The first thing I should admit as I begin this review is that I am not a fan of ‘80s action movies. I’ve always felt there’s something rather odd about invincible-supermen-killing-machines reinforcing stereotypes about foreigners in disturbingly formulaic (and Reagan-tastic) ways.

JVCD is refreshingly different.

Jean-Claude Van Damme (Double Impact, Street Fighter) plays a fictionalized version of himself in this metaphysical, “post-modern” action film. In the movie, it has been years since he’s had a successful role; he’s fighting for the custody of his daughter, who wants little to do with him, and he keeps losing bad parts to Steven Seagal. Maybe it’s not so fictionalized?

In an attempt to regain focus, Van Damme heads back to his hometown of Brussels only to get caught up in a violent hostage situation.

It would be unfair to give you much more information than that, since the fun of the film is the way it plays around with perception and reality. Using a non-linear narrative, the movie repeats scenes from several perspectives, forcing the audience to rethink the story as it moves along.

This shifting of perception starts as soon as the movie begins, with a typical action movie scenario: An impressive extended shot where Van Damme single-handedly takes down an entire army. This turns out to be a scene from another run-of-the-mill, pot boiler action flick for Van Damme. He has bills to pay.

The movie asks: who is JCVD? Sure he’s famous, but mostly because he makes a great punch line at the end of so many jokes. Even the crowds who make him a folk hero during the hostage situation don’t really get him.

Though it never reaches the head-tripping level of a Charlie Kaufman project, this film definitely pushes the boundaries of the action film, and it manages to move Van Damme from action hero to existential hero. Well…he’s getting closer at least.

Something has to be said about Van Damme’s acting; he’s pulled off what few ever expected of him with a nuanced performance full of pain and pathos as he works through some difficult questions about himself. In fact, his acting is more surprising than getting one of his windmill kicks to the head (I assume).

If you missed this film the last time it played in Winnipeg, be sure to get down to Cinematheque this week. Whether you’re a fan or not, JCVD is just a helluva good time.