Replicant (2001) User Reviews (121)

Far from great, but still more decent than one might expect.

[Hey_Sweden · 6/10 · 28 July 2018]

Jean-Claude Van Damme sure believes in that adage of "the more Van Damme, the merrier". Also see "Maximum Risk" and "Double Impact" for examples of movies in which you got double the dose of Van Damme for your money. Here he plays both a sick serial killer, nicknamed The Torch, who has deep-seated mommy issues, and the result of a cutting-edge government program. This program creates genetic doubles of characters like The Torch for the purpose of getting inside their heads / memories / thought patterns. Or some such nonsense. The hard-driving former homicide detective put in charge of the child-like Replicant is grim-faced Jake Riley (Michael Rooker). Unsurprisingly, the Replicant has more of a sense of decency, so obviously he's not an *exact* copy of the psycho. Inevitably, the fight will be on.

Filmed in Canada, under the guidance of a capable director, Ringo Lam, who also worked with Van Damme on "Maximum Risk", this is rather routine entertainment, but it's watchable enough. Watching JCVD play these differing characters is basically fun, as it was in "Double Impact", and the martial arts / action icon clearly is enjoying himself as the psycho, decked out in greasy wig and leather jacket. Rooker typically adds some value with his usual patented coiled-spring intensity. The rest of the cast are so-so no-names, although Marnie Alton is delectable as your standard-issue "hooker with a heart of gold". JCVD fans need not fret, as you do get to see him strut his stuff in action and fight scenes, and it will create some amusement watching him attempt to delineate the mentally slow but good-hearted Replicant.

Overall, it's passable, although I'm sure it's far from Van Dammes' worst. It does go on for a bit (clocking in at 101 minutes), but there's still enough hard-edged violence and explosions to help combat short attention spans.

Six out of 10.

Entertaining and weird B-movie-mess

[davidturgay · 5/10 · 9 June 2003]

I have to admit that "Replicant" succeeded in surprising me quite a few times, which is surprising itself since I wasn't ready for any surprise in a direct-to-video-van Damme-movie. But this movie is not like your average van Damme-stupidity. In some way this is good, in another way it is not.

What I was hoping for was 90 minutes of fun that makes me laugh very loud the way "Double Team" or "Streetfighter" managed to do. I was afraid of seeing 90 minutes of boring stupid action with only few unintentional laughs, like "The Quest" or "Knock Off". "Replicant" walks on a thin line between those extremes.

Well, it is the third movie in which van Damme appears in two roles at the same time and it is a strange record for an action star. At first we see the bad guy, a serial killer with long hair who kills mothers by killing and then burning them. He does this because his mother used to call him "bad boy" and once almost burned him alive. Michael Rooker plays the cop who tries to catch the killer and the movie sometimes suggests that the killer also plays the typical "serial killer-movie game", in which the killer seems to kill just for the cop who chases him. But this is just a sidenote in the film whereas it is a major point that Rooker is very obsessed in finding the killer. Where this obsession comes from is never explained and this contributes to a lot of the weird aspects of the film.

One day after Rooker again managed NOT to catch the killer some government guys approach him and make an interesting offer. They want to clone the killer and try to catch him with the memories of the real killer in the clone's brain (that's what I think is their plan). The way the "clone"-thing is introduced must be seen to be believed. We never get the feeling that the movie plays in the future and neither the science guys nor Rooker as the cop make a big deal of simply cloning another person for an investigation. When Rooker is told about the clone idea his reaction does not exist. He simply accepts not questioning for a mili-second what is going on. Even more strange is the fact that the government guys even think of trusting Rooker to take care of the clone. And for no reason at all Rooker uses this trust by deceiving them time after time, by refusing to cooperate but these "National Security" guys never mind at all. Neither do Rooker's relatives and partners who very very rarely wonder why he has a new pet and why it looks like the serial killer everyone's looking for?

It may seem strange to go into such deep plot discussions but the movie plays so seriously that it's hard not to do. That's the weird thing here: the film only scarcely tries to go for cheap effects and shortcuts. For a van Damme movie the action is very rare and except maybe two scenes not very spectacular.

And then there is van Damme's performance as the clone. The clone, who is never referred to with any name, seems like a mixture between a retard and Jackie Chan. He hardly speaks, looks bewildered and confused but can also swing himself around pipes a dozen times, jump around like a monkey and fight like a karate dog. I'm not quite sure where he has the fighting abilities from and why they developed so much better than his thinking abilities. To say the least, it is an interesting performance but it also produces some laughs especially because of the way Rooker treats him.

