Jean Claude Van Damme: A Retrospecticus

Jean-Claude Van Damme doesn't get much respect as an action star. He ranks somewhere between Michael Dudikoff and Arnold Swarzenegger. The problem is that his ranking is way too close to Stephen Segal for my liking. I think the Muscles from Brussels isn't getting the respect he deserves. As a kid, I thought Cyborg and Bloodsport were awesome. I still think that No Retreat, No Surrender is possibly the great movie ever made. So, I'm going to figure out why VanDamme isn't considered one of the best by reviewing his work.

Van Damme's first major role was in Breakin' as Uncredited. I think you'll see that Van Damme was tough from the very beginning. Let's check out Van Damme's awesomeness on display.

Yes, that really is Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Nothing says "future action star" like a unitard and cheering on break dancers.
Look at that acting. He really seems into it. Look at him cheer on Kelly.

Wow, look at that guy's unit! That thing is huge.

I think I figured it out. I know where his career went down the toilet. He was upstaged by a penis. Look at that thing though. It's massive with emphasis on the "mass." I could park my car under it. That thing should have a parade in it's honor. If I were the mayor, I'd give it the key to the city. Kids should get a day off of school every February for something that impressive.

Anyway...at least we still have Bloodsport and No Retreat, No Surrender (seriously, see this movie) to remember the good ol' days.