Will wonders never cease? First off, I caught a not-bad Seagal film from 2008 on TV one night (the title is PISTOL WHIPPED, in case you're interested),proving that the ageing action hero can still make entertaining films on occasion. Now, three nights later, I've caught a Van Damme film from 2008 on the same channel, and guess what? It's pretty good! THE SHEPHERD is a throwback to the classic Van Damme thrillers of the 1990s, an action-packed testosterone ride full of vehicle chases (in this instance, a stand-out sequence has a coach – modified with machine-guns and a bullet-proof chassis – pursued across the US/Mexican border by Van Damme),intense shoot-outs, and some scorching martial arts action.

The film itself might be pretty predictable but it's a step up from the last Van Damme film I watched, SECOND IN COMMAND. Isaac Florentine has proved himself to be one of the best straight-to-video action directors and he doesn't disappoint with his efforts here. The action choreography is slick and stylish, with nice clean fights and some great slow motion moves from the professionals. Van Damme is matched against Brit high-kicker Scott Adkins for an extended bout at the climax, and it's another highlight in a film full of 'em. Naked chicks, torture sequences, traitors, twists, suicide bombers, and balaclava-wearing bad guys: all of the ingredients are here and make up one thrill-ride of a film.

Van Damme himself particularly shines in a role that stretches his acting as well as action chops. He's actually very good indeed as the ageing cop struggling to cope with dark memories from his past. Compare his acting here with that in CYBORG and you'll see just how far he's progressed. In fact, he gives the likes of some A-listers a run for their money here, and his acting blows Seagal's clean out of the water. He's supported by a cast seemingly recruited from British television: there's Stephen Lord, fresh off EASTENDERS and fairly convincing as Meyers, the chief bad guy, and Natalie J. Robb from DOCTORS as Van Damme's tough, ass-kicking superior (less convincing, but pretty enough). In any case, this is nothing new, but it runs through the action clichés with aplomb and sits solidly as one of Van Damme's best.

Former New Orleans cop Jack Robideaux (Jean-Claude Van Damme) starts a new border patrol job in Columbus, New Mexico. He is haunted by his past. The area is overrun by human smugglers and drug runners. On top of which is a group of American ex-Special Forces returning from Afganistan involved in smuggling heroin and explosives.

This is the border issue being handled with as much care as one expects from a Van Damme movie. There is a lot of kung fu kicking. The story doesn't really make sense. I don't know why anybody would bother with the suicide vest. What's the point of the weaponized priest bus? None of it has any reality. The production is lower quality. This is a B-movie without any fun or any tension.

While this may not feel any different from some of his previous efforts, van Damme still delivers here. With some fine action pieces and some very nice stunts (for US B-Movie standards that is, not comparable to the grace and fighting skills from Asia, mind you),this is what you should expect from a movie like this.

Plus van Damme still can lift his leg(s) ... but enough about other actors (who by the way, might be better persons, not only because of their Buddhism/religion choice, but still might be best of, if they'd retire!). If you are a van Damme "Fan", you don't need me to convince you, to like this. If you hate him, this won't change your mind. But whatever "category" you're in, watch "JCVD"! A movie, that gives you a look behind the mask/scenes ...

Back to this movie though, with a little personal aspect to the whole thing: Since I am an animal lover and I especially love bunnies, I am happy to see them in movies ... As you can guess, there is one in here too! :o)