Rooker has the strangest character here, being obsessed with a case for no reason, cruel to the only person who can help him and sometimes very stupid. For example when he first hunts the killer and simply lets him drive away while dozens of policemen in police cars arrive and he simply doesn't mind telling them that the killer has just been around the corner one second ago.

There are a lot of strange things in this movie but most of them work somehow and make it actually very entertaining. An action scene with an ambulance is both ridiculous and effective. A scene with the clone spending time with a prostitute is not working at all and feels contrived and unnecessary. Some things are simply unexpected, for example the cruelty of the killer when he is not actually killing. He shoots innocent bystanders for no reason and in a scene in a hospital his violence becomes comic-like when he kicks nurses and hits wheelchair patients with the ambulance. In one scene Rooker has to throw his weapon away because he is threatened to get killed and for no reason he throws it in a bucket of blood. Later the clone has to fetch it out of there. And there is a scene in the killer's apartment that questions his motivation, the logic of computers and plot and the the abilities of the clone.

"Replicant" is a B-movie, that is for sure, but in an unexpected way it is a good one, entertaining, not too much over the top and somehow still convincing. Nevertheless the final scene gets a big laugh for its unbelievable silliness both in plot logic and music choice. And why we see that picture during the end credits is beyond me. Don't expect another "Double Team" but don't expect anything else.

Entertaining and satisfying.

[paulclaassen · 6/10 · 16 October 2021]

A serial killer called The Torch terrorizes a city by killing single mothers, and torches them. In order to catch him, a secret government organization clones the killer with DNA they found.

It was interesting seeing Van Damme portraying two very different roles; that of a ruthless killer, and the clone with childlike behavior. For a guy his age, he is also incredibly agile and flexible still, boasting incredible martial arts skills.

I enjoyed the fact they showed us The Torch's background and his motivation behind the killings. Michael Rooker stars as the policeman who takes the clone into his custody, hoping to find the killer. Due to their shared DNA, the clone is able to sense who the next victim will be, and where.

'Replicant' is a fast-paced, action packed thriller. The ambulance chase scene during the finale is absolutely fantastic! The film has a simple premise and I'm glad they didn't try to over-complicate things with specifics and too much detail. This is an easy to follow, satisfying thrill ride.

Would I watch it again? Yes.

Very different!

[PlayerSS · 19 February 2003]

This was very different for a Van Damme movie. Even though this is like the 100th time Van Damme has done the double role thing, this is the best out of them. Van Damme really plays his roles well in this one. I don't really like Michael Rooker as an actor, but he does well with what he is given. Some of the characters are underdeveloped, but the movie still is decent.

Another Evil Clone Movie?

[galt_57 · 1/10 · 6 July 2008]

OK, I can see a few slight redeeming glimmers in this mess but only a few. Co-star Michael Rooker puts in his usual grim-faced hard-nosed performance and Van Damme makes a convincingly creepy bad guy. OK. So? Well, Van Damme's other role as the semi-psychic "replicant" might as well be played by a Orangutan. In fact you would have hardly noticed any difference in the acting. I am not kidding because that is essentially who the replicant is personality-wise. It only goes to show how obviously flawed the concept was. I am not saying it is bad acting -- it isn't bad acting when you are playing the part of a "blank slate." The whole idea here is that clones could have "psychic connections" with their "twin" and this might allow Homeland Security to use them to "sniff out" an evil-doer. Duh, wait a minute. A clone is just a twin. It makes me ill to see effort wasted on a really stupid movie idea like this one and to see it labeled "Science Fiction." These Hollywood producers should stop doing so many hard drugs. There is a ton of written Science Fiction that has never made it to the large or small screen, and certainly some large quantity of that is better material than the rubbish of this movie. This is pretty lame garbage for 2001. Maybe it was a kneejerk 911 idea?

A Way Above Average Van Damme Movie

[tabuno · 7/10 · 26 January 2019]

26 January 2003. This is one of Jean-Claude Van Damme's most sensitive and exciting movies and ranks among his best along with Time Cop if not better. There is a sharp, serious, deadly edge to this cop thriller with a sci fi twist. There is compassion, tenderness, and an icy, cold-blooded, frozen hard serial killer - no holds barred action thriller here. Surprisingly complex, full of non-stop action, as well as relationship, character-driven backdrop to this movie. Worthy of a rental for sure. 7 out of 10 stars.

