Video Review

DESERT HEAT

EW's GRADE
B

Details Movie Rated: R; Genre: Action/Adventure; With: Jean-Claude Van Damme

Some may see the lack of complexity in this scuzzbucket neo-Western as a flaw, but I'd like to think of it as clarity of purpose. Van Damme plays a suicidal drifter who, after being beaten to a Belgian waffle and having his motorcycle stolen, mounts a Yojimbo-style quest for revenge. That's about it -- and this kind of genial, low-rent actioner doesn't need anything to detract from the ramblings of its killer B cast: Pat Morita, Vincent Schiavelli, Larry Drake, and Oz's Lee Tergesen. Reel Goodies (0:51) Dying isn't the only thing cowboys do with their boots on: Jean-Claude does some ''Dammage'' to a pair of ''grateful'' blonds. The Last Detail Van Damme's theatrical star seems to be waning; this is his second film this year to premiere on video. B

Originally posted Oct 01, 1999 Published in issue #505 Oct 01, 1999 Order article reprints

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