User reviews

**SPOILERS**Mind boggling action movie that takes place on the eve of the British colony city of Hong Kong being handed over to the Red Chinese. The movie is about this group of Russian international mobsters who plan to blackmail the world with thousands of button, or micro, bombs. The Russians hide them in knockoff, phony high priced and name item, clothes and electrical equipment as well as toys. Then threaten to detonate them if they aren't paid, like cable TV, a monthly fee of 100 million dollars.

Jean-Clude Van Damme is Marcus Ray a shady businessman who exports knockoff running shoes and jeans who gets involved up to his neck in the action. This happens when it's found out that his partner in crime the lovable and wise-cracking Tommy Hendricks, Rob Schneider, is an undercover CIA agent planning to get the goods on him, as well as his associates, in the illegal knockoff business.

It soon becomes evident that knockoffs aren't the only headache on the minds of the CIA. It's found that their, the knockoff clothes and toys, are being used as explosives by the Russian mobster and suddenly Ray becomes a good guy in stopping, together with Hendricks, that from happening. Still Ray is hamstrung by ambitious CIA agent Karen Lee, Lela Rochon, who's playing double-agent in the film. This confuses both Ray & Hndricks to the point where all thee almost end up shooting each other.

***SPOILER ALERT***It turns out that the person behind this evil and grandiose plan is non other then the CIA chief in charge of covert Hong Kong operations himself chubby Harry Johnson, Paul Sorvino, who together with even chubbier Hong Kong crime kingpin Slim, Glen Chin,are working together with the evil Russians in this crazy and off the wall criminal venture. The mindless action is almost non-stop in the movie with Ray going from rickshaw races to food fights and warehouse shootouts and finally a showdown with the Russians. This happens on an outgoing freighter loaded with bomb laden ripoffs headed for US Pacific port cities to unload and, by remote satellite control, activate them.

People in the movie seem to be killed over and over again coming back for more like walking dead zombies especially the Russian mobsters. Who have, for what at first seems like no reason at all,hoods over their heads. Later you realize that it, the hoods, were just there so you won't see or recognize them coming back to get themselves killed, by Ray & Co, all over again sometimes as much as three or four times. The leader of the Slavic mobsters himself is done in a number of times by both Ray & Lee only to come back for more. Thats until Ray, out of sheer frustration, finally finishes him off much like he would have done to a vampire. But not with the usual wooden stake driven through his heart but with a ten ton steel cargo container dropped square on top of his head!

All kinds of wild and far out zany camera angles make you dizzy following the non-stop action scenes with bad guy CIA turncoat Johnson getting the worst of it. Johnson gets knocked around all over the place then set on fire, with a bottle of deadly sulfuric acid, and then killed in a freighter explosion. Just when you thought the movie and Johnson were history he again killed in another explosion in his Hong Kong hideout. Johnson who at that point seemed to have come back from the dead has the same crazed and manic look in both scenes in both scenes that he was killed.

A jeans manufacturer finds a conspiracy among triads that places micro-bombs in the jeans he sells. Of course the first shipment were slipped with knock offs but now they must make sure that the new shipment of clothes isn't shipped with the micro-bombs. Knock Off is the type of movie that would be right at home in a James Bond thriller. The movie is utterly ridiculous however this makes it strangely watchable and the whole confusing camera angles to which we see the inside of a phone, the inside of the bomb and even Van Damme's foot going into a sock all make this a very strange movie indeed. The action sequences are filmed with such crazy angles once can't tell what the hell is going on and it's not until the movie is over, where you realize what the hell you had just saw. Knock Off is one of the most surreal movies you could ever see, seriously. It's one of those movies that years from now may be looked at as a camp classic due to it's stylish excess. I for one, still can't tell you what the movie was about.