The most godawful piece of crap ever...

[grantcook · 1/10 · 19 April 2002]

My brother rented "Replicant" from the video store in the vein attempt to see a good movie with Jean Claude Van Damme in it. In his martial arts mag it had been given a good review so he thought he'd check it out.

I had the misfortune of being in the room at the time, and with nothing pending...I sat down to watch.

To start off, looking at the cover turned me off this movie even before I watched it... the star cant act and Michael Rooker bless his heart, had never really been in anything higher than B movies. So I knew I was in for some below level film.

The story to the movie is rather simple Jake (Rooker) is trying to catch the torch (Van damme with one of the lammest hairdos ever) a serial killer who after killer his victims (always mothers) lights the on fire.

They have a very cliche'd cat and mouse game where they talk on the phone. and Jake retires to get away from the torch once and for all having been tracking him for 3 years. But after one phone call he gets a job at the NSA and somehow, they have grown a full grown replicant of Van Damme to try and track him down.

The second act in the film basically consists of Van damme looking scared and not talking, while Rooker keeps beating him and teling him to shut up. and last but not least the two Van Dammes have a crappy fight and the good guys win and walk away with hookers.

One of the worst movies I've ever seen, I didnt pay for it and I felt ripped off.

No stars.

Serial Killer and his Genetic Double !!!

[saptesh786 · 7/10 · 31 July 2019]

Well story lined. Double Van Damme one is serial killer and another his 'Genetic Dobule' created by Natioanl Security Agency to capture killer one who is clever, strong and dangerous. Here clone is good despite he was created for behaving and thinking same as killer. Climax is well not good and is as we expected. Acting side is not much mentionable, Van Damme is stone faced whereas Michael Rooker as Jake is a perfect cop. Another remarkable role by Angie( Catherine Dent, SHIELD fame ) She makes you to notice her. Actions are usual as they are in Damm's movies. Overall watchable for once.

Straight-To-Video..................For Good Reason!

[grubman1999 · 2/10 · 5 August 2005]

Fully deserving of it's 'straight-to-video' status, this derivative, disjointed mess of a film wasted everyone's time at release, and has not improved with age. I'm not being paid to take the time to tell all as to why this is one to be avoided by anybody with 1. Any developed critical faculties, or 2. Anyone who doesn't harbour (homo)erotic fantasies about the leading man.

So I won't.

Just trust me on this.

Play 'Tomb Raider' instead.

Or something else.

Van Damme Is A Damn Good Actor In This Sci-fi Killer Thriller

[lukem-52760 · 7/10 · 5 January 2022]

Old school action legend Van Damme is a damn good actor but people don't give him enough credit because he's known for his fighting skills but the guy has excellent acting chops too. Van Damme is a childhood hero of mine & I've spent many nights watching his films on video back in the day, the 90's & i think he's a great actor when given the chance & here he has.

Dependable Veteran actor Michael Rooker (The 6th Day, Slither, Renegade Force, Cliffhanger, Guardians of the Galaxy, Liar) plays a tough Seattle Detective Jack Riley, a man who has been tracking a sadistic serial killer known as "Torch" (because he burns his victims dead bodies) a sinister performance by Van Damme & very well acted, he's creepy & deadly but Detective Riley is unable to get him so before retiring due to the stress of the case a secret security agency gives Riley one more chance at getting the evil Torch by giving Riley a newly created Clone of the killer, called a Replicant. This Clone is supposed to track down the real killer by a telepathic connection & at first Riley isn't happy about this but goes along with it to finally destroy the killer. Replicant is a damn good & well made serial killer thriller with a sci-fi twist & a dark moodiness. Veteran actor Rooker is damn good in his role as the harsh, no-bullsh#t Jack Riley, the tough Cop that Rooker is great at playing & delivers an intense, angry & deep performance. Van Damme is excellent in both his roles & both are so different. Van Damme plays the Replicant as a kind of Autistic or "Special" kind of guy with a constant look of confusion on his face & the opposite is of the killer Torch with his sadistic confidence & intelligence, really Van Damme is a great actor here. I liked the rainy Seattle setting & the moody look of the film & it's very well directed with lots of good action moments but also with alot of depth too. For a low-budget movie Replicant is excellent.

