Background: It was over six months ago when I made a personal pact with myself -- I vowed to watch all of Jean-Claude Van Damme's starring roles in chronological order and review them each one-by-one on our site's Twitter account. It was a massive undertaking (as you can see below), and I had a great time doing it. Thx to the man himself, JCVD, and to all those who've helped create his films over the years.
- Bloodsport (1988) - 10/10
Not only a great role for Van Damme, but also an amazing martial arts film. Classic. [original tweet 10/31/2009] - Cyborg (1989) - 1/10
Interesting idea but completely unwatchable. Even Jean-Claude is a dud here. Maybe his worst performance. [original tweet 11/09/2009] - Kickboxer (1989) - 9/10
ALMOST as good as Bloodsport, which means this is really good. Van Damme's performance might be his best. [original tweet 11/14/2009] - Lionheart (1990) - 8/10
An excellent film, though the story drags here and there. Some of Jean-Claude's best fights caught on film. [original tweet 11/25/2009] - Death Warrant (1990) - 4/10
It's watchable, just not enjoyable. Jean-Claude turns in a decent performance, but the editing is awful. [original tweet 11/30/2009] - Double Impact (1991) - 5/10
Tons of fun, but kind of lame at the same time. Van Damme must have been taxed by the dual role. [original tweet 12/06/2009] - Universal Soldier (1992) - 5/10
Not good, not bad. This film sort of sits squarely in the middle of Van Damme's filmography. [original tweet 12/13/2009] - Nowhere to Run (1993) - 8/10
Unexpectedly good. More folksy than Van Damme's other flicks and propped up by strong storytelling. [original tweet 12/20/2009] - Hard Target (1993) - 4/10
Jean-Claude is good but the whole thing is so hokey. It's John Woo to the max... no, actually, maxed out. [original tweet 12/26/2009] - Timecop (1994) - 7/10
Makes no sense by the end, but I'm a sucker for kickass sci-fi and time travel. Plus, Van Damme is solid here. [original tweet 01/02/2010] - Street Fighter (1994) - 5/10
Overall, this is a lot better than its reputation. A good film but kind of weak acting by Van Damme. [original tweet 01/09/2010] - Sudden Death (1995) - 6/10
"Die Hard in a hockey arena" is too long and overdone, but still very good. Great Van Damme acting. [original tweet 01/16/2010] - Maximum Risk (1996) - 8/10
Definitely Van Damme's most traditional "thriller" to date. He does a great job and the film is solid. [original tweet 01/23/2010] - The Quest (1996) - 6/10
It has issues, but Van Damme's directorial debut works well in a strange way, especially during the fights. [original tweet 01/30/2010] - Double Team (1997) - 1/10
I love the fact that this movie even exists... But, unfortunately, it's pretty much unwatchable. [original tweet 02/02/2010] - Knock Off (1998) - 2/10
It pains me to say that this Jean-Claude Van Damme / Rob Schneider team-up totally sucks. Funny idea though. [original tweet 02/05/2010] - Legionnaire (1998) - 3/10
Put simply: This historical epic showcases good acting by Van Damme. But it still blows. [original tweet 02/03/2010] - Desert Heat (1999) - 6/10
I was unimpressed at first, but fond memories of Van Damme's interesting role in this film stuck with me. [original tweet 02/11/2010] - Universal Solider: The Return (1999)
2/10 - It's so bad!!! Arrgghhh! I can't take it! Make the pain stop, Van Damme, make it stop! [original tweet 02/09/2010] - Replicant (2001) - 5/10
Jean-Claude returns to his habit of dual roles in ridiculous form. Watch this only for unintentional laughs. [original tweet 02/15/2010] - The Order (2001) - 3/10
Not bad, per se... But not good either. The Charlton Heston appearance is the only memorable moment. [original tweet 02/17/2010] - Derailed (2002) - 5/10
Despite providing fodder for Van Damme critics, this b-movie is more fun than many of his fancier flicks. [original tweet 02/19/2010] - In Hell (2003) - 8/10
Morbid and engaging, Jean-Claude is at his most intense since Bloodsport... only far more emotionally complex. [original tweet 02/21/2010] - Wake of Death (2004) - 4/10
Van Damme's acting is especially strong and emotional, but the plot lacks. That drags this one down. [original tweet 02/22/2010] - Second in Command (2006) - 6/10
A surprisingly enjoyable and well-crafted movie. Van Damme's decent but the story shines brighter. [original tweet 02/24/2010] - The Hard Corps (2006) - 5/10
Goofy and drawn out, yet still tons of fun. The plot is convoluted but the characters are charismatic. [original tweet 11/20/2010] - Until Death (2007) - 7/10
This odd, sick plot turns highly entertaining when combined with Van Damme's performance. A great role for JCVD. [original tweet 02/26/2010] - The Shepard (2008) - 7/10
An average film boosted by excellent fight choreography and the quirkiness of Van Damme's character. [original tweet 02/27/2010] - JCVD (2008) - 9/10
Smart film. Van Damme becomes vulnerable to the audience in a very conceptual way. Great plot and performance. [original tweet 02/28/2010] - Universal Soldier: Regeneration (2010)
6/10 - Unique pacing and structure. The plot is a bit too simple but the action is excellent. [original tweet 02/14/2010] - Assassination Games (2011)
6/10 - Great stuff (Van Damme's performance, fight scenes) mixed w/ average stuff (plot, overdone ending). [original tweet 10/30/2011]
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