In January 2017, Van Damme featured in an Ultra Tune television advert which was part of a controversial series of ads. [123] Two women were confronted in a car park by a gang of youths in a threatening manner, Van Damme appears to defend them and then the mood lightens and they take pictures with the star. [124] Public image and influence Now here is a film built in a way that is so alien to the rest of an actor's filmography, that it almost feels artistic. This film is not only a spectacular display of talent from Van Damme, but also a well-made production as a whole. The film is visually stunning; making great use of camera work and lighting to create an almost eerie atmosphere. The film has the capacity to be dramatic, gritty, and wholesome in one sit-down; and that's something that most films can only hope to accomplish. So does this film have artistic merit? I would say so. There's definitely some artistic craft that goes into taking a horrible actor like Van Damme and making him an addicting and intoxicating character. You won't want to take your eyes or ears off Van Damme or his dialogue; which is more than enough reason to ponder this nice little movie. I enjoyed the film because it does not build itself like an action film; but rather a drama. There's an almost powerful tone to the movie; although it's never explored as thoroughly as I would have hoped. But overall, this is pretty great for Van Damme. For once, he's in a GOOD film. Unfortunately, this is somewhat of a "one-time star change" for Van Damme; considering that he went from this to "Universal Solider 2". But at least he has this film at all; some bad actors don't get moments like this. Look, if you like Van Damme, then see this. If you don't like him, then see it anyways. Don't go to the film assuming that it's going to lampoon the guy's career. Take my word for it and go for the ride; expecting nothing more or less than a sweet, affectionate take on an actor's life-style. It's accurate and never pretentious. I can totally live with that. Corliss, Richard; Grossman, Lev; Ponewozik, James; Zoglin, Richard (13 November 2008). "Short List". Time. Archived from the original on 21 November 2008 . Retrieved 1 October 2009.

Mostly, the direction is average, though Director Peter Malota does a nice job with the pacing. This slow to begin with but speeds up nicely when the action starts. There are a couple of sections where he slows it down to help the story and to give the viewers a breather.

Bloodsport 4K Audio

Freitas, Marco A.S. (November 29, 2012). "Q & A with Sheldon Lettich". asianmoviepulse.com . Retrieved 31 December 2022. Principal photography began on November 8, 1989. [8] The majority of the film was shot in the Los Angeles area, including scenes set in New York City. [10] Jean Dry Lake, in the Nevada desert, stood in for Djibouti in the film's escape scene. [10] As a first time director, Lettich felt challenged by some members of his crew, and had an especially contentious relationship with cinematographer Robert C. New, whom he came close to firing. [3] a b Johnson, Ashley (May 3, 2017). " 'Blindspot' Star Ashley Johnson: I Was a Child Star—and Lived to Tell About It". tvinsider.com . Retrieved 31 December 2022.

Lionheart". Entertainment Weekly. 1991-01-18. Archived from the original on 2009-12-21 . Retrieved 2010-12-01. In 1996, Van Damme starred and turned director for The Quest. The film, though it under-performed domestically, did better internationally at the box-office and was a commercial success. [65] [66] [67] That year, he appeared in the TV show Friends in the two-part episode " The One After the Superbowl". He also starred in Maximum Risk, the first American film directed by Ringo Lam, and their first collaboration. The film was mildly successful at the box office. [68] Outside acting, Van Damme has publicly supported various conservationist causes, appearing in a number of PSAs for Animals Australia, and working towards his goal of rallying celebrities and fellow actors in creating sanctuaries for endangered species. In 2022, he was appointed as DRC Ambassador On Environment, with the role of enhancing the protection of forests as well as local fauna and flora. [100] [101] [102] Richards, David (September 4, 1994). "FILM; Jean-Claude Van Damme, the, uh, Actor?". The New York Times . Retrieved August 8, 2010. ; Cater, Dave (May 1987). "Bloodsport – The Ultimate Martial Arts Movie". Inside Kung Fu Presents the Complete Guide to Ninja Training: 38–47.

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In 2007, Van Damme, alongside animal rights activists and retired French actress Brigitte Bardot, the Franco-American ice-skater Surya Bonaly and French singer Renaud, called for a ban on bullfighting in France. [103] Liebenson, Donald (11 February 1999). "A Direct Hit? New Van Damme Film Bypasses Theaters, Takes Battle Straight to Video". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved 22 December 2010.