* * out of 4(Fair)

I don't mean to offend the few people out there who enjoyed this movie, but when I first saw this film, I didn't like it. But I was at my video store, and I was still attracted by the cover of the movie so I decided to rent it again. And this is after I read the positive comments. I felt so different from the last time I watched this movie. I was enjoying it. I thought "Man! I was stupid!" This movie was funny. I didn't like Rob Shnieder at the beginning, but I liked him this time. He was playing his role as the comic relief guy right this time. I like Jean-Claude Van-Damme. I think he's a cool actor. The only reason why the movie haters don't like him is because of his accent. I think his accent's cool, After this, I'm gonna start sending my comments to Van Damme movies. The action sequences were awesome. The chases, fight scenes, gun battles, all great. I loved the direction by Tsui Hark. His camera angles, the zoom-ins, the stobes, tracers, slow-motion, it was so cool. I was like: "Woa! That was cool that zoom in on the inside of electronics and stuff!" This movie was so much fun. This is the kind of action movie I wanted to see. I loved it. I've totally forgotten how I didn't like this movie in the past. I like a good movie. I like movies such as "Titanic," Schindler's List," L.A. Confidential," "Citizen Kane," and "The Godfather."

How can anyone hate such a beautiful film? The combination of poor dubbing, Van Damme's "acting" and "grasp of English", Schneider's queer-ass jokes, and Lela Rochon's breasts, I thought, would make Knock Off an Oscar contender for sure. In addition, it is a valuable tool for young amateur cameramen. They clearly just bought a new camera before they started filming, and were trying out all the new gadgets (when Van Damme reaches into the box of watches, or when they go into the barrel of the gun, or when they pan up from everyone's feet, or use multiple exposures to create the illusion of a quality film).

As for the soundtrack, Ron and Russell Mael deserve a Grammy, or, at eh very least, a Source Award. I mean, "It's a Knock Off" emerges as the single that will truly be the soundtrack for the lives of teens in the new milennium. All-Star Sam Hui also contributes to the album. His ground-breaking "Ten Girls" ,which goes a little sumthin' like this:

"Sal pon ass hi cow go yang si ming ming hi lo how wow bom hi sam chung gay yeah chop hay bing si ching chun may li chow mo so pli" ...is sung by Van Damme. It speaks to you. It tells you to leave the theater.

Another interesting aspect of this film is that it was the only Western film allowed to be in production in Hong Kong during the handover to China. They try to work this into the first action sequence (which is 90 minutes long and followed by the credits)by making sporadic, frenzied, obscure references to the ceremony that don't make sense or have any effect on the outcome of Van Damme's struggle against the Russian mafia.

Ultimately, if you want to see green explosions, Paul Sorvino returning from the dead, Rob Schneider and Van Damme engage in S&M during a rickshaw race, Lela Rochon's breasts, and a Russian with bronchitis chop people up with his eyeglasses, Knock Off is the movie for you.

I have liked Jean-Claude VanDamme over the years but I really haven't seen much of him in the last decade. Maybe it was because of films like this, which totally turned me off. I guess I figured (I might be wrong) that VanDamme's career had gone down the dumper, if this was any indication.

However, you can discredit all of the people involved in the film for its failings, not just Jean- Claude. It was a team effort. For instance, this film had some of the dumbest dialog and worst acting I've ever seen.

It also had a convoluted plot. Can anyone make sense of this story? Would anybody want to? It looks like a cheapie Hong Kong flick imitation but one that is trying to be intellectual at the same time. It's all way too much. Actually, it is a Hong Kong flick, with director Hark Tsui in charge, but filmed in Hollywood. One look at the plot line listed here on the IMDb home page should tell you something: "fashion designer....joins forces with CIA....to stop terrorism." Yeah, right!!! What's next? Oleg Cassini playing "Rambo?"

Actor Rob Schneider ("Tommy Hendricks") once again shows he was smart enough to switch from villain roles like in here to comedy where he has done far better.

Not everything is bad. Some of the camera-work was interesting; some of the action scenes decent, but of those categories also were overdone. How many zoom shots can you do? Some of it is inventive but not when it's done repeatedly in the same film. Also, isn't a 20-minute action scene at the end overdoing it just a little bit?

This is honestly a better career choice for Van Damme, and aligning himself with Asian filmmakers had proven fruitful. The only issue here is the overall budget and the messy incoherent plot. The action is incredible and some of those stunts are fun to watch. I enjoy Chinese and Hong Kong films, they're crazy and real. This was essentially the end for Van Damme at the box office and it's a shame. Knock Off is an Asian/Hollywood hybrid and it's quite fun to watch.