Another underrated film in Van Damme's big movie catalogue. Other underrated gems are: Maximum Risk, Double Team, Knock-Off, TimeCop, Pound of Flesh, Second in Command & well there's more!!! Been a Van Damme fan since little.

At least the ending was fun

[patrick-91640 · 3/10 · 25 November 2021]

Besides that the entire movie is unbearable. The plot is illogical, the acting is horrible, the movie isn't exciting, and not even the action scenes work for me.

Nope. Replicant is just a waste of time and one of JCVD's worst movies of all time to me.

as a retired Van Damme fan, I was actually really surprised.

[Aylmer · 8/10 · 26 April 2003]

I used to be Jean-Claude Van Damme's biggest fan back when I was 13 or so, having seen HARD TARGET on video and then watching every subsequent Van Damme movie up to MAXIMUM RISK (which for some reason I just didn't feel like watching). As it would turn out, I didn't end up seeing any more of his work for the next five years or so, half because it just sounded awful (UNIVERSAL SOLDIER 2) and half because it didn't make it to the theater. Now I'm in video stores all the time seeing flicks like LEGIONNAIRE, DERAILED, and DESERT HEAT, wondering "when did that come out?". They just seem to spring up without warning. REPLICANT was one of those, and I laughed when I first saw the poster in a video store, immediately assuming it was just some awful BLADE RUNNER rip-off.

That said, I finally broke down after two years and rented it based on all the positive stuff I've heard, and I'll say I'll have to go with the flow on this one - it's surprisingly good! Van Damme looks a bit older but he's still in great shape and has more energy than your typical 14-year-old. The problem was that his acting has usually been so stiff that it's hard to root for him as the good guy (watching SUDDEN DEATH I actually was hoping the bad guys would win) - not the case with this movie.

No, believe it or not, Van Damme actually displays an amazing, intriguing, and very believable performance (or is it one?) playing the moronic and childish clone. Michael Rooker, the other reason I broke down and rented this movie, has some really great scenes like when he gets so angered by a call from the psycho-killer that he throws the phone on the ground and smashes it into a million pieces. Rooker also looks a great deal younger and in better shape than in THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS or THE BONE COLLECTOR, playing a more youthfully-minded loner as opposed to a tired old sheriff or something. While this film has a really familiar concept, a lot of those "oh god that's dumb!" moments, and some pretty unmotivated fight scenes (why have the scene where he beats up all the government types in the abandoned building - why were they even there in the first place?), it's really good considering they had a great deal less than $10 million to make this movie, about half of what it would cost to even hire Schwarzenegger to do a film. Take this movie and the extremely similar THE 6TH DAY and run them side by side, and it's almost sad how much better Van Damme's acting is, how much better the cloning concept is handled, and how surprisingly "fresh" everything seems.

Van Damme really does a good job and actually made me care about his character (the clone one, anyway). The best scenes in the movie though have to be Van Damme as the evil twin cutting a swarth of destruction around the city - like kicking old ladies, shooting corpses, or (my favorite) when he shoots the driver of a stopped car he's running past in an intersection FOR NO REASON! If actions spoke louder than words, Jean-Claude would have at least one Academy Award.

Well worth a rental for anyone actually interested in this movie enough to find themselves reading this.

See this movie!!!!!

[movieman55 · 7/10 · 19 October 2001]

this is by far JCVD's best movie. The script is pretty good, JCVD is two great performances(especially the one as the replicant). Mike Rooker is also good as the hard edged cop.The direction of Ringo Lam also puts this film over the top as does the cinematography. I also must say that editing also gives this film a really good pace which never really lets up. The only down side to this is that some charactater development(Yes i am talking about character development in a vandamme movie)could have been a little better, you will see what i mean if you watch the deleted scenes on the dvd. The last thing i want to say is that i cant believe artisan put this straight to video. it deserved to been seen on the big screen. So good story,good acting, and great action sequences make this a must see movie

A JCVD hidden gem!

[covington_c · 4/10 · 15 August 2022]

Sure, Replicant is about what you'd expect from JCVD past his prime. This str8 to vid movie is hardly deplorable... just don't expect too much. Michael Rooker was certainly a nice touch.

At least it's better than Knock Off and Universal Soldier 2

[COMICBOOKSTOREGUY · 24 December 2001]

Replicant stars Van Damme as a killer who is cloned by scientists so that the clone helps capture him.

