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Darkness of Man

Directed by James Cullen Bressack

R

2024 1h 48mAction, Thriller,

4.763%42%

Interpol operative Russell Hatch witnesses the death of an informant when a seemingly routine raid goes wrong. Years later, he finds himself protecting the informant's son from a group of merciless gangs involved in an all-out turf war.

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Darkness of Man Ratings & Reviews

jackmeatDecember 31, 2024
My quick rating - 5.5/10. Jean-Claude Van Damme steps into a more grounded and dramatic role delivering a neo-noir thriller that diverges from his usual high-octane, martial arts-heavy fare. With minimal fights and a focus on boxing over the acrobatics he’s known for, Van Damme portrays Russell Hatch, an aging Interpol operative who becomes a surrogate father to Jayden, the son of a slain informant. Years later, Hatch is drawn into protecting Jayden and his grandfather from a deadly gang war, embodying a protector who will stop at nothing to ensure their safety. The film leans heavily into its noir atmosphere, with a moody, gritty tone that matches Hatch's introspective narration—though the latter is a mixed bag. While Van Damme’s voiceover helps propel the story and gives insight into his character's mindset, it can also feel distracting and overly explanatory at times. His performance, however, is solid, embracing the weariness of a man who’s seen too much yet refuses to back down. Action fans may be disappointed by the film’s restrained approach. This isn’t a Bloodsport or Kickboxer revival; the fights are sparse, grounded, and lack the intricate choreography of Van Damme’s glory days. Instead, it focuses on character-driven tension and Hatch's emotional journey, showing a more vulnerable side of the star. The cast includes notable cameos from Kristanna Loken, Cynthia Rothrock, Shannen Doherty, and even Eric Roberts, whose brief appearance harkens back to his Best of the Best days. These moments add nostalgic charm but don't significantly impact the story. The acting is competent across the board, with JCVD doing his best to carry the emotional weight of the film. While the pacing and narration occasionally stumble, the movie manages to maintain intrigue through its gritty aesthetics and moments of intensity. However, it never quite commits fully to its neo-noir ambitions, nor does it embrace its action roots enough to satisfy die-hard fans of the genre. For those seeking a more mature and reflective take on Van Damme’s repertoire, this flick offers an entertaining yet uneven experience. It’s not a straight-up action flick, so temper your expectations, but it does showcase the star's range and willingness to evolve with age. A respectable attempt to show a different side of JCVD, but it falls short of being truly memorable. Suitable for fans of neo-noir or those curious about seeing Van Damme step out of his comfort zone.

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