I went to the cinema to see EXISTENZ, but my train was late, so when I got there, this was the only film that hadn't yet started - so I went into the cinema having no clue as to what to expect...

Film snobs will probably turn their noses up at this film - but I thoroughly enjoyed it - and that's coming from someone who usually hates Van Damme films!

Whilst the recent Hollywood movies directed by or starring the leading names from Hong Kong cinema - John Woo, Ringo Lam, Jackie Chan and Chow Yun-Fat, have been rather inept, watered down KNOCK OFF's of their oriental predecessors - this film works as it is still, in essence a Hong Kong Action movie, - just one that happens to feature a largely Western cast.

It has little of the usual Van Damme hallmarks - with far less emphasis on the usual high circular kicks, and low sliding punches - the action scenes instead work on brilliant cinematography, good use of slow motion, and post martial-arts gunfighting. It's no THE KILLER by a long shot, but still a competent action movie, and perhaps the first Hollywood film to successfully marry the US and Oriental styles of movie action.

The plot is rather daft, and at times rather confusing - whilst this does let the film down - the alternative would have been to let too much story get in the way of what is primarily an action film.

If you're looking for a film to get out the Oscars for, then you'll be solely disappointed - but KNOCK OFF is an entertaining film to unwind in front of after a busy day. 7/10

Simon

It's 1997 Hong Kong. Marcus Ray (Jean-Claude Van Damme) and Tommy Hendricks (Rob Schneider) buy and sell cheap knock off merchandises. They get entangled in a deadly conspiracy when their rickshaw race is attacked by the Russians. Tommy knocks out police detective Ling Ho and they get detained. Karen Lee is an executive at V-Six jeans and she's angry at them trying to pass her their knock offs. She's raiding a factory leased by their friend Eddie Wang and threatens to send them to prison. Ray is shocked that his four-year partner Tommy works undercover for the CIA under Harry Johannson (Paul Sorvino).

This is a rather silly movie. Van Damme and Schneider are trying to be a comedic duo. The joke is that all their products keep breaking. Neither are good actors and I think they make each other worst. The story is too much of a silly mess to explain. It's international espionage about nano-bombs in counterfeit jeans. Somebody should really reconsider this script. I'm willing to live with a lot from a Van Damme movie but this is too infuriating.

I'm sorry, but 3.7, people? I own this movie and I just watched it the other night and I can't get over how good it was!!!! Okay, I'll admit, Van Damme can't even talk let alone act, but let's be honest, no one watches his movies for an oscar performance. The action sequences were great (I really like the race at the beginning), the plot was a little confusing, but still pretty good and Rob Schneider was hilarious!!!! I think this movie deserves ATLEAST a 6 or a 7. I think it's great that Van Damme did a movie where he didn't take himself so seriously and just had fun!!! That's one thing that Jackie Chan could always do that Jean Claude couldn't. I also thought it was a great idea to have the movie in Hong Kong, the background to every great martial arts action movie. Oh, and could Lela Rochon BE any hotter!?!?! I would highly recommend this movie to any fan of Van Damme or Rob Schneider. Great director and a great cast.

What a pity for Mr. Van-Damme. Supposedly this film was to revitalize his dying career. The entire plot is silly and brainless. The countless twists tossed into the movie were unnecessary and tacky. The fighting choreography itself is a joke. I've seen Van Damme done alot better with the Quest and Hard Target. Rob Schneider plays once again another pitiful/comedy relief character, his only source of paycheck, with a lame coverup. The movie did not intrigue me and I'm sure not too many of his fans. Knock-Off should be more of a message to Van Damme and his scriptwriters. Knock it off with the lamers.

Most importantly, Knock Off is unlike any other Van Damme movie. It is much more like your Hong Kong action movie, and is actually quite better in the action respect than any of his other movies. Rob Schneider is really funny, and the acting (even from Van Damme) is pretty good. Probably the best thing about this movie is it's cinematography, which has such great shots as the foot-cam, the shoe-cam, and the box-cam, in which a little window opens up so you can see Jean-Claude's hand as it's reaches into a box! This movie is great for one goofy laugh after another, while not beeing too bad to watch. If you see it, rent it! If you like it, buy it!