Van Damme scores his best since Sudden Death in this better than average DTV movie. Ringo Lam delivers some great action scenes and explots Van Damme's physical ability to great affect making Replicant a good movie.

Overall Replicant would have been better if it wasn't so long but in anycase Replicant is a nice change of pace for the muscles from brussels. *** (Out of four)

Avoid this appalling trash like the plague

[skmcg_man · 1/10 · 26 March 2002]

IF ONLY I HAD CREATED a replicant of myself...SO THAT POOR SUCKER COULD HAVE SAT THROUGH THIS MOVIE!

I'm still reeling from the appalling trash that is REPLICANT! I hope the kindly folks at my local AMC theatre near Tokyo Disneyland forgive me for leaving claw marks all over their comfortable seating. HAH. I must admit I didn't walk out.....I was with a friend, and, well, she whispered to me that she kinda liked it, so...well, you know.

Jean-Claude Van Damme AKA The Muscles From Brussels defines himself as an actor in this movie. Hang on...what am I saying? Oh yeah, that's another actor, another movie...Syllabically-challenged Van Damme stinks! His acting is oh-so woefully bad he easily makes a naked store mannequin look like an Academy Award winner. But I suppose I'm the idiot for expecting anything more from this Belgian Waffle. To think he plays two characters in this movie - one a vicious killer, the Torch; the other a drooling, IQ-lacking, Mummy-change-my-nappy replicant...with the very original name, Replicant - so unconvincingly that it actually invokes belly-aching laughter...well it did from me any way! See Van Damme (as the Replicant) bumble, fumble and stumble around the city like a Scientology recruit on the run!

And what can I say about all-rounder Michael Rooker's performance? Ummmm...not much! Does Rooker have to act so damned angry in every movie he makes? His brutish Jake Riley seems fitting at first, but he overplays the role. I did, however, enjoy somewhat his stomach-pounding mistreatment of Van Damme throughout the film. "That's for 'Timecop', and that's for 'Double Impact'..."

On a serious note, the murder scenes are graphic and a real turnoff. Do we really need to see the Torch burning his victims and putting a baby's life at risk? I also found a scene involving the Torch's dead mother to be one of the worst I've ever seen. Not recommended for those with weak stomachs.

My advice is to avoid this movie like the plague.

Skottyrock's rating: 0.5 out of 10

Amusing nonsense

[Sandcooler · 7/10 · 14 January 2011]

Trying to catch a deranged serial killer by cloning him, that's the kind of logic only a Van Damme movie can employ. It has to be said though: this is very different from his usual material, because the writers felt like exploring his range a little. Sure, he has played a double role before in "Double Impact" (why do I know this?), but there it was just tough guy/tough guy. Here it's bad guy/mute, which is very interesting to say the least. I particularly liked the scene where the hapless clone visits a prostitute, Van Damme is actually sorta uhm, dare I say convincing? Villainous Van Damme may just be even better, the long hair and sunglasses is a perfect touch. Michael Rooker is also awesome as usual, whenever I hear that trademark gravelly voice I know the movie can never completely suck. But screw the actors, what about the action? Well, I'm glad to say that it looks really good, even despite the limited budget. Director Ringo Lam apparently really knows how to squeeze every penny and treats us to some excellent brainless mayhem, fun all around. This movie is WAY better than it looks.

Van Damme and The Other Sister

[sirbriang2 · 3/10 · 25 April 2005]

Let me preface this by saying that you should not rate Van Damme movies the same way you would, say, Shindler's List. Or anything that's ever won an award, for that matter. Van Damme movies are horses of a different color. In the case of Replicant, the horse's color doesn't matter as much because the horse certainly deserves to be made into dog food.

This is not a good movie, even by Van Damme's standards. Yes, he plays a dual role in the film. Yes, one of the Van Dammes is a crazy killer. Yes, the other is a clone. Yes, Michael Rooker is the only other actor of note in the movie (yes, I know how sad that is). These elements would make me think Replicant would be an amusing movie. I mean, come on! Van Damme fighting himself is always amusing and when he is also one of the most talented actors in the film, you just know it's going to be stupid. Stupidity and Jean-Claude go together to make dumb action movies.

This movie is just dumb, though. And boring. And WAY too stupid to ignore. The good Van Damme is a clone (or, should I say ... REPLICANT?!?) of the bad Van Damme. He is created to give insight into the mind of the bad Van Damme. Because clones clearly have psychic connections to their evil originators. That is why Congress has outlawed cloning, because it leads to mind reading. And if our children don't read books, by God, they won't read minds.

