Van Damme returns as Luc Deveraux, but this time as a mere mortal fighting off Unisols gone mad!
So basically, Luc is back trying to help the Universal Soldier Project as one of the key members behind the scenes. The super computer S.E.T.H (played by Michael Jai White) controls and gives the orders to all of the Unisols and is somewhat of a super artificial intelligence. When the project is shut down by military superiors, Seth catches wind of this and takes control over the Unisols and intends to kill any biological threats (that’s people).
There’s one problem for Seth, without a particular code, he will shutdown within a certain time frame, and the only surviving human who has the code is Luc. So the Unisols must caputre Luc, while he is trying to stop them and get him to reveal the code. During all of this Seth has his thought matrix implanted into a super-Unisol body and becomes physically superior Universal Soldier thats fully trained in martial arts and ass kickery. He then kidnaps Luc’s daughter and threatens to kill her unless Luc gives up the code.
Van Damme, Bill Goldberg and Michael Jai White
The Universal Soldier movies are pretty crap when Van Damme isn’t around (this is his second, but there are a few between it and the original), but a little help from some big names makes it more enjoyable. Calling upon Bill Goldberg as the gigantic Unisol ‘Romeo’ was a smart move. He adds an element of sheer power and strength and seems to never stop coming. This was a good role for Goldberg and he successfully portrayed his character with a bit attitude fitting to his history.
The and in my opinion the (currently) bigger name is Michael Jai White. At the time, Michael Jai White wasn’t exactly a famous martial arts actor, but this movie is what helped him cement his abilities on camera and help secure more roles in fight films. It’s pretty funny that for his first film where he displays any martial arts prowess, he seems to outperform Van Damme with his impressive kicks! With Michael’s current status, watching this movie nowadays makes it a pretty solid line up for action movie talent.
Any Message?
Well the first movie I thought there was somewhat of an unintentional message of ‘don’t play god’ (as written in my review of Universal Soldier). Technology cannot flawlessly control a human being, even if the person is dead! But the point of view of Van Damme’s character Luc is that it can prevent the death of real American Soldiers on the battle field by using the Unisols.
This alternative message I guess makes the idea of Luc being a part of the program more realistic. But I seriously doubt any purposeful message outside the action was intended for this movie.
The Action & Fighting
Van Damme does pretty well in this movie, and Goldberg shows off some pretty awesome wrestling moves. But the real star is Michael Jai White with his impressive kicks (not to mention insanely ripped physique). But in saying that, the movie is still pretty B grade as far as martial arts goes as doesn’t compare to the movies Michael Jai White has been involved in since.
Van Damme still loves his kicks, but also uses his hands a bit more than the first movie and gains a little more balance in his fight scenes. The fight scenes were very stop and go – and were a little stale at times. The idea behind the fights was not so much intensity as it was each move was a powerful, once off strike.
As far as action movies go though, there’s nothing wrong with it and it makes a good time killer in the afternoon if you feel like watching an old fashioned action movie.
Would Recomend it?
As per my usual answer – to certain audiences. If you’re a fan of Van Damme or the Universal Soldier movies – go for it. If you love martial arts movies, don’t expect anything groundbreaking but it’s still fun to watch, especially to see Michael Jai White’s first big martial arts role.
Find it on Blu-Ray
Region A (US & Canada)
Universal Soldier: The Return on Blu-Ray
Region B (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, etc)
Universal Soldier – The Return on Blu-ray
On DVD –
Region 1 (US & Canada)
Universal Soldier: The Return on DVD
Region 2 (UK, Europe, etc)
Universal Soldier: The Return on DVD
Region 4 (Australia, New Zealand, etc)
Universal Soldier: The Return on DVD