Replicant **½ (2001, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Michael Rooker, Catherine Dent) – Classic Movie Review 2089

Director Ringo Lam’s 2001 action thriller is a fair vehicle for Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Michael Rooker co-stars as a burnt-out rogue cop called Detective Jake Riley, who is on the hunt for a pyromaniac serial killer known as The Torch targeting single mothers. So Riley teams up with a clone of his intended prey created from the killer’s DNA by a shadowy organisation called the National Security Force. But can his double be trusted?

This sometimes tired, illogical and cheap-looking sci-fi action thriller recycles some old ideas none too freshly. But at least a fired-up Jean-Claude Van Damme is back on form in both roles and obviously enjoying himself. And, once again, director Lam pumps up the adrenalin in the dynamically handled action scenes. Also, Rooker is ideal, holding it all together.

This is the fourth movie where Van Damme plays two people – after Double Impact, Maximum Risk and Timecop.

It went straight to video in the UK.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2089

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