WFG RATING: B+

Saban Films presents a JCB Productions film in association with Robotic Donut and Sandaled Kid Productions. Directed by James Cullen Bressack. Produced by James Cullen Bressack, Jessica Bennett, Jarrett Furst, and Andre Relis. Written by James Cullen Bressack and Athena Cho; story by Bressack and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Cinematography by Pascal Combes-Knoke. Edited by R.J. Cooper.

Stars Jean-Claude Van Damme, Emerson Min, Kristanna Loken, Chika Kanamoto, Peter Jae, Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones, Spencer Breslin, Shannen Doherty, Zack Ward, Kris Van Damme, Nicholas Van Varenberg, Kristos Andrews, Galadriel Stineman, and Weston Cage. 

Jean-Claude Van Damme churns in a dark gritty performance in the latest film from WFG favorite James Cullen Bressack.

A former Interpol agent, Russell Hatch, has retired and has been hired as the driver of teenager Jayden. Years ago, Russell had been protecting Jayden’s mother and when she was killed for turning informant, he made a promise to become Jayden’s driver and bodyguard. However, Jayden finds himself possibly following in the footsteps of his uncle Dae Hyun, the leader of the local Korean mob.

Jayden’s familial connection leads to him being targeted by the local Russian mob, who want to use Jayden as leverage to get the upper hand against the Koreans. Russell wants Jayden to lead a better life away from the gang life. And he will go through any necessary means to keep his promise and ensure Jayden’s safety and give him the life he deserves. 

The latest film from James Cullen Bressack, who during the COVID-19 pandemic made a series of indie films to ensure the continuation of the industry, is a dark neo-noir that makes good use in that we get to see action icon Jean-Claude Van Damme go against type once again. We have seen JCVD do some comedy work in JCVD and Welcome to the Jungle while The Bouncer and Legionnaire had a chance to show him do more straight acting with sporadic action.

This film falls in the latter and what is very interesting is that it was inspired by a viral commercial in which the action hero is seen doing the splits between two Volvo trucks and giving an inner voice narration. This prompted Bressack to collaborate with Van Damme to come up with a neo-noir film that would utilize the “inner voice” narrative and mesh it with a story of a man who protects a teen caught in between two rival gangs.

What’s great about Van Damme here is compared to his glory days, he plays a man who clearly knows his age has gotten the best of him because when he does engage in a series of fights, he may end up beating the bad guys (which include scions Kris Van Damme, Nicholas Van Varenberg, and Weston Cage), but has taken a licking in the process. Clearly, we have the human brand of hero here who suffers from PTSD and has feelings of guilt racked up inside. 

Kristanna Loken is excellent in the role of Claire, who despite Russell’s past, will go above and beyond to make sure he is okay and has romantic feelings for him. However, Russell’s feelings of guilt tend to prevent him from feeling the same way to a certain extent. Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones provides great support as the cop who had hired Russell to protect Jayden’s mother. And speaking of Jayden, Emerson Min churns out a breakout performance as Jayden, who believes his mother died in an accident and doesn’t know the truth until later.

Another great addition is former child star Spencer Breslin, who plays Hatch’s hotel neighbor and goofball drug dealer Chris. Breslin’s character comes off as if the actor is fanboying over one of his favorite childhood actors, especially after seeing him engage in fistacuffs against some of the thugs trying to kidnap the teenager. And to top it all off, there is a non-action cameo from one of the all time greats who has a scene with Van Damme for the first time in their career. 

Darkness of Man may have a few small flaws but it doesn’t take away the fact that sometimes, when an action legend is aging, they should be allowed to take a different route instead of typecast. Jean-Claude Van Damme does exactly that as we see the “darkness” that plagues him in a neo-noir. 

The film is coming to Digital and On Demand platforms on May 21. You can pre-order the film via Sony Pictures: https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/darknessofman