Runtime: I saw the 100 minutes version
Directed by: John Woo
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Yancy Butler, Lance Henriksen, Arnold Vosloo, Wilford Brimley
From: Several different entities
Finally I saw the “Unrated International Cut” via the Kino Lorber 4K release. Note that the disc I splurged on via an Amazon order earlier this month was the “corrected” version instead of the original release where in essence the audio channels were reversed—a real “whoops” on Kino’s part. This was in fact originally watched in the 90’s via a VHS rental—the last viewing was ages ago. Audio snafus aside, Kino did a great job with the picture so it was the best way to experience Hard Target. As I wanted the 4K experience and only the physical disk gave me that option…
John Woo’s American debut was a riff on The Most Dangerous Game; a common riff yet one which usually at least is a swell idea on paper. In this case, there is some backstory given to how Lance Henriksen is an evil SOB who goes around the world to advantageous places in order to have other A-holes pay to hunt human beings… in this case, homeless veterans. No comment on how they’re in New Orleans as there’s a police strike or how homeless people are treated in real life. Those not in the United States, that has become a HUGE political issue here for a litany of reasons best not discussed here.
What is important for the sake of Hard Target was that Henriksen and his main henchman Arnold Vosloo were despicable bad guys while it was easy to root for Van Damme (sporting some tremendous hair) as a veteran experiencing hard times herself and the lovely Yancy Butler as someone trying to locate her father.
Some improbable moments aside, the film was a lot of fun. There are some one-liners, actor charisma, the expected Woo flourishes-including white doves!-and most importantly, bitchin’ action scenes. All of those delivered between the JCVD martial arts and a panoply of different guns. The extended finale is especially spectacular. For what wasn’t a particularly large role, Wilford Brimley was unforgettable as Van Damme’s Uncle Douvee, the biggest Cajun you’d ever meet. Those that love the movie like I do, the 4K is a must.
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