This is a great role for the man. Finally he gets to play against type and do a cocky, fun-loving, anti-hero. His character kinda' makes me feel like this is what it would be like to hang with the guy in real life.

Tsui Hark brings a new visual dynamic to a VD movie that wasn't there in previous VD films. Hark is so good that he makes me cool with Rob Schneider, whom I have never been able to stand with the exception of some SNL skits. That right there makes it solid.

Hark also pushed Van Damme to expand into some more physical action, not just punching and kicking. You really only see him do this in "Hard Target" and "Double Team" (of course, a Woo film and another Hark film). HK directors know how to make the stars get physical outside the realm of just taking swings at other guys.

VD is cool and confident in this role. He pushes his action in a much more physical and stylized direction. The story is a fun little journey with a few twists and turns to keep it interesting. It's a good movie.

If you think VD is just cheesy and you've never liked him, this probably won't change your mind. If you're on the fence or are a fan, this is one of his best (my personal favorite). But it's VD with a HK sensibility and style here. My guess is that this will appeal more to VD fans than to HK action buffs. Some HK fanboys will call this film sacrilege. It really is the kind of movie that only a small handful of people will really enjoy. Despite being filmed in Asia and having an all-Asian crew, VD keeps it from being a true HK film. He is still an American actor with a Tae Kwon Do background. So not much wire work or gymnastic kung fu. But it's the best you'll see him and that's more than enough for me.

It's got more life and charisma than some of his stale US projects where his characters were more or less the same guy (except "Street Fighter", but we don't talk about that). This is far more unique and fresh. The real question is: are you sophisticated enough to truly appreciate the genius that is this film? That is the true challenge.