There was a time when Jean-Claude Van Damme was truly a person to be reckoned with at the box office. I know that seems hard to believe now when you see a different straight to video film from him every other week. That isn't to say that his action films aren't still solid. Regardless of what you think of his acting ability you have to give him kudos for being a great action star and very talented in martial arts. I haven't seen a lot or any of his films since they actually went to theaters so I decided it was time to check one out. In Hell seemed like it had a good solid story, sounded interesting and it was comparable to other similar prison films I had seen and enjoyed. In Hell was really almost more of a gritty dark drama than an action film. The concept of the prison forcing the prisoners into death fighting seems like the perfect idea for an action flick but the fights are few and far between. The problem is without the constant action parts of the film come across as campy and cheesy. However, some of the parts in the prison are well done and appropriately disturbing but at the same time a little repetitive to other prison films.
This is a bit of stretch for action star Jean Claude Van Damme. I think now that he is ageing he is looking for some depth to his characters. Kyle LeBlanc is not in jail unjustly. He did murder a man, the man that brutally killed his wife. He goes through a lot in prison and Van Damme does that best he can with his script but I do think a more seasoned dramatic actor could have really sunk their teeth into this. Lawrence Taylor plays the mysterious '451' who is some sort of strange violent poet that also narrates some of the moments in prison. Taylor and Van Damme have decent chemistry opposite each other and Taylor's character adds a nice twist to the story as well. David Leitch gives a very solid performance as the young naive Paul who is basically torn apart physically and emotionally by the prison and who Van Damme's character feels so but never bothers to help. The rest of the cast play their roles appropriately. The corrupt jail guards and warden and the various crazy characters from inside the prison but no one stands out beyond this main cast. Their characters fulfill their purpose but don't stick with you when its all done and said.
I think Hong Kong director Ringo Lam is very talented. I saw one of his other straight to video films called Triangle that was actually a riveting mystery so he does know how to tell a story. In Hell wasn't exactly low budget at a 17 million dollar budget which does show in the money used for the setting and it was filmed in Bulgaria. If nothing else the prison makes a great and gritty dark disturbing location. I was only disappointed in the amount of action for what is considered an 'action film' and certain aspects of the film and characters were cheesy in comparison to some of the other solid parts of the film. It is still entertaining and well made and if you like a dark drama then check it out!! It certainly isn't your usual Jean Claude Van Damme flick. 7/10
This is a bit of stretch for action star Jean Claude Van Damme. I think now that he is ageing he is looking for some depth to his characters. Kyle LeBlanc is not in jail unjustly. He did murder a man, the man that brutally killed his wife. He goes through a lot in prison and Van Damme does that best he can with his script but I do think a more seasoned dramatic actor could have really sunk their teeth into this. Lawrence Taylor plays the mysterious '451' who is some sort of strange violent poet that also narrates some of the moments in prison. Taylor and Van Damme have decent chemistry opposite each other and Taylor's character adds a nice twist to the story as well. David Leitch gives a very solid performance as the young naive Paul who is basically torn apart physically and emotionally by the prison and who Van Damme's character feels so but never bothers to help. The rest of the cast play their roles appropriately. The corrupt jail guards and warden and the various crazy characters from inside the prison but no one stands out beyond this main cast. Their characters fulfill their purpose but don't stick with you when its all done and said.
I think Hong Kong director Ringo Lam is very talented. I saw one of his other straight to video films called Triangle that was actually a riveting mystery so he does know how to tell a story. In Hell wasn't exactly low budget at a 17 million dollar budget which does show in the money used for the setting and it was filmed in Bulgaria. If nothing else the prison makes a great and gritty dark disturbing location. I was only disappointed in the amount of action for what is considered an 'action film' and certain aspects of the film and characters were cheesy in comparison to some of the other solid parts of the film. It is still entertaining and well made and if you like a dark drama then check it out!! It certainly isn't your usual Jean Claude Van Damme flick. 7/10