Second in Command (2006)

Upon watching JCVD's previous movie wake of death,I knew it would take something special to top that monster.Unfortunately SIC is not gonna do it.But it does manage a bit of suspense,a lot of bang for the buck,Some competent direction,and some decent actors That manage to rise above the proceedings.

After nearly a two year absence Jean Claude returns with the siege flick Second in Command in which he is a special forces type of guy who who is made second in Command To the US ambassador in a small euro-country on the brink of war and chaos.It gets worse when the local Prez seeks sanctuary at the US Embessy causing the local insurgents to target it as well.Its up to JCVD to lead them into the light.

The action is fairly good a bit realistic,and on the brutal side.Van Damme does not have a lot fight time in this one.Though there is one of 3 that is just down and dirty street-like that fans will enjoy.Lots of machine gun fire and explosions.Some decent twists along the way also.

Van Damme is just as good here as he was in WOD.He gives a very steady and controlled performance in this one.He has arrived.The rest of the cast are good.Julie Cox handles the dramatics very well.Razzaq Adoti is likable as ever.Leading man anyone? William Tapply provides smugness,and a-holisem as the CIA guy out for JC.Much like Ron Silver in Timecop did.Velibor Topic is in Arnold Voosloo mode as the leader of the insurgents.

Simon Fellows does a good Job of keeping things moving forward and directing.He even gives the movie a documentary-like feel to some of the scenes.With each movie he is getting better.Van Damme regular Doug Milsome give the movie a crisp look as always.

There are a few gripes.There should have been more tanks.Continuity issues abound.CGI work is merely okay.There could have been more Mano-a-Mano involving JC.Some of the camera work is a bit shaky.

But with IN Hell,WOD,and SIC Van Damme is becoming a credible actor.I was a bit worried when he signed with MCPA that SIC would end up like the Marksman or the latest Seagal trash.Not so thankfully.