Sudden Death ***½ (1995, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Powers Boothe, Raymond J Barry) Classic Movie Review 2087

Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as disgraced former fireman Darren McCord, who tries to save the US Vice President (Raymond J Barry) from Sudden Death by a nasty villain (Powers Booth)’s group of terrorists. They are also threatening to blow up a Pittsburg ice hockey stadium during a packed Cup final match unless they’re paid a vast ransom.

This slickly handled 1995 action thriller is one of Van Damme’s best movies, moving through all its stock characters and implausibilities like a soldier in a minefield – except much, much faster.

A movie that’s entertaining and exciting throughout and builds to a great climax, it is a huge credit to Van Damme and director Peter Hyams, who reunite here after their Timecop hit in 1994.

The really useful screenplay is by Gene Quintano, based on a story by Karen Elise Baldwin.

Also in the cast are Whittni Wright, Ross Mallinger, Dorian Harewood, Kate McNeil, Michael Gaston, Audra Lindley, Brian Delate and Steve Aronson.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2087

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