Everybody loves a comeback. Whether or not it's the comeback of Jean-Claude Van Damme we envisioned, no matter. "JCVD" entertains.

In the film, the '80s action star plays himself, a not-in-demand former movie star, who at age 47 is making action films in the Far East for clueless directors. Returning to his hometown of Brussels to deal with some personal problems and sulk a little, Van Damme finds himself in a hostage situation where he is apparently the bad guy, to the shock and dismay of the local police but the delight of the celebrity media, as the drama plays out, Van Damme-style, in front of the cameras.

"JCVD" is an art-house send-up of Van Damme and his films, with the star as willing participant, also a sort of backward homage and thank-you note to Van Damme. Full of B-level action, it's a respectful if sometimes campy throwback to the days when action heroes did the dirty work themselves.

B

"JCVD"

Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme

Director: Mabrouk El Mechri

Studio: Peace Arch Pictures

This film is not rated

RT: 93 minutes