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Universal Soldier

Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren
Director: Roland Emmerich
Genre: Action
Year: 1992
Rating: 3 / 5

Universal Soldier has to be considered one of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s finest efforts. Some fans out there might snidely remark that this is not a ringing endorsement, but, as a long-time fan of the action star, I can happily say that Universal Soldier ranks as one of his two or three best efforts. Of course, all of Van Damme’s standout films were produced in the early 1990s, meaning he has produced little of consequence since then, but this offering is still worth remembering. After all, one could argue that Universal Soldier captures Van Damme as he is nearing the peak of his popularity, finally enough of a star to warrant another “name” in the credits – in this case, Dolph Lundgran. What more could you ask for?!

Luc Devereaux (Jean-Claude Van Damme) and Andrew Scott (Dolph Lundgren) are soldiers fighting for the United States in 1969 Vietnam. Devereaux is a weary warrior, eager to complete his tour and return home, when he stumbles upon Scott and a pair of Vietnamese prisoners. Scott has clearly lost touch with reality, for it appears that he is executing innocent civilians and possibly his own men. After unsuccessfully trying to calm Scott down, Devereaux responds as only he – and Van Damme, for that matter – knows how. The two exchange some quick hits before Devereaux charges Scott with a bayonet, prompting a barrage of gunfire from Scott. Before the film is five minutes old, both lead characters are being zipped into body bags!

From that point, a beginning I always deemed to be rather inspired, Universal Soldier settles into a rather standard action film. Devereaux and Scott are resurrected as UniSols, a new breed of enhanced solider. They are part of a covert military operation designed to handle terrorist situations throughout the country. Events start to trigger memories for Devereaux, however, and he soon finds himself on the run, desperate for answers. His only ally is Veronica Roberts (Ally Walker), a reporter likewise on the run for seeing things she should not have seen. They are pursued by none other than Scott, determined to enact vengeance on the “traitor” who ended his life more than two decades prior.

Director Roland Emmerich was nearly five years away from Independence Day and the big time when he helmed Universal Soldier, but his habit of putting style above substance was already evident. The military is evil and sinister without any real purpose, while supporting players – namely Walker’s Veronica Roberts – are rather one-dimensional. Dolph Lundgren does make a good foil for Van Damme, proving his turn as Ivan Drago eight years before would not be the only notch on his belt. Ultimately, Universal Soldier succeeds and fails for the exact same reason – it is a Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle. It may possess a slightly better story than most, and the action is certainly adequate, but Jean-Claude Van Damme can only take a movie so far.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for violence.
Running Time: 99 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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