SECOND IN COMMAND (2006)

Directed by Simon Fellows. Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, Julie Cox, William Tapley, Raazaq Adotion, Serbam Celea, Alan McKenna. Action. Synopsis: A Navy SEAL gets more than he bargained for when he arrives for an assignment in Moldavia, that he thinks will be uneventful, only to be thrust in the middle of a siege on the U.S. Embassy as communist rebels attempt the overthrow of the democratically elected president.

I like Van Damme. I've always liked Van Damme. Ever since I first saw Bloodsport back when I wore a younger man's clothes. However, he's behind Seagal (and some others) in my book when it comes to pure action heroes. I know some of you disagree with me, judging from your comments on my previous blog. That's great, I want to encourage healthy debate here. Have I changed my mind after watching Second in Command? 

No.

But I will admit that Jean-Claude has aged considerably better than Seagal (who hasn't) and his acting skills have also noticeably improved (nowhere to go but up). This film is a fun one for anyone that goes into it with realistic expectations. Having said that, I will say that it will probably be a little disappointing for Van Damme fans who want to see him kick butt all over the place, there is actually not to much of that and almost no extended martial arts scenes. However, the story and acting are above par for this type of "B" action flick.

Van Damme is a Navy SEAL who has been assigned to duty at the U.S. Embassy in Moldavia, where he wants to take the opportunity to renew acquaintances with an old flame, TV correspondent Michelle (Julie Cox). He does, but soon everthing is, as they say, cast asunder as Communist rebels storm the hotel where Jean-Claude is making whopee, and they set their sights on the Embassy itself as well as disposing the freely elected President (Serban Celea). Jean-Claude manages to spirit the Prez to the temporary safety of the Embassy where he is, as you might guess, the second in command.

What follows is the expected siege of the inadequately protected Embassy, with Jean-Claude, Michelle, and a few hardy Marines (led by the neat performance of Raz Adotion as the Gunnery Sergeant) trying to stave off the Commies until the cavalry sent by the Pentagon can arrive.

Nothing new or innovative here, although there is a twist as to who is with the bad guys, but you could call that with your eyes closed. However, as I said, the story and acting are better than you would think and that makes for a decent flick. The videography is o.k., though I think they tried too hard with the CGI to make this obvious B flick look like a big budget flick.

But, its not too bad. In fact, its kinda' good. If this is what you're looking for.