I wasn't expecting (or asking) much when I originally saw "Knock Off". I had decided to take in a Sunday afternoon matinée purely as a way to kill a couple of hours, and "Knock Off" was on the marquee as I drove up to my local multiplex. Either I had already seen everything else or couldn't stomach the idea of watching what was left, and so I went in, not expecting to see anything more than Van Damme doing what Van Damme does.

When I saw on the credits that Tsui Hark was the director, I perked up considerably. I'm not a hardcore Hong Kong cinema fan, but I was marginally aware of Hark's reputation in Hong Kong. John Woo's first American effort a few years previous also starred Van Damme and "Hard Target" turned out to be the best Van Damme film to date (or "ever", depending who you ask).

Well, it wasn't as good as "Hard Target", but it still turned out to be the 4th best JCVD film I've ever seen - "Time Cop" and "Sudden Death" are better written, better acted, more accessible mainstream American movies - and a decent piece of action-oriented entertainment. I think in fact that "Knock Off" had the potential to be a minor classic, but the writing ( a typically over the top HK cinema plot about micro-explosives and terrorism ) doesn't really translate well to American tastes. Hark and his film crew have the gift of conjuring striking images and camera work and crafting astonishing action sequences, but story-wise, they can't really get beyond the surface froth to give us some characters we care about or actual emotion (chewing the scenery doesn't count as 'emotion'.)

Also weighing in against "Knock Off" is that it features far too much of Rob Schneider. He's actually much better here than in the cinematic tragedy that was "Judge Dredd", but dude, it's ROB SCHNEIDER. I actually like Schneider better in the stupid comedy movies where he plays the lead, for some reason...I think it's because his 'irritation' factor is actually a PLUS in a comedy movie, but he just is out of place and stupid in any kind of sidekick role in action or science fiction vehicles.

Van Damme's problems with drugs and partying at this point in his career are common knowledge, but he still looks good in tight fitting clothes, even if he is a little rough around the edges. In some ways it makes him somewhat more believable for the role - his character is a semi-legitimate, slightly seedy hustler and party animal, and he looks the part (instead of the super hero he played in porn-fu fare like "Blood Sport" and "Kick Boxer".) He's still no actor and Hark can't make him one, but he goes through the motions, and there's enough frenetic action all around him to make him look really good. He holds up his end just fine. For better or worse, he does what he does, and it's framed differently enough that it makes for a nice change of pace from his usual macho kick-boxing antics. I could swear in a few spots that they were going for a kind of "Jackie Chan" vibe, especially in the rickshaw race and in the scene in the knock-off factory where JCVD has a running fight with dozens of employees who are trying to kill him (because they think he murdered their boss).

So yes, I like "Knock Off" as enjoyable eye candy and acceptable action oriented entertainment. I even picked it up (used) on DVD at my local "Sun Coast" a few weeks back for $7 to add it to my collection. I imagine that even some who didn't care about martial arts, HK cinema or Van Damme might get some enjoyment out of it. Call it a "weak" 7 stars (7.1) or a "strong" 6 stars (6.9) as long as you don't ask for much actual human emotion in your cinematic entertainment.

I didn't expect Knock Off to be the film it was. I thought it would be another lame bit of Van Dammage, just like all the others, but wow! This is in a league of it's own. First of all, let me say this: it's not a good film: of course, it isn't! The script's diabolical, the acting is dreadful and the plot has got to be one of the silliest ever written.

Oh yes, but Knock Off works because it is truly bonkers. Truly out of its mind. Tsui Hark is a great director (check out the insane Zu: Warriors of the Magic Mountain, as well as the Hark produced A Chinese ghost Story, which is truly wonderful) and his irreverent approach works wonders here. Some of the camerawork here has to be seen to be believed: here, we have a shot from the inside of a shoe, the camera moving through a wall and through a computer...while, the action is wildly OTT and hilariously preposterous. Rough around the edges it may be, but the action is genuinely imaginative stuff. Like Van Damme's Hard Target, Knock Off has been blessed with a director who can stage great action, but unlike the irritatingly melodramatic john woo, Hark directs as though he's having a great time: even the dramatic (!) scenes border on intentional parody.

