Set against the backdrop of the 1997 handover of Hong Kong, “Knock Off” is about fashion executive Marcus Ray, who uncovers a conspiracy involving counterfeit goods.
I’ve always found Jean-Claude Van Damme’s body of work to be hit-or-miss. Personally, I think “Double Impact” showcases him at his best (I go deeper into this in my latest review here), but it’s tough to overlook how many of his films don’t quite land. “Knock Off,” unfortunately, belongs in that category. While Rob Schneider and Paul Sorvino bring some much-needed levity, the movie never really comes together. Van Damme seems out of place—his effort to play a laid-back, comedic lead doesn’t ring true. He’s much more believable when tapping into that signature intensity and brooding demeanor. Still, I’ll give him points for stepping outside his usual lane. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?
Set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s handover from Britain to China in 1997, the film throws us into a city buzzing with uncertainty. Van Damme plays Marcus Ray, a fashion industry insider, who partners with Tommy Hendricks (Rob Schneider). Their mundane business takes a sharp turn when they stumble onto a scheme involving counterfeit goods. Things get even more dangerous when they uncover that Russian agents have hidden tiny bombs in their clothing line, intended for distribution in American cities.
The plot thickens when Marcus discovers Tommy’s real identity as an undercover CIA operative on the trail of these Russian villains. Marcus feels betrayed at first, but soon understands what’s at stake, and the pair team up to try and prevent a catastrophe. Their alliance is quickly tested when it becomes clear there’s a mole within Tommy’s agency, adding even more layers of tension and distrust as they try to root out the saboteur.
Director Tsui Hark, known for his high-octane, visually wild style, doesn’t hold back here. The film is packed with frantic editing, over-the-top action, and flashy wirework. While a