Black Water (2018) Reviews

• Best left alone

  ayaz-s2018-05-25

  Everything about this movie is grade C, from props, sets, direction, story, action etc. If anything it is trying to bring Van Damme back to life but unfortunately there is not much of that left in him. The guy can hardly move now and so should avoid attempting to relive his past. Unrealistic shootouts and action scenes seal the fate of this movie.

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• Noble intentions, disapointing realities.

  Nero4042018-06-01

  In appreciating and evaluating "Black Water", you need to make some nuances. If you are a fan of JCVD and Dolph Lundgren, there's no doubt you'll at least applaud the concept of this flick and appreciate what they are trying to do here. But you'll also be all the more disappointed, as the movie does not live up to it's excellent set-up. Largely because of what seems to me an overall lack of funds: the set, the writing, direction, and the vast majority of actors are sadly sub-par, bringing the movie down to something painfully average at best. That doesn't mean it's not enjoyable as an action flick, especially if you're a fan of Van Damme or Lundgren. But it has some painful flaws that actively hurt the viewing experience and in no way does it live up to the very hype concept. So, what's good and what's bad? The short opening scene is extremely pleasing and exciting. It's mysterious and has a slight horror-aspect to it, kind of like Pound of Flesh with Van Damme. But it's also amusing thanks to Lundgren's character, which was obviously a role written with him in mind. And above all it gets you pumped for a good action flick with two icons. Are JCVD and Lundgren going to have to escape an under water jail? Is this going to be Death Warrant meets Under Siege meets The Expendables? Whoever thought of the basic idea for this movie, knows what's up: this is exactly the kind of concept you want for a cool old school action movie with a few of your favourite old action stars. Sadly the second scene, which is a flashback to how Van Damme ended up where he is, is one of the worst in the entire film. It involves one of the weakest aspects of this movie: the shoot-outs. This scene was supposed to be a big action-packed shoot-out, with an emotional finale. Sadly it doesn't deliver anything: it's boring, has next to no cool action moments. It just feels ridiculous and unbelievable, and not in a good funny way. The gun-action feels uninspired and has no impact. This movie feels like a really good idea executed poorly. You could blame the director, the cast, or whoever's in charge of casting, or the set. But I think we should just blame the budget. If this had been a big budget film the action scenes, the cast, ... all those aspects would have been way better. The movie does have some good moments, and it's in these moments that you feel what this movie should have been. What this movie needs? 1: Re-writing of the scenes and especially the action scenes. I KNOW Van Damme has still got it. Why doesn't he do cool looking kicks in this film? 2: a better, more impactful villain, 3: more screen-time with Lundgren, 4: better actors for the crew and female agents. I still love the idea and attempt. I love that Van Damme still makes movies. Because of that, and because it was in the end 'okay' for the most part, I still gave it a 7/10 through nostalgic glasses. I would recommend watching it at least once, it will likely give you some enjoyment and laughs, but don't go in expecting a great revival of old-school action. For that the action itself is too lacking, not to mention the other flaws.

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• A sloppy attempt at an action movie

  CountJonnie2018-04-05

  Both Van Damme and Lundgren are on the decline, with memories of Expendables and JCVD, as proof that action heroes still exist and can sometimes even act. Alas, Black Water doesn't even come close. Black Water is about JCVD being a CIA agent carrying secret information and gets framed . After being caught he finds himself on a top secret submarine prison, where Lundgren is another inmate. Van Damme has to escape and fight his way through the bad guys, and try to prove that he is the good guy. First of all, the story is a mess. Which is forgivable, if at least the actors seem to be having what resembles fun. Let me tell you, Van Damme does NOT have fun. He looks older, more tired and uninspired than ever. Maybe Lundgren is enjoying himself, if only he knew what accent he is supposed to have in this movie, where he is trying to be a German. If all above is not bad enough, than that might be because you are expecting some decent action scenes. Boy are you in for disappointment, because not a single person seems motivated to throw one decent high or spinning kick. Sorry, if you expected a glimmer of Expendables. No semi-decent acting, no fun buddy stuff and hardly any action worth remembering.

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• It is What it is...

  ishaq-570-3208762018-04-05

  This movie had some moment but did not succeed entirely in delivering What you want from these two... Storyline is a bit messy and that is mostly What drawed me away from the movie from time to time Lundgren has a good role but is not in the movie enough. Van damme looks like he is getting to old for that type of Roles.. i means please understand i like Van damme but maybe he should be getting roles like R.E.D with Willis Its not like i would stop Anybody to watch This i actually Think you should if you are a fan of these two. Its still great fun to see your childhood heroes onscreen... Mostly of the cast was trying to hard...

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• Decent Low Budget action movie

  destroyerwod2018-07-20

  Well this is a low budget starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. Do you enjoy his other low budget movies? If you do, you will probably enjoy this one. It ain't any special, and Van Damme has better movies even in his post 2010 resume, but its competent and does the job. Lundgren has a rather small role despite being showcase on the cover as much as Van Damme. I wouldn't say its a cameo but his screen time is small. The other main actresses does a fair job with her character as well. I would say honestly its a rather competent spy/action movie with a decent plot and enough action to keep you interested. Its aimed at the fans of Van Damme before anything else wich i am.

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