Death Warrant

Audience Reviews

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Theodore G Oct 23, 2018 Van Damme in prison. Great Fight scenes.

Albus M Jul 25, 2018 Although made in 1990 this is an 80s action film! This is a dumb action movie that will please fans of the late 80s early 90s action era. At this point in time action movies ruled at the box office and Arnold Schwarzenegger was the box office juggernaut. To put it into context this is the year Arnie released Total Recall and Kindergarden Cop, Sly Stallone was wrapping up his Rocky series with the disappointing Rocky V, Die Hard 2, Predator 2, Another 48 hours were all riding high at the box office. Along with Steven Seagal in Hard to Kill. Seagal and JCVD were the pretenders to the action movie throne at this time. Although neither would reach the heights of Arnie and Sly. So, this was a different time and there was a lot to admire about JCVD back then. He was the scrappy underdog, his films did not have the production values of his peers but he was a bonafide star and his star was rising. This film was made during his peak. Coming off the back of his best 2 films Bloodsport and Kickboxer and made the same year as A.W.O.L (depending on where you live! Lionheart in Canada!) Death Warrant was his first film removed of a total martial arts background. Set in a prison and playing an undercover cop, this was his first real "acting role" prior to this he just played a martial arts guy and the film showcased his skills within that domain. So, it has teething problems from the start as it is really just an action vehicle for a rising star. He does have lines but his limited grasp of English is covered up with him being from Canada! nice touch! The film its self is a rip off of Stallone's so bad it's good Lock up that was set in a prison but, whereas that film took its self too seriously this film is very tongue in cheek throughout. The bad guy in this film, The Sandman is a memorable highlight but the final showdown between the 2 is a little disappointing. Overall this is a decent action film from that era. Up against better films at the box office but a solid video rental back in the day. For JCVD fans this is still better than a lot of his later films and has a low budget charm. After this JCVD would make his box office break through in Double impact in '91 and follow that up with Universal Soldier, which became a cult classic in '92 and probably what he is best remembered for in terms of his Hollywood movies. This film is a straight forward action thriller with a good villain and is a good watch for action fans. For a film of that era it lacks the cheesy 80's soundtrack and the corny nature of other films but is a worthy watch for anyone new to JCVD or on a JCVD binge! I would say this is a guilty pleasure along with Cyborg and they are both entertaining action films from that video rental era. See more

Rey W Apr 21, 2018 Van Damme has a presence to him & this prison had a strong atmosphere to it, very underrated JCVD flick. Van Damme goes undercover as a cop in jail to discover these murders, very compelling & the film understands suspense, mystery & problem solving. One of Van Damme's best films in his top 10. See more

Hermione L Oct 8, 2016 There's more focus on the mystery than the action, and in a movie starring JCVD, you'd expect more action.

Han S Apr 20, 2007 4/14/2017 (2): A decent movie. There should have been more action for JCVD flick though.

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Death Warrant

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