Double Impact

Double Impact is a perfect 90s action flick that came off the martial arts wave led by icons like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. Released in 1991, it adds another gem to Jean-Claude Van Damme's brilliant filmography. Known for his martial art skills and flexible agility, the actor’s performance is sure to leave the audience intrigued and thrilled throughout the fast-paced, 110-minute run of the film.

Van Damme, Belgian martial arts superstar, flexes his acting scope in this film, taking on double roles as estranged identical twins, Chad and Alex Wagner. Born in Hong Kong to parents running a successful tunnel company, they are separated as infants when their parents are brutally murdered. The boys are split up and taken to different corners of the world to ensure their safety, unknowing of each other's existence.

On one hand, we have Chad, who is brought up in France and then moves to Los Angeles, living a life full of love and care under his guardian, Frank Avery, played by Geoffrey Lewis. Frank was a close business associate of the boys’ father and has raised Chad with motherly warmth and been his martial arts trainer. This character is sly, warm, and humorous, providing comic relief during tense moments, adding a different charm to the movie.

On the other hand, there's Alex - a tough-as-nails smuggler surviving the gritty streets of Hong Kong. Alex is the cynical, street-smart brother with a chip on his shoulder, having grown up in a much harsher environment compared to his brother. He's intense, rugged, and deals in stolen merchandise, living within the criminal underworld where he’s made a name for himself.

The narrative of the movie follows the twins’ reunion when Frank finally decides it's time to inform Chad about his brother, and the truth about their past. This eventually leads to their meeting, resulting in a powerful journey filled with twists, turns, and explosive martial arts action. This reunion also sparks the brothers’ desire for justice and revenge against their parents' killers.

As the brothers engage in their quest for vengeance, viewers witness the stark contrast between Chad's fluid and graceful fighting style, taught to him by Frank, and Alex's more raw and aggressive combat methods, forged in the harsh world of Hong Kong's streets. These differences lead to personal conflict between Chad and Alex, which adds to the tension and dramatic elements of the story.

Double Impact also boasts of a stellar supporting cast. Geoffrey Lewis gives a heartfelt performance as Frank. Frank functions as a sort of moral compass within the film, guiding Chad throughout his journey and helping maintain peace between the contrasting brothers. The leading female character and love interest of Chad, Danielle Wilde, is played by Alonna Shaw, who baby-sits Chad but also shows bravery in dire situations.

Accompanied by a great soundtrack that will take you back to the 90s, Sheldon Lettich, the director, infuses the film with atmospheric locations that make the movie visually appealing. From the bustling cityscapes of Hong Kong to the tranquil seasides of Los Angeles, these settings offer a vibrant backdrop to the kick-punch action of the film.

Double Impact is entertaining throughout, emphasizing the strength of family bonds and the power of brotherhood. The movie is packed with thrilling action sequences, thanks to Van Damme's excellent physical prowess, accompanied by a great supporting cast that helps portray an engaging story balanced with emotion and action. This movie is a classic of the 90s, intended for action enthusiasts and fans of Van Damme's unique blend of martial arts and cinema. It demonstrates what can be achieved in the action genre when you have a clear storyline, great casting, and skillful execution.