Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)

	Also Known As: -
	Year of first release: 2012
	Director: John Hyams (Universal Soldier: Regeneration)
	Actors: Scott Adkins (The Bourne Ultimatum, The Expendables 2), Claude Van Damme (Bloodsport, Welcome to the Jungle), Dolph Lundgren (The Expendables 1-2)
	Country: USA
	Genre: Action
	Conditions of visioning: 29.11.2013, Blu-ray, Home cinema
Synopsis: The family of John (Adkins) is murdered in front of his eyes by Devereaux (Van-Damme) and he is left for dead. When he awakes from a coma he will start to investigate, while becoming stronger than ever.
Review: The first Universal Soldier is an excellent SF/Action movie and I like it. I can't remember the sequels except the last one (Regeneration) which was OK but very B-movie and predictable (a lot of fights). Although from the same director John Hyams, son of Peter Hyams (Timecop, Sudden Death, End of Days), Day of Reckoning is very different. The story evolved more slowly than in the usual action flick and the fist/gunfights are scarce. Instead we get attached to the character of John (intense Sean Atkins) who is the heart of the movie. In spite of the movie posters that show Van-Damme and Lundgren in forefront, we see them only a little, but we feel their influence. The movie remains modest, there is no huge team of scientists hunting the Universal Soldiers, only one man. The ageing Van-Damme plays a disturbing Luc Devereaux that we know to be good deep inside. I love the black and white make-up he wears during the final fight. A good movie that takes you by surprise when going against the traditional rules of an aciton movie. But don't take me wrong, there is still a lot of manly action and blood splatter!
Rating: 6 /10