during the 1990s as he punched, kicked, and fought his way through action, comedies, sci-fi, and thrillers. Whether it wasshowing off his dark side as sinister villainsor with hilariousblink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo appearances,there was a variety to Van Damme’s 1990s output that showcased an actor finding his footing in Hollywood. While JCVD never really got his due as a major action star, and his worst movies have somewhat tarnished his legacy, this was a decade that also featured some all-time great releases.
It’s hard to admit, butJean-Claude Van Damme’s worst movie of the 1990s was a sequel to one of his very best.Universal Soldier: The Returnwas the universally reviled fourth entry in the long-running sci-fi franchise that signaled the end of an era in Van Damme’s career, as its total failure critically and commercially meant it was the action star’s last widely released movie in the United States untilThe Expendables 2in 2012. With a generic story, subpar action, and terrible performances, even JCVD superfans can skip this one.
WhileInfernowas loosely based on the Akira Kurosawa samurai movieYojimbo, it sadly did not have any of the enduring appeal of that all-time great Japanese movie. Instead,Infernosaw Jean-Claude Van Damme play a veteran soldier with a death wish whose purpose is reignited on a revenge mission after an encounter with a gang of thugs. With a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this action movie, which was also released under the titleDesert Heat, was a total dud.
The action comedyDouble Teamreceived plenty of accolades, although they were not the kind of accolades that actors and directors usually hope for, as it earned several Razzie Awards and even a Stinkers Bad Movie award. With plenty of criticism going towardJean-Claude Van Damme and Dennis Rodman as the “Worst Screen Couple” of 1997, this story of a counter-terrorist agent and flamboyant arms dealer taking down an elusive terrorist known as Stavros (Mickey Rourke) just missed the mark. AlthoughDouble Teamhas its apologists, major plot holes stopped it from standing among JCVD’s best action movies.
Jean-Claude Van Damme teamed up with Rob Schneider for the comedian’s first dramatic role inKnock Off, the story of a fashion designer joining forces with a C.I.A. agent to combat terrorism. While there were some enjoyable action sequences and enough cheesy dialogue that this may appeal to the so-bad-it’s-good crowd of movie lovers,Knock Off’splot was too muddled to make much of an impact. As director Tsui Hark’s second American film followingDouble Team, the filmmaker opted to call it a day on U.S. productions following this movie and return to work in Hong Kong.
As a film co-written, directed by, and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme,The Questwas an ambitious martial arts adventure that followed a New York thief sold into slavery in 1925 who must earn back his freedom in a martial arts tournament. With Van Damme and Roger Moore in the lead roles,The Questharkened back to the classics of old Hollywood productions, although it never quite reached the heights of the films it was influenced by. Best described as a noble failure,The Questwas an interesting but uneven addition to Van Damme’s filmography.
Legionnairesaw Jean-Claude Van Damme play a French boxer in 1925, forced to join the Foreign Legion to evade a mob boss who paid for him to lose a fight he refused to throw. While those looking for a typical Van Damme adventure culminating in overcoming the odds at an epic martial arts tournament will be left disappointed,Legionnairewas a compelling exploration of the French Foreign Legion and the alliances and brotherhood that develop between fellow soldiers. Witha chance for Van Damme to show off his dramatic side, there was a lot to love aboutLegionnaire.
Jean-Claude Van Damme pulled out all the stops for his dual role inMaximum Risk, the story of a French police detective who finds his life in peril as various parties hunt him down, believing him to be the mob informant Mikhail Suverov. Featuring encounters with Russian gangsters and corrupt American officials, the only ally Van Damme can seem to find is his doppelganger’s girlfriend (Natasha Henstridge) in this thrilling life-or-death story. As a film packed with stunts and car chases,Maximum Riskwasn’t a perfect movie, but it will certainly keep fast-paced action fans happy.
Video game adaptations are notoriously difficult to pull off, and theStreet Fightermovie has had a mixed response among lovers of the arcade classic. With Jean-Claude Van Damme as Colonel William F. Guile,Street Fightermaintained the game’s classic characters and signature aesthetic, which, although appearing absolutely ridiculous in live action, was a commendable creative decision. With plenty of action, a unique sense of humor, and a woefully miscast Kylie Minogue in a starring role,Street Fighterhad its highs and its lows.
Death Warrantstarred Jean-Claude Van Damme as a police detective going undercover in prison to discover the truth behind a series of murders, only to come face-to-face with his nemesis who swears revenge on him. WhileDeath Warrantwas brought down by a weak and predictable storyline, its action sequences more than made up for this, andit was thrilling to see Van Damme give one of his greatest acting performances.
Nowhere to Runbegan with the escaped convict Sam Gillen (Van Damme) finding refuge at a widow’s farmhouse after his partner was fatally wounded, and before long helping her fight back against the ruthless contractor who was trying to take over her land. With an emotional core,Nowhere to Runwas certainly one of Van Damme’s better filmsand has even built up a cult following over the years. As a strong showcase of Van Damme’s acting talents,Nowhere to Runhighlighted that, given the right material, JCVD can deliver a performance that brings depth and sincerity to his character.
