70
A French-language meta-movie parody par excellence, constitutes the headiest stretch of the beefy star's career since, well, ever.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Some of this is affecting, some of it tedious, and the film's inconsistencies of tone are made more glaring by its peculiar look.
75
JCVD is a whimsical twist on the biopic, sending up heist movies and breaking cinematic rules to interesting effect. At a critical moment, Van Damme rises out of a tense hostage situation to look into the camera and speak movingly to the audience. He has never seemed more convincing.
50
New York Magazine (Vulture) by David Edelstein
At one point, Van Damme delivers a long, tortured soliloquy about his alienating stardom to the camera in a single take. It's the most amazing piece of acting I've ever seen by a martial artist. But the film itself doesn't rise above the level of a good try.
60
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
Who knew? Turns out, Jean-Claude Van Damme is a funny guy, and a pretty good actor, too. Fans may already be aware of this, but JCVD is likely to introduce a whole new Van Damme to everybody else.
60
What exactly is JCVD? Comedy? Confession? Confusion? No one will ever mistake these backstage shenanigans for "Irma Vep." But as a self-regarding expression of masculine angst, it's a Damme sight more fun than "Synecdoche."
91
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
A reality-twisting cousin to "Being John Malkovich" -- showcases a Van Damme who's sly like a fox about his own image.
70
Van Damme has been known as a martial-arts legend, movie star and pain in the ass. But never an actor -- until now.
67
A canny piece of autobiography that looks at the man behind the legend and the legend behind the man.