Review: The Shepherd

Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as an emotionally tortured, bunny-carrying, Cajun ex-cop turned New Mexico border patrol agent who tackles a band of former soldiers turned operators of a drug cartel, led by Stephen Lord. Gary McDonald (no relation to the “Mother and Son” actor who shares his name) plays Van Damme’s rather chatty new partner, Natalie Robb his new superior officer, and Scott Adkins plays Lord’s very efficient chief henchman.

 

This 2008 Isaac Florentine (the excellent “Undisputed II: Last Man Standing”) actioner seems more suited to Chuck Norris or Steven Seagal including a barroom brawl at one point. It’s all rather watchable, but a bit disappointing after JCVD’s more ambitious films around this time like “Replicant”, “Wake of Death”, and “Until Death”. That bump on his head meanwhile, looks like it’s about to give birth to octuplets. Apparently it’s a benign cyst, but it seriously looks to be in labour. Lack of a credible lead villain hurts the film in particular, though Natalie Robb offers fine support. In fact, acting-wise it’s one of the better casts JCVD has worked with. That said, although Lord isn’t a bad actor he gives off no imposing or menacing vibes whatsoever. He’d be fine in another role in another film but here he’s simply miscast. As for JCVD, it’s not his best performance, but he was definitely starting to find roles that were a good fit for him. His weathered face does a lot of the work. The film livens up whenever arse-kicker supremo Scott Adkins turns up as a most formidable adversary, it was the first film I recall seeing Adkins in and he definitely left an impression on me on first viewing. Blowing Mr. Lord out of the water without even having to say much, Adkins’ brutal, efficient takedowns and kicks are the main highlight of the film. He’s a total bad arse when on screen. Unfortunately, one of the main issues with the film is that although Florentine is a top director of action, there’s simply not enough of it in the film. It wants to be an action-drama, but the plot just isn’t up to snuff enough for that when there’s not enough action to make up the difference. In other words it’s trying for “Nowhere to Run” and landing about as successfully. When we get the action – including car chases and the like – it’s expertly staged including a nice prison fight where JCVD busts out the ‘ol spin kick. Terrific cinematography by Douglas Milsome (“Full Metal Jacket”, “Last of the Mohicans”, “Legionnaire”, “Second in Command”, “Until Death”) is a major asset throughout as well.

 

Scripted by Cade Courtley (his only writing credit to date) and Joe Gayton (“Uncommon Valour”, “Bulletproof”, “Faster”), this action-drama has its moments but ultimately occupies that awkward middle tier of JCVD films like “The Hard Corps”, “Second in Command”, “Legionnaire”, “Maximum Risk”, and “Nowhere to Run”. It’s probably better than some or possibly even all of them, but not much better than that. With more action, a better villain, and maybe a slightly more interesting plot, I could see this film warranting a healthy and hearty recommendation. As is, it’s just alright.

 

Rating: C+