63
Metascore
22 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80The Hollywood ReporterDuane ByrgeThe Hollywood ReporterDuane ByrgeVan Damme is no mere fighting machine: His performance is buffed with subtle humor and a sympathetic, self-deprecating demeanor. The bad guys are terrific: Lance Henriksen as the cold and cunning sporting promoter and Arnold Vosloo as his psycho hunting dog.
- 78Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovAustin ChronicleMarc SavlovTo be fair, this isn't The Killer. Woo's unique penchant for over-the-top male bonding is basically nowhere to be seen, but then this is, after all, a very American story, despite Woo's name at the top.
- 70The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinMr. Woo's obvious gusto and his taste for myth making are readily apparent. But so is his fondness for the slow, lingering death scene coupled with sickening sound effects. Presenting Mr. Van Damme as reverentially as Sergio Leone did the young Clint Eastwood, Mr. Woo displays a real aptitude for malignant mischief, which is this story's stock in trade.
- 63ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliWithout the elegant technique of John Woo, Hard Target could have been a real dud. It is not a good alternative to more intelligent thrillers such as In the Line of Fire and as The Fugitive, but that's not the market it's aimed at. However, those who enter a darkened theater showing this film with a reasonable idea of what they're getting themselves into, are likely to emerge satisfied.
- 60EmpireKim NewmanEmpireKim NewmanEnjoyable from start to finish, this throw-away action flick does what it says on the tin.
- 60Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversEven when the acting is hammy, notably Wilford Brimley’s turn as Chance’s Cajun uncle, Woo stages every fight with hypnotic grace.
- 60Time OutTime OutThe movie's firepower would shame the devil. It's what Hollywood wanted Woo for: bigger, brighter explosions.
- 50Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonWhen Van Damme isn't duking it out with the English language, scriptwriter Chuck Pfarrer is filling Henriksen's mouth with villainous pseudo-profundities. Even in a second-rate action picture like this, and despite Henriksen's commendable efforts, they're painful to listen to.
- 50TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineThough working on a Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle can be seen as a comedown for Woo, he rises to the occasion to create an often rousing entertainment that is almost inarguably Van Damme's best film to date.
- 40Washington PostRichard HarringtonWashington PostRichard HarringtonThe only thing wrong with John Woo's American debut, Hard Target, is that it's too American and not enough Woo.