And then there's Jean Claude Van Damme, easily the funniest out of all the Schwarzenegger/Stallone/Seagal crowd. Funniest? Why? Cos he really looks like he's trying, bless 'im! The scenes where he gets all emotional (check out the bit when he confronts Hendricks on the roof top: 'YOU LIED TO ME!') are painfully funny because he just can't act at all. And because of his accent, lines like 'Don't you understand what you do....i-fax me?' (the 'i-fax' is supposed to be 'affects') sound highly amusing. Unlike that dullard Steven Seagal, van Damme's limitations as an actor are precisely what makes him watchable. Then there's the deeply stupid Rob Schneider, who plays EXACTLY the same role in everything he's ever done, and Paul Sorvino, who continues to destroy whatever credibilty he gained starring as Pauly Cicero in GoodFellas.

Plus, what's with the green explosions? The walkie-talkie dropping into the gangster's hand from nowhere? The bullet-shot that goes through the can of beans? Rob Schneider whipping Van Damme with a fish? The song at the end of the film? It's a complete mess!

Knock Off is easily Van Damme's best film, without a shadow of a doubt. It's utter rubbish, yet it's one of the funniest films I've ever seen. Of course, you need plenty of irony and an appreciation for stupid action movies to really get the most out of this. there are some people who will think that Knock Off is absolutely atrocious. And you know what, they're probably right too. But what's also correct is that in some deeply disturbing, dangerously perverse way, it is a work of genius.

Van Damme movies have been getting better over the years however this one is a set back. This movie had all the attributes of a cheap Hong Kong movie.

Stay away from this movie.

I was hoping to see a good action flick, but the acting, film editing, and the special effects kept getting in the way. There is a scene where our hero is sliding across the floor shooting at someone, and you can see the cable which is pulling him. Even though everyone is speaking english, it looks like it was a badly dubbed foreign film. I definitely cannot recommend this film to anyone.

I heard how bad this movie was, but I was lead to believe it was so bad it was good. So I decided to rent it when it came out on video. Boy, was I wrong! This movie is so bad, it's BAD. Oh, there are a few unintended laughs here and there (the now legendary point-of-view shot of a foot entering a shoe being the highlight), but this movie gets so bad it's surreal. Especially with the frenzied camerawork and ludicrous editing and visual effects! Director Tsui Hark has directed some excellent Hong Kong movies, and DOUBLE TEAM, while overall bad, had some moments. But you'd never know it by watching this movie! (Also surprising is that Sammo Hung was second-unit director). At least Hark can't be blamed for the script, which is so confusing that I was completely lost right from the start! Movie also contains possibly the worst credit song of 1998 - maybe even the worst credit song of the 90s!

Van-Damme, a message for you: pick better scripts and directors, or find someone who can!

"Action star Jean Claude Van Damme plays a fashion designer who must join forces with a C.I.A. agent to combat terrorism." That is the plot outline from this movie's main page, and possibly the funniest sentence you will ever read. It's hard to believe that someone once sat down and said, "You know, I bet the counterfeit jeans industry would make a good action movie," but they did, and the resulting screenplay is a big, dumb mess. However, the movie redeems itself with some incredible action sequences. Tsui Hark's fast-paced direction is at a level of insanity comparable to, if not better than, the martial arts flicks of John Woo. In some of the later scenes, such as the wild chase through some sort of warehouse/factory place, I was wondering how on earth they managed to film something like that.

The movie also has some downright weird elements that make it very memorable. For instance, during the climax on the barge, Van Damme is taking out the bad guys while sliding down long, oil-slicked corriders. And no, I don't mean sliding a little bit on his feet, I mean he's ACTUALLY SLIDING AROUND ON HIS REAR. It's as if the director was watching his kid play on a Slip 'N' Slide and thought, "I wonder if I could incorporate this into the movie." Also, what was with all the green explosions? I thought there was something wrong with my TV set, but then I came here and read about it in the other user comments. I don't know what kind of pyrotechnics they were using (St. Patrick's Day fireworks, apparently), but it's pretty distracting.