Obviously, the audience is too stupid to realize that Van Damme is playing two roles that are drastically different, so the bad Van Damme has long hair. If it wasn't for the foresight of the filmmakers, I would have been scratching my head over that one for months; "I thought he was a good guy clone. Why is he evil now? ((sound of me throwing my own feces at the TV))" On the bright side, the good Van Damme shows off his acting skills. I wish I could say that Jean-Claude turns in a winning performance, but this movie was not entered in the Special Olympics, so everyone is not a winner. He does act mentally retarded, though. That is either pretty funny or horribly offensive, depending on your point of view. If only the makers of The Other Sister had realized how easily Van Damme can act like a person doing a bad impression of a handicapped person ... my God. The Other Sister could have had Van Damme playing dual retarded roles. And they would have to fight each other ... like retards! That movie would have so awesome, I would have lost control of your bowels for months.

That's right. I control your bowels. You have to pee ... NOW.

Finally, a JCVD Flick Worthy of Theatrical Release!

[The Terminator · 6/10 · 5 January 2002]

We all know that Van Damme has made some good movies, none that are really memorable but at least entertaining. Sadly, he is more renowned for his bad films - the late nineties saw a string of them: Double Team, Knock Off, Universal Soldier 2, Desert Heat. And, as much as I like the guy, he got his just deserts when they started to be released Direct-to-Video. However, when a film like Replicant comes along, this is where the tragedy really happens. It deserves sooooo much more credit. Now, by no means is Replicant Oscar winning material, far from it actually, but it is nevertheless a gripping, original flick. For one of the first times in a JCVD film, we really feel pity for a character - Replicant, as he is constantly beaten up and abused. Van Dammes acting as the clone is fantastic as is his portrayal of The Torch. The film has some fantastic stuntwork, from the incredibly realistic destruction of the Torch's apartment to the ambulance chase between the same guy and Jake (Michael Rooker). I honestly believe that this film is worthy of a wide theatrical release, it's just a shame it never happened as this truly marks the comeback for JCVD.

To conclude, Replicant is a very dark, sometimes unsettling thriller that really draws you into the action. It takes a while to get going but the ending is fantastic. Performances all round were good and the action scenes were quite simply beautiful. It just seems like it's too little too late for the Muscles from Brussels...

Another silly van Dame movie

[Hang_All_Drunkdrivers · 4/10 · 7 February 2005]

If you ever saw the film "boys from brazil" you know how stupid it is to think that a Hitler clone would grow up to be like Hitler. Nevertheless, the same premise is used here. A serial killer is running loose so the cops get a hair sample somehow from the dood and make a clone figuring he will think just like the psycho. Well.... in this movie he does. In fact the replicant has even the memories of the killer's crimes! Plus his martial arts skills!! Now what kind of sense does that make? MAJOR SPOILER - The ending of this film really is a laugher. The killer and his replicant are in a building that explodes in a horrific fashion. Three minutes later the replicant is shown without a mark on him and talking to his girlfriend!! No explanation given.

Only good thing in this flick is VD's performance as the psycho. He's got long black hair and creepy sunglasses and really does look sinister.

Bizarre acting stretch for Van Damme.

[gridoon · 6/10 · 18 August 2003]

Van Damme is surprisingly convincing in both of his roles (if you thought you could never take him seriously as a serial killer, this may prove you wrong), and the film is efficiently directed by Ringo Lam, who choreographs some high-powered action sequences and one or two outstanding set pieces. But the story is rather poorly thought-out (the clone supposedly helps the cop find the killer, but he isn't really very helpful and usually the killer finds them first), and some scenes are gratuitously harsh and violent. Oh, and the whole serial killer "thing" is getting kind of tired and overused lately, don't you think? (**)

My cousin is a little... special

[TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews · 5/10 · 21 November 2012]

