Double Team (1997) is a wild action film directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Tsui Hark, featuring an eclectic cast that includes martial arts icon Jean-Claude Van Damme, basketball star Dennis Rodman, and actor Mickey Rourke. The film is a product of its time, blending over-the-top action, quirky humor, and a distinctly ’90s aesthetic.

Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as Jack Quinn, a top counter-terrorism agent who is forced out of retirement for one last mission: to capture the dangerous international terrorist Stavros, played by Mickey Rourke. Quinn is a seasoned operative, known for his deadly skills and ability to stay calm under pressure. However, this mission goes awry, leading to an intense personal vendetta.

After a failed operation, Quinn finds himself imprisoned in “The Colony,” a high-tech, inescapable facility where former intelligence agents are held. Determined to escape and stop Stavros, who has now targeted his family, Quinn must use all his training and resourcefulness to break free. His escape sets the stage for the film’s high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase.

Dennis Rodman plays Yaz, a flamboyant arms dealer who becomes Quinn’s unlikely ally. Rodman’s portrayal of Yaz is as eccentric and colorful as one might expect, complete with a series of outlandish outfits and one-liners. His character adds a dose of comic relief and unpredictability to the film, balancing out Van Damme’s more serious, action-hero persona.

Mickey Rourke’s Stavros is a formidable villain, embodying a ruthless and cold-blooded adversary with a personal grudge against Quinn. Rourke’s presence adds a layer of menace to the film, and his final showdown with Van Damme is one of the movie’s highlights.

The action sequences in Double Team are where the film truly shines, featuring a mix of martial arts, shootouts, and explosive stunts. Director Tsui Hark, known for his work in Hong Kong cinema, brings a unique flair to the action scenes, combining high-energy choreography with creative set pieces. One of the most memorable sequences takes place in a Roman Colosseum, where Quinn and Stavros engage in a life-or-death battle amid a ring of fire and a live tiger.

The film’s production design and visual style are distinctly ’90s, with bold colors, rapid cuts, and a soundtrack that complements the fast-paced action. While some aspects of the film may feel dated by today’s standards, Double Team captures the spirit of its era, offering a nostalgic trip for fans of ’90s action cinema.

Though it received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics pointing out its outlandish plot and campy elements, Double Team has gained a cult following over the years, appreciated for its high-octane action and the sheer entertainment value of its star-studded cast.

In the end, Double Team is an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled ride that embraces its absurdity and delivers on the thrills. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, offering a fun and outrageous adventure that showcases the larger-than-life personas of Van Damme, Rodman, and Rourke. If you’re in the mood for a no-holds-barred action flick with a dose of ’90s flair, Double Team is a movie that fits the bill.