#BuzzScreenReview: The Last Mercenary

Netflix is upping its game, and seeing as watching movies in the comfort of your home is the closest thing to protecting one's self from the pandemic madness, we must admit that we are here for the content they keep giving. One of the latest additions to the site brings back Van Damme and, he isn’t the leading man you think he is in the French action-comedy “The Last Mercenary.” Van Damme plays Richard “The Mist” Brumere, a mythic soldier of fortune who must protect and exonerate his estranged biological son Archibald (Samir Decazza), who has, through a series of dopey complications, become confused for Simyon (Nassim Lyes), a “Scarface”-obsessed arms dealer.

The action begins immediately in The Last Mercenary, establishing Brumère's prowess and reputation as a mercenary and giving audiences Van Damme's legendary full splits. There's no shortage of fight choreography in this film, which helps keep the pacing steady. From frenetic car chases to close-quarter combat and all-out brawls, there's a variety of stunts and martial arts to keep viewers engaged.

The tone is light, and, as much as the movie does not bring the action-packed Van Damme, viewers get a feel of his corny side which I must say as long as you are in it for the fun, you will love. Apart from some naughty jokes, there's nothing particularly graphic or obscene.

Where The Last Mercenary shines is comedy. Van Damme is hilariously hammy as "The Mist," fully embracing both his character's overconfidence and penchant for ridiculous disguises. There's a lack of dignity that makes Brumère relatable — despite his super-spy skillset — and it's easy to root for him.

His adult son Archibald (Samir Decazza), or "Archie," as he prefers, plays the Chris Tucker to Van Damme's Jackie Chan. Archie is out of his depth, panicking, flailing, even sometimes screaming in fear as they evade danger. The cast is full of likeable, funny characters: Alban Ivanov plays the foolish (but well-meaning) government official Alexandre; Patrick Timsit the cantankerous Commandant Jouard, who's desperate to take down "The Mist" over a personal grudge; even Assa Sylla, whose character Dalila mainly plays the straight man to Van Damme's over-the-top Brumère, gets a few laughs with well-timed sassy looks and smart comebacks. Take your hearts with you, leave your brain behind. You will love this movie. I just loved Van Damme in this.

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