10 Reasons Why Jean-Claude Van Damme Rules

I expect many of our readers might not know about the 1990′s action stars that warm us older fan’s hearts. That’s a shame because you might not have known about the awesomeness that is Jean-Claude Van Damme. Who do you guys like? Jason Stratham? Please. Tony Jaa? Yeah, he’s cool, but he only has a few films under his belt, and other stars are just studio action stars. You want the real deal? With his sudden resurgence back in this new era of action with JCVD and Universal Soldier: Regeneration, Jean-Claude Van Damme is back and us 90′s action lovers could not be happier.

But some of you just don’t understand why, and let me tell you why in 10 Reasons why Jean-Claude Van Damme Rules.

10 – It’s all in the name

Dubbed the “Muscles from Brussels”, Jean-Claude Van Damme stormed into open competitive fighting with a final fight record of 18-1, as all wins came by knockout. Shortly after his last fight, Van Damme went into his film career, but his record proves he is the real deal. What’s that you say? That was so long ago? Well, look for Van Damme to fight for a chance at the title in March 2010.

9 – He’s the original Predator!

Yes, that Predator. Before Kevin Peter Hall was cast as the Predator for John McTeirnan in 1987, Van Damme was original cast as the alien. But due to the height of the actor and the fact that he was hidden behind a costume, Van Damme politely bowed out. It’s true that Hall was perfect as the creature, but how sweet would that have been to see Van Damme versus Arnold!

8 – Van Damme vs. Van Damme times 5

This might be a record for an actor: Van Damme has appeared in five films, Double Impact, Timecop, Maximum Risk, The Order, and Replicant that feature him in dual roles. Robert Zemeckis has nothing on JCVD!

7- Johnny Cage wins!

Back in 1992, Midway’s classic Mortal Kombat was released to the delight of many fighting fans. The character of Johnny Cage; a flamboyant, action-movie star was modeled after Van Damme. The most notable trait they shared is the incredible splits that Cage does, mimicking Van Damme, who in the late 80′s was showcasing his ability to do some incredible splits.

6 – The man can dance!

While many will always remember his incredible fighting skills, Van Damme is also an accomplished trained dancer. For some fun, re-watch Kickboxer when Van Damme gets drunk and grooves on the dance floor, or watch the music video from Bob Sinclar, “Kiss My Eyes”.

5 – The Charm from Brussels

While action is his game, more so than other action stars outside of Arnold, is Van Damme’s charm. Many forget he is actually a funny guy, as seen in his roles in 1994′s flop Street Fighter and in 1999′s Universal Soldier: The Return. Need further proof? Watch the Friends episode “The One After the Superbowl”. Smile, Van Damme, you ham.

4 – Lionheart

1990′s Lionheart might not be an instant Van Damme classic, but the film showcases Van Damme at his best. He’s the everyman, seeking redemption for the better good of his sister-in-law, through underground arena fighting. Van Damme takes a beating, but in the end comes out victorious, eventually severing his ties to the French Legion, and coming back to his family. Plus, his banter with actor Harrison Page is a blast to watch. The fight scenes are brutal for 1990, and this film needs a better DVD/Blu-ray release ASAP. “LLiiiooonhhheeaarrt!!!!”

3 -His Comeback

Redemption in Hollywood is a rare thing, and by a rare chance of luck, Van Damme is back in 2010 with a career defining performance in JCVD and an action-frenzied Universal Soldier: Regeneration. Now only is it rare for an actor to be granted with a chance to shine, Van Damme takes full advantage of the opportunity, proving his critics wrong for these films. Will he continuing his comeback into an outright “He’s back” is yet to be seen. His next film is Eagle Path that is still currently finding a distributor, but at least for this moment in time, he’s shedding the notion of being an action icon of a by gone era, and showing us why he is just an action star for all time.

2 – Hard Target

Arguably his best film, this film is also the first American production for the Chinese great John Woo, who brought his stylistic sensibilities away from Chow Yun-Fat and gave Van Damme it. While Woo’s American films have been very hit-or-miss, in 1993′s Hard Target Woo gives us his signature action elements, as well as a good performance by Lance Henricksen and Van Damme. “Poor people get bored too.” Hopefully, Universal will release the Director’s Cut soon on Blu-ray.

1 – The Monologue

While JCVD was his comeback film after years of tinkering away in DTV land, the film’s big monologue Van Damme gives is not only the highlight of the film, but a poignant and touching speech that not only echoes the theme of JCVD, but is strangely a raw, and telling speech that one fully believes in Van Damme’s assessment of his career and life.

“It’s real life. Real life. I’ve seen so many things. I was born in Belgium, but I’m a citizen of the world. I’ve traveled a lot. It’s hard for me to judge people and it’s hard for them… not to judge me. Easier to blame me. Yeah, something like that.”

If you don’t know about Van Damme, now you know. For people unaware, I hope you rediscover the Van Dammage. Is there a favorite Van Damme moment of yours, not included here? Feel free to leave a comment!