WE DIE YOUNG is another Van Damme vehicle for our favourite ageing action star, although this one's a character-based drama with thriller aspects. Don't expect hard-hitting punches or helicopter kicks from our hero, who is an Afghan war veteran and drug addict, missing a voice box and traumatised by events from his past. Van Damme delivers a good performance and provides the film's emotional heart, despite only playing in a supporting role. The rest features the usual violent cartel content, with shocking violence here and there and some impressive set-pieces, like the car chase. It does suffer from bad shaky-camera direction but springs to life for a lengthy, energetic and chaotic climax portraying a wedding reception from hell.

The film centers on Lucas (Elijah Rodriguez ) a runner for the MS 13 gang in Washington DC. Cops don't know who they are because they disguise themselves with massive MS 13 tattoos on their face. Daniel (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a PTSD marine who was also injured in the war. He is mute and has lost a lot of steps, especially the high split. Daniel gets pain killers from Lucas because he can not get enough from the VA.

The cops are onto MS 13 and Daniel is given the task to deliver two bricks, something that goes wrong and the next thing you know, Daniel gets involved.

All of MS13 is no match for a normal healthy Jean-Claude Van Damme who would typically fight them all one at a time while the rest stand around in a circle. In this movie they went a bit overboard on his disability, taking some of the Damme fun out of the film.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.

This may say and have van Damme front and center, but don't even think this is anything like the movies he did in the 80s and 90s. Or even just 20 years ago. This is down and dirty and has someone else actually being the main character here - which makes sense age and title wise.

There is some drama and there is a story here. It may take a while to take off (and there are quite a few cliches along the way),but the ending is quite rewarding. It pays off to put it like you should say it in regards of movie terms. Not his best work, but definitely higher quality than some would expect