Jake(Rooker, enjoyable to watch as usual) is a cop, obsessed with a serial killer(Van Damme, who, like we see in The Expendables 2, is a much better villain than hero), Torch(so named because of his MO... he uses a knife. ...OK, yeah, it's fire, obviously), who in turn stalks him, because films like Se7en made money. Government agents have the latter cloned(no, no, wait! It... it gets even better!), since they were going to hunt down terrorists like that(!), and, as we all know, "genetics carry memories"(I *told* you! Didn't I?). The best part about the latter is that it's just... slung out there(accompanied by the words "science has proved", which I think is one of those sayings that people use when they know that it just ain't so, like "no offense"). It's like they have it said out loud just to see if it gets any stupider like that, if it gets worse than it looks on the page of the screenplay. How is this going to help? ...who said it would, they just wanted two of him, like in Double Impact(it took a decade to forget why it was so wrong the first time). No, I'm kidding. There's a psychic link between the two. Duh! At this point in reading this, I can only imagine you're bleeding from the ear from the concentrated idiocy of the core concept, so let's not dwell on that any longer. The titular Replicant(yes, yes, that's... very cute, you watched Blade Runner, we get it) is like a child(or possibly even less mentally adept... perhaps that's just JCVD's vacant expression... to be fair, he does well in this role, as well, and the shift between the two is seamless), and our other lead has to take care of him, and this is where it gets interesting, as there is a mirroring, and the nature vs. nurture debate is handled, without being preachy(not that it's entirely subtle, either). Acting is decent. The action is OK, though it barely really needed to be the Belgian Karate champ in the dual role - he gets to do some of those kicks we like to see, sure, but that seems like the afterthought, as he mostly doesn't go up against anyone skillful(he's mostly taking on regular people... and for some reason, he at one point uses a vacuum cleaner as a weapon... no, really). Who looks at him and thinks "mass murderer"? At best, it is quite tense and fast-paced, such as the climax and at least one of the chases. It goes for usual genre clichés(even the relatively recent one of "unmotivated personal endangerment by supposedly professional protagonist"), and we get a one-liner or two that are as dumb as they are uninspired. Ringo Lam, who also helmed Maximum Risk, directs this(and gets us into it, at times, using excitement to distract from... well, scroll back up and see it again, if you've regained your senses and blocked it out), presumably because he was disappointed that his last "two of Jean-Claude" flick didn't have them both featured, and alive, at the same time(on that, while the majority of the tricks to make it look like there's two of him are as unconvincing as his usual performance, there are several effective bits). There is some moderate to strong language, bloody violence and disturbing content as well as a little sexuality(no nudity, and mostly audio) in this. I recommend this to fans of its stars. 5/10

A Better Quality DTV Product

[tarbosh22000 · 8/10 · 12 May 2010]

Unlike Seagal's crop of DTV crud, Van Damme has been making a very strong effort to make his releases better. "Replicant" is one of them. This is the fourth movie that Van Damme has been in where he plays two people. (See also: "Double Impact", "Maximum Risk", and "Timecop") I wonder if that's in his contract. The plot is: A serial killer named "The Torch" (Van Damme) is on the loose. Rogue cop Jake Riley (Rooker) has to stop him. When "Torch" leaves one of his strands of hair at the crime scene, the idea is to clone him and stop him.

Van Damme plays the clone like a baby. He has to learn to speak, walk and fight. It's a very good performance. Michael Rooker puts in his usual gruff performance. Ringo Lam directs the action scenes with a lot of style and energy. The climatic fight between both clones is fun but we've seen it before.

"Replicant" is definitely worth seeing. The fans will enjoy it and non-fans I think will be surprised by Van Damme's performance.

For more insanity, please visit comeuppancereviews.com

Jean Claude turns heel!!

[KHayes666 · 7/10 · 23 April 2005]

Never thought I'd see the day where Jean Claude plays a bad guy....even if he's also playing a good guy in the same movie. This movie was better than I expected and Michael Rooker turned in a performance not seen since his role of Chick Ghandil in Eight Men Out.

This movie combined sci-fi, with drama, action and lust. I found it hard to hate Van Damme's heel character "The Torch" for it did seem like he was tortured as a child. As for his good guy role, he did a nice job of playing the dumb replica and Rooker was hilarious as his owner/mentor.

The ending was kind of dumb where he goes back to the prostitute because how was he going to live with no understanding of a job system, money or anything like that.

This movie wasn't like anything Van Damme has done before and it was original to see him play the heel for once.

7 out of 10

Largest crap I have ever had to swallow:(

[Soluchan · 1/10 · 2 June 2003]

I forced myself to watch this. I can only imagine swallowing a load of dog crap would worse. I don't usually use poor language like this, however I will make an exception as I do not want to insult the English language. THIS MOVIE WAS HORRIBLE!!!!