Hard Target

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Blu B For better or worse this is almost a poster child Van Damme movie. Over the top action, wooden performance by Van Damme, ridiculous plot, and more style than substance. Acting wise it's probably the weakest thing. It isn't good. It moves back and forth between stilted performances and over the top ridiculous ones. The dialouge can be cheesy at times too. Everything else is alright I guess. The best thing here is John Woo's direction for better or worse. The action scenes are defintely unique and not cookie cutter or repetitive. They are all so over the top ridiculous that it's kind of impressive. Slow motion, weird camera angles, everythign explodes, the poses everyone has at times, not being able to hit open people out in the open for the sake of style and explosions, it's all here. The plot itself feels like it gets lost at times though because of so much borderline oversaturation of action. The daughter who we start out with? I completely forget about her by the second half despite being the main focus because there is so much action. It does get a bit boring in the first half during slower parts and it is muddled and jumpy a bit how it handles the mystery. This feels like it's idea is cut from the same cloth as something like Frist Blood but misses the opportunity for any intelligent commentary on the needs of desperate vets. But as a tradeoff....it's a poster child for a mindless 90's action movie. If your a hardcore Woo or Van Damme fan than you'll probably like this for what it is. But most could skip this. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/23/25 Full Review Michael D L Decent at times action movie with a decent plot and action scenes Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/07/25 Full Review David W One of Van Dammes best in my opinion. He's very good in it from both a martial arts and an acting perspective. As you'd expect from director Woo it's got plenty of stylish action and it all takes place at a fair old clip. There's also some good acting support from Vosloo and Henrikson as the primary antagonists and Brimley as Van Dammes uncle. Obviously the plot of rich psychos hunting people for sport is a retread but being an action movie fan I thoroughly enjoyed this very 90's take on 'The most dangerous game'. Check out Michael Dudikoff in the 80's, also 'The most Dangerous Game' inspired, 'Avenging Force' if you enjoyed this movie. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/03/25 Full Review Split I So Bad It’s Good Action Fun Hard Target is the kind of gloriously over-the-top action movie that’s impossible not to enjoy, flaws and all. Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as Chance Boudreaux, a drifter with a Cajun accent so thick it could cut through steel, and he delivers exactly the kind of charismatic, high-kicking performance you’d expect from an action icon of the era. Directed by John Woo in his American debut, the film is packed with the director's signature Hong Kong-inspired action sequences. From slow-motion explosions to gravity-defying stunts, Woo’s flair elevates the film from standard action fare to a visually thrilling spectacle. The plot, involving human hunters preying on the homeless, is pure 90s action cheese, but it’s executed with enough energy and style to keep you entertained. Lance Henriksen and Arnold Vosloo make memorable villains, adding just the right amount of menace to the chaotic proceedings. Sure, it’s campy, ridiculous, and often nonsensical, but that’s what makes Hard Target so much fun. It’s a must-watch for fans of old-school action movies, especially those who appreciate a bit of unintentional humor with their high-octane thrills. Final Thoughts: How can you not love Jean-Claude Van Damme with a Cajun accent and mullet, kicking his way through a barrage of bad guys? Hard Target may not be high art, but it’s an absolute blast and a testament to the wild spirit of 90s action cinema. Rating: 6/10 A so-bad-it’s-good gem with fantastic action sequences and unforgettable Van Damme moments. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/02/25 Full Review Topher M Akin to "The Most Dangerous Game"; JCVD plays a homeless vet who kept to himself until a woman, an out-of-towner looking for her father, is assaulted by thugs. He warns her about being so careless before resuming his solitary life. The following day as he awaits a job opportunity, he's approached by the woman who offers to hire him to which he declines. Unfortunately, he cannot be considered for the job until a debt has been paid so he reconsiders the declined offer. This decision snowballs JCVD into uncovering a world where the rich hunt the homeless (two known to JCVD character) and he is forced to play to save not just his own life but that of the young woman, his uncle and military brethren (future contestants) It's not a spectacular film but definitely worthy of a viewing if you like 90s action. Similar movies: Lionheart (JCVD) Running Man (Ah-nold) Rambo (Sly) Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/19/24 Full Review Jonathan O Hard Target is the 90's of The Most Dangerous Games and echoes of 2012 The Hunger Games but boy I had a blast is really entertaining and thrilling and great dark humor and Jean- Claude Van Damme is really a action star in the 90's and John Woo really wow use with action and gun fu and really fantastic stunts work. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/18/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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