Double Impact *** (1991, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Geoffrey Lewis, Alonna Shaw) – Classic Movie Review 2128

Director Sheldon Lettich’s passably impactful 1991 action thriller provides Jean-Claude Van Dammes with twin roles, which proved so popular that he repeated the formula over and over.

Van Damme plays twins separated on the death of their parents. One is a foppish LA aerobics instructor-kickboxer, while the other is a mean and moody cigar-chomper. Chad is raised by a family retainer in Paris, while Alex becomes a petty crook in Hong Kong.

The fop’s uncle (Geoffrey Lewis) brings the two Jean-Claudes together and, with a bit of snarling, they get together to do battle with the villains after Chad convinces Alex that his rival in Hong Kong is also the man who killed their parents.

Fortunately the hunky, athletic Muscles from Brussels isn’t too tested in the acting department and provides plenty of his usual charm and action skill. It’s now considered one of his most popular movies.

Sheldon Lettich reunited with Van Damme for The Order in 2001.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2128

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