A former secret service agent turned mercenary must return to France to save his estranged son who has been accused of arms trafficking. 

Richard Brumere, aka ‘The Mist’ played by Jean-Claude Van Damme is introduced to us on a rescue mission where he is alluding detection by doing the splits in the rafters hanging above his would be attackers. It is the perfect start for a film that is clearly made with a lot of love for Van Damme and his history. Later there will be an even more tongue in cheek reference to Bloodsport in amongst him dressing up in all sorts of disguises. 

The film as a whole feels like a nod to the Pink Panther films. Van Damme is a “master of disguise” and of martial arts. The politicians in the film are either the villains of the piece, hold grudges against ‘The Mist’ or are just completely clueless. Minister Lazare’s (Alban Ivanov) level of incompetence feels on par with Clouseau. Or perhaps it is the estranged son played by Samir Decazza who fills the bumbling lead role. Throughout the film there is a feeling of it being a gentle mix of farce, comedy, father-son bonding and action. 

There is also a slightly odd reference to being obsessed with films. One of our villains played by Nassim Lyes is obsessed with Brian DePalma’s Scarface, or more specifically Al Pacino’s Tony Montana. He has personalised number plates, dresses like him and obsessively watches the movie. Writer/director David Charhon almost seems to be suggesting he had a similar obsession with Van Damme in the 80’s and 90’s with some of the references on screen. 

Is it worth a watch? I thought so. I enjoyed myself enough and laughed and smiled at some of the peculiar references and odd jokes. It might fall between two stools for some though. It is never fully an action movie, a farce or a comedy choosing to flit between them all. 

Stick around for the full credits to catch some extra scenes if you do give it a whirl.