It's a silly movie with some real oddities, but the frenetic action is very entertaining. If you're looking to just turn your brain off and enjoy some karate kicks and car chases, you can't beat a good Van Damme movie like "Knock Off." 7/10 stars.

Me and a group of friends went to see this movie over the Labor Day holiday. We didn't expect too much, but what we did see was TOO MUCH. After about 20 minutes, we could take no more. There was no discernible plot, silly camera shots, choppy editing, and unintelligent dialogue! We had to leave and get a refund of our matinee level admission.

The movie is kind of like the self parody of a Hong Kong movie. Even the theme of the movie is the "Fake" merchandise going through HK.

But there's nothing fake about the movie's quality. From the very opening sequence where Michael Wong goes after the smugglers, the movie has high quality action all the way to the very end.

In between the hard core action, John Claude Van Damme's character puts in comical performance that's pretty funny, getting into all sorts of trouble while trying to make money on fake Nike shoes, and designer jeans. The charming insincerity seems to fit JC's character perfectly as the fake merchandise dealer / accidental good guy.

While this movie is not made by any notable HK movie studio, it's easily one of the best movie to come out of Hong Kong. It's a great movie for Asian and action movie fans alike.

Knock Off was the most boring movie I've ever seen. I am disappointed in Jon Claude Van Damme for even considering a movie like this. There was not a plot. It jumped from one air head scene to another. The movie was not well filmed, it looked like amateurs filmed it because of the jerky camera movements and fast forward speed in some of the scenes. Then there were scenes where there was "picture in a picture" to let the audience see what was being looked at. This movie is terrible. It is a poor excuse for a movie.. a waste of time and effort on anyone who sees it. I see many movies on preview night the day movies are released for the first time.. I wish I hadn't seen this one at all........

I can understand why people would like to knock Knock-Off but as an action film it is brilliant. There are some really well planned out shots and the fight scenes were top notch as well. The movie starts at a fast pace and keeps it up for the whole picture. The supporting cast is wonderful here the movie actually has some good character development. I like the fact that Van Damme isn't the only hero here. Rob Schneider is very funny plays the part well as does Lela Rochon, Paul Sorvino, and Michael Wong. That's a good cast right there! The movie is also a good take on the ever-present knock-off artists that flood Hong Kong, as well as most big cities with cheap brand name crap.

"Lets put bombs in the knock-offs so we can threaten the entire world!" Not a bad idea for an action movie. I thought that the Russian bad guys were aptly stereotypical and I especially liked the "Coughing Guy" character.

Visually, the movie is crazy. There are some innovative shots here, like the inside the shoe shot, the inside the gun shot, and my favorite, the what's inside of the box shot. It makes me love this movie even more! So don't knock down Knock Off until you give it a chance. See it for the humor and the wacky plot, appreciate it for the cinematography and fight scenes, and enjoy it for all it's worth. There's a lot going on in this movie. Tsui Hark's direction is always fresh and fast paced, so if you liked any of his other movies, you'll appreciate this offering. One of my all time favorites.

This was excellent movie! Great action from Hark and Van Damme. The plot wasn't any special but better than ever before. I have seen every Van Damme movie and this was the best. In his later movies there was only this this serious guy with big muscles and karate/kick and thai-boxing, but in this movie there's little bit comedy which is good. Knock/off reminded more of a Jackie Chan movie then a normal Van Damme movie because of the comedy and the action sequences. Van Damme has never climbed a wall or used a shirt or chain and what ever to kick some butt, but in Knock/off he does and its OK! If you have never seen a Damme movie, rent this.

I have been a HUGE fan of Jean-Claude. I see all his stuff, yet I don't know why he did such a rotten movie as Knock Off. It was a B movie. JC looks awful in his black wig. The plot was stupid. I see him trying to compete with Jackie Chan. Jean-Claude, I still love you, but I hope you'll think before you sign next time!!