On D List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)


Desert Heat (1999)

Rate: 2
Viewed: 2/21

DesertH
2/21: Desert Heat, aka Inferno, is the worst Van Damme picture made before the turn of the century.

The quality is shockingly low compared to the actor's usual output. I'm surprised to see John G. Avildsen directed this turkey which would be the last film of his career. Understandably, he opted for the Alan Smithee route by getting the credit under the name of Danny Mulroon.

So, what happened? Jean-Claude Van Damme's cocaine binge may have done him in for good, but the reality is that he appeared in three straight flops: Double Team, Knock Off, and Universal Soldier: The Return. Sensing the audience had grown tired of the Belgian bodybuilder, Sony decided to release Desert Heat straight to DVD.

Although it's a remake of Yojimbo, the unoriginal plot, which is laced with weird elements, reminds me too much of Bad Day at Black Rock with some Nowhere to Run thrown in. Of course, the poorly edited film has to take place in the desert because it's kind on the budget. At one point, Danny Trejo was massaging(!) Van Damme's feet. Talk about loss of manhood right there.

All in all, RIP Jean-Claude Van Damme's A-list status.