The Last Mercenary (2021) User Reviews

JCVD was awesome, but the rest was cheese.

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 6/10 · 31 July 2021]

This film was way too long. The 110 runtime felt endless with too many long and unnecessary scenes. You could easily trim off 20 mins, and the slow pacing wouldn't feel as obvious, and you'd still get the gist of the story, and probably in a more enjoyable way.

Novice writer and director David Charhon's directing wasn't bad for a newb, but he certainly needed to tweak his screenplay. It was convoluted, and there were just too many plot and technical issues, and was also riddled with pretty much every cheesy cliche of this genre. The best part of this entire film were the last 15 min or so, where you'll find the most action and laughs. Everything prior is mainly useless filler.

The "comedy" was pretty stale, goofy and cliched - I may have laughed a few times, and the cartoonish cast didn't make the comedy any funnier, or the story any better. Most of their characters were annoying and some even cringeworthy. JCVD of course delivered, especially during the fight scenes, and he was even surprisingly hilarious.

Nevertheless, it's much better than the Bruce Willis and Steven Seagal garbage that's come out in the last few years. If you're a JCVD fan, this is a must see... his performance (and flexibility) is awesome.

You Can't Turn Back Time

[RivereyesGR · 6/10 · 14 October 2021]

This is a very goofy, lighthearted, 90's action comedy throwback that mostly fizzles horribly and is destined to be watched by men in their late 30's and early 40's, as we desperately reach for the warm, careless glow of our long gone adolescence.

Even though Van Damme is in on the joke and a couple of the character actors turn in amusing performances, it is almost impossible to watch in its entirety. Ultimately, it just reminds you why you can never really go back home again.

Expect a comedy instead of an action film.

[Nicky_Cage · 6/10 · 2 August 2021]

I'm happy for Van Damme that he finally managed to do a French comedy, but it's sadly rather average. And for those expecting an action-packed comedy change your expectations to a comedy film with a handful of action scenes.

The story setup was fun but quickly fades out and this leaves the side characters rather uninteresting and underdeveloped. The comedy, with exception of a few fun references and disguises, didn't amuse me but hey, it might amuse you ;). But of course, the main reason you'd watch this is for Van Damme and as per usual he delivers a solid performance with some fun action scenes (that sadly did get a little over-edited). It's all right for what it is but I think it's one of his lesser films and would recommend watching Jean-Claude Van Johnson (2016) instead.

5.5/10.

Boring and cliche

[Luv2Spooge · 3/10 · 30 June 2022]

The opening sequence looked amazing. But then the film just fell apart from there. To be honest, it probably would've been better if it was done as a serious film and cut the comedic elements. For comedy, this plot was way too complicated and convoluted. People watch comedy to relax and laugh, not trying to piece together a puzzle.

But even the comedic part was terrible in this film. I don't mind as much the slapstick humor, but the constant twitching and sarcasm and funny faces just makes this more of a joke than the jokes they tell.

Of course the major issue is how boring it is. A lot of talking, pointless talking. In a JCVD film, we want to see actions and though there were plenty in the end, for 90% of the film it was just talking and more talking about their convoluted plot.

Overall a poorly scripted and made film.

3/10.

Van Damme goes action-packed agent parody

[Shadowboy_25cm · 7/10 · 31 July 2021]

Jean-Claude van Damme is back with an action-packed agent parody. Made in France.

Quirky humor, snappy action and completely free of seriousness. Turn off your brain and just be entertained.

If you are simply looking for an entertaining action-comedy with lots of movie quotes and references, comic-like characters, lots of irony and well-laid actors like Jean-Claude van Damme, Miou-Miou, Alban Ivanov, Patrick Timsit, Eric Judor and Nassim Si Ahmed, who visibly enjoyed and had fun with the film, you will have fun with the film, too.

Better than I'd hoped. Tongue in cheek fun.

