Nowhere to Run (1993)

An enjoyable film, if you don't expect too much

An escaped convict, Sam (Jean Claude Van Damme), hides out on the ranch property of a single mother, Clyddie (Rosana Arquette), and her two children, and ends up helping the family to stand-up to an unscrupulous developer (Joss Ackland) who wants to buy Clyddie's land to mine it.

"Nowhere to Run" is not a great film. The plot is lifted directly from some old western and is utterly contrived and predictable, and the two young children seem to only be included in the story in order to emotionally manipulate the audience. Jean Claude Van Damme doesn't even get to show off his martial arts skills all that much. Nevertheless, in spite of all of the above, somehow this film managed to work, and I enjoyed it more than many films that are far better made. It is a fun, mindless action movie that kept me entertained and didn't tax my brain too much. Sure, the script is laughably bad at times (in particular the romance elements and any scenes involving Van Damme's relationship with Clyddie's son), but that just added to the entertainment value. Provided that you go into this film not expecting too much, you too will probably enjoy it.
December 18, 2008

Great movie!

This is a typical Jean Claude van Damme movie but it is really good. There is a plot, action, comedy and drama which actually blend together quite nicely. It's a good no-brainer, almost feel good at the end kind of movie. I don't particularly care for Rosanna Arquette but she did ok. Ted Levine (the Capt. from the USA show Monk) is really great as a bad guy. He doesn't have his mustache in this movie but his voice is very distint. Anyway, if you like Jean Claude, I think that you will like this movie. It is one of his better movies during the peak of his popularity. July 24, 2008

Good movie - but advertised aspect ratio was incorrect

I already had this movie in a full screen format but wanted to replace that one with a widescreen version. THAT should tell you that I think this movie is a keeper. I daresay it's the best jean Claude Van Damme movie. Has a story, a bit of sex and romance, and, needless to say, some good action.
Anyway, as my review title suggests, the advertised aspect ratio was incorrect and I received another full screen version (which I returned, naturally).
In passing, I just had the exact same experience just yesterday with the DVD "Excess Baggage." Ordered the widescreen - per ad - and received full screen. Annoying and disappointing. October 13, 2007

Best Van Damme Movie Ever!

Well first of all I never really liked Van Damme's movies, well it's not so much that I didn't like them but it was pretty much the same thing over and over again...he would beat up people. However, this movie had a different story line. It wasn't only an action movie, but a drama as well. I think that he did a great job potraying the character and he really took on the role of the "father" for the little boy. I think he did a great job with that, since when you looked at him, you could tell that he wanted to be part of that family. I think he should do more movies like this, and it is definetely worth seeing/buying...you'll enjoy it :). So don't wait any longer, BUY it. Oh and this one isn't only for guys...my mom saw it with me and she enjoyed it as well. I believe females will enjoy this one as well. January 4, 2005

BEST DAMME MOVIE EVER!!!!!!

This was such a well made movie and i don't understand why JCVD doesn't do more movies like this! They made JCVD more human than he was in films like Universal Soldier and Bloodsport because he was not the "i will kick your ass any day" guy. He was the "i will kick your ass to protect this family" guy. It also had an ending that the others didn't, but i won't spoil it for you. I love this movie, JCVD's best work! April 15, 2004

More reviews at Amazon.com ...