Van Damme’s Next Project to be Love Story
Posted by Rob Hunter (rob@filmschoolrejects.com) on January 19, 2009
Jean-Claude Van Damme’s next movie is probably the most important one of his career. Last year’s JCVD was a surprise success for the man pretty much everyone had long ago relegated to the status of washed-up has-been. But JCVD changed that, at least temporarily. My full review is here, but if you haven’t seen it yet, do so as soon as you can. It’s alternately funny, dramatic, and heart-breaking, and it’s like nothing you would ever expect from the Belgian kickboxer. Van Damme received well-deserved praise and accolades, audiences began to look at him in a new light, and he had his first film in an American movie theater in almost a decade. So what does he do next?
He writes and directs a movie, obviously.
Van Damme directs himself in The Eagle Path as an emotionally lost Ex-GI turned taxi driver somewhere in South-East Asia. He crosses paths with a woman whose mysterious life mesmerizes him, drawing him into a world where he must protect her from an unhealthy relationship with a high class and vicious business owner, and maybe even herself. With the help of his best friend, an alcoholic, paraplegic, former Military specialist. They set out on a path together that could free them all from the self imposed prison they each find themselves in. (Thanks to Twitch for the synopsis.)
As much as I loved JCVD, and as much as I believe Van Damme deserves at least half of the press currently being shoveled into Mickey Rourke’s disfigured face… this plot outline doesn’t really sound all that different from most of his direct-to-DVD output. The film was originally called Full Love, but I’m guessing Van Damme’s people convinced him a more manly title was needed. New pics have been released from the film, including some behind the scenes photos posted on his official website. Per that site, the movie promises “beautiful scenes of actions, many twists and maybe even… a love story?”
Did you enjoy JCVD? Are you looking forward to The Eagle Path?
Read more articles by Rob Hunter
Comments
January 19th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
I LOVED JCVD!
Which surprised me because I am not a fan of Jean-Claude Van Damme, at all. If anything, I'm a detractor. Which is also why I am in no way excited to see this flick. It sounds like the kind of fare that made me dislike the man's career in the first place.
And I completely agree that he should be getting some of Mickey Rourke's press…
January 20th, 2009 at 12:34 am
JCVD was a great film and contained something we rarely see an actor do; being raw and straight forward about himself. I don't know if Jean-Claude can bring himself back to the forefronts of our mind with this new one but in the least JCVD is something to remember and appreciate.
January 20th, 2009 at 1:49 am
I never gave up on Van Damme. I'll be there. Though I've never given up on Pauly Shore either. So take that for what its worth.
January 20th, 2009 at 2:39 am
looks good
January 20th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Even after Pauly Shore gave up on himself?
January 20th, 2009 at 3:04 am
JCVD was a stunning film. It did to van damme what revolver did to statham. Showed his acting ability, fantastic cinematography. I truly hope he creates a fantastic film, he deserves to star in a big a good action flick after JCVD.
January 20th, 2009 at 4:00 am
Ok now i must go see JCVD, ive heard so much good things about it.
January 20th, 2009 at 4:03 am
After 'JCVD' I'll give any movie Van Damme makes…
January 20th, 2009 at 4:03 am
After 'JCVD' I'll give any movie Van Damme makes a chance…
January 20th, 2009 at 6:05 am
Judging by the response, I really need to see JCVD. I'm just not getting it – what makes his performance so special? And why did it take so long to realize that he was a decent actor? We all saw Street Fighter, right?
May 20th, 2009 at 4:28 am
I just finished watching JCVD and was blown away by his performance! Awesome movie. I really hope he can keep up with interesting projects such as this.