[jljacobi · 7/10 · 2 August 2021]

JVCD is still charismatic, and not afraid to lampoon himself at this point in his career, so there's that going for this French comedy/adventure. Everyone knows it's dumb fun, and that's the way everyone plays it. I found the acting generally top-notch, and the characters likeable. Even the antagonists.

For what it is, it's very well-made, and quite funny at times. There are scenes you know are just there to appeal to a certain demographic, but that's hard not to find that in a movie these days. I really enjoyed the somewhat eclectic soundtrack which adds to the mood.

I never fast-forwarded which is more than I can say for a lot of modern movies. Take it for what it is, understand that the humor is somewhat French, and enjoy it.

Bad and far from expected

[mortaz-kz · 3/10 · 19 August 2021]

The film was not what I thought it would be. A simple and childish story with long and tedious conversations that does not encourage the viewer to continue the film. The games were very superficial, especially Jean-Claude, an amateur chef and far from expected. Given the actor's brilliant performances over the years, such a faint play was unlikely. Maybe it would be better for him to leave acting so that his good memories do not spoil in the minds of his fans any more.

A nice jcvd shake and french humor

[nouyrigatantoine · 7/10 · 1 August 2021]

An entertaining Jcvd mxed with other comic actors like Djimo; A fairly simple plot and not-so-crazy fights, but a mix of action and humor that hits the mark.

Not for me

[hifiman-62270 · 4/10 · 2 August 2021]

. Perhaps as i watched the dubbed version it was worse...poor film really. A not very funny comedy. Below average fight scenes( clearly van damme not doing them either for the most part)..silly. To be fair van damme was actually ok in it.

Tribute to the 90s Van Damme

[burgif · 8/10 · 1 August 2021]

Well done Jean Claude; in this age and still fit for such part.

A very French Film

[web-amazon-15964 · 7/10 · 31 July 2021]

There are a lot of reviews denigrating this film, but I suspect that a lot of of this is down to cultural differences. This is typical French humour and it's refreshing to see van Damme play to it, which I think he is pretty good at.

Jackie Chan employs a lot of humour (and stunt doubles) in his films and gets away with it - and I think van Damme manages the same.

All in all, an amusing film and very French.

Waste of time

[moynulislamneloi · 1/10 · 10 August 2021]

Don't waste your time by watching this movie, nonsense storyline, stupid dialogues , cheap making & crappy acting. Totally disappointed.

Waste of time

[pintcat-96742 · 1/10 · 2 August 2021]

Lame secret agent story which desperately tries to be funny. But it isn't and it shouldn't be.

Great fun

[carlos-pires · 7/10 · 8 August 2021]

This is a very funny and entertaining movie that not only nods to Van Damme's old movies, but it is also in the good tradition of french comedies of the mid 20th century.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a nod and a wink at spy and action movies.

Baler movie

[siamssc · 1/10 · 5 August 2021]

This movie insults our country. How could they insult our product. We never make bulletproof vest in our country, then why they lied. Our happened to be the best importers of fashion goods. Bt now currently we are at third position in the world. Many big big fashion leaders give order to our country. We deliver them quality products, so dont spread hatred of our country.

It's decent

[dschlatter · 7/10 · 1 August 2021]

I was waiting for this one for some time. As a long-time fan, I've had to deal with some pretty unwatchable films through JCVD's more recent career. God for him, that he was able to to this film for Netflix. The movie is not great. Very few Netflix productions are... but it entertains and it shows VD in a different light. It is a decent movie. Nothing to you'll still be talking about in ten years, but it is fun to watch. And wasn't it the whole point of the movie?

I started of bored

[niall_mcconnell · 1/10 · 6 August 2021]

I started of bored and that was as good as it got.

Fun Ride!

[jwinzz · 7/10 · 6 August 2021]

If you don't take yourself or this movie too seriously, you'll enjoy it for what it was meant to be. Just lay back and enjoy the ride. Filled with classic French humor, parody, funny script. I'm a JCVD fan, so enjoyed seeing him in a light hearted movie with some good action scenes. I watched it in French, with English subtitles. The only way! Enjoy.

Wtf van damne

[scoobydoo-29055 · 1/10 · 5 August 2021]

Most likely his worst movie ever or 2nd to worst. This movie is plain stupid. The script was horrible and the acting? He looks like Mario from Mario brothers lmfao . The whole movie is a voice over french in fake looking English mouthed words. It's like watching a 1970s Godzilla movie where the mouths move 1/2 second too slow for what's being said in English. He promoted this movie on his fb page and still is. It's HORRIBLE. I'd rather watch bloodsport 20x over than to have to sit through this cr@p again.

Great To See JCVD Having Fun

[jamesparry1979 · 9/10 · 31 July 2021]

I don't know what people are complaining about. It's a fun film with Van Damme doing what he does best. The only downside for me is it's in French, I'm an English speaker, but apart from that I loved it. Van Damme fans will love it & there's a few nods to his past movies in there too. It's an enjoyable film if you don't get too caught up in thinking it should be a masterpiece.

Strange Start to Great Ending

[deepfrieddodo · 7/10 · 27 August 2021]

Brilliant to see a famed European actor actually play a part in a European film, and JCVD does not disappoint. His acting cannot be faulted, whether it be in action or comedy, and his emotional range is on display. The plot isn't so clear though, and there is a disparity in quality between the two halves on the film. Perhaps some parts are lost through subtitles, but despite the basic premise being very simple to follow (as in, who is good, who is bad, who is stupid), the intricacies that tie everything together are so unclear until you move into the second half. There are points where you may just wonder what an earth is going on.

The supporting cast are well-picked alongside the star, not only capturing a relatively diverse group of characters, but each one distinct and with enough backstory to engage with without dwelling on the unnecessary. The choreography is great, and JCVD is able to crack out his classic moves, not only in fighting, but his dance moves too. The number of Easter eggs involved will provide great joy to any JCVD or even just action fan.

Everything comes together nicely, it's light-hearted but high-octane, a modern masterclass as to what JCVD's films are most famous for.

Trash

[divinalondon · 1/10 · 3 August 2021]

Switched it off after the 3rd "joke". Is this supposed to be funny??

Generic Storyline , unfunny and Not Enough Action.

[BloodyPredator2 · 5/10 · 31 July 2021]

It´s nice to see Van Damme still making movies and he shows us he has Humor. However his latest Movie The Last Mercenary is a French production and I'm not a Fan of French Movies. The Plot is very Generic and I find this movie in some parts Boring and not real funny. The Action in this Movie is also briefly packed mainly some short Fights and Car Chase scenes and I don´t care for the supporting characters at all.

Overall a mediocre Film, I would rate this movie with generous 5 Stars and that just because of Van Damme presence in this movie.

History

[kosmasp · 7/10 · 1 August 2021]

Are you a van Damme fan? This is not like the JCVD movie we got from him. This is way more "serious" overall. Yet from the beginning we can tell it does wink and tell us it is as much a fan of the man as we are (probably). So as you can see I have seen almost anything van Damme has put out and while the movie has many movie references (not just as movie posters, but also visually and then some, Scarface I'm looking at you), it works best for those who know van Dammes movies.

Right from the start, you don't just get the splits, but the scene reminded me very much of one of the very first hits of the man himself: Cyborg! A movie I need to rewatch asap. The last mercenary ... we can tell he has aged. He knows he has aged ... and yet he's still fighting. But he has some acting moments too ... he was always good when it came to goofing around. If you liked and appreciated that, you'll get that here too.

So while I said it is more serious than JCVD, I only meant he is not playing himself here (no pun intended) ... you'll find plenty of humor and jokes here. Some I might have even missed myself. Not his best movie, but more than a decent effort, especially considering the history and baggage this is able to lift ...

Yeak

[sflbpp · 1/10 · 5 August 2021]

Is it a movie!!!

Weak storyline.. They tried to complete the movie shooting fastly. I just waste my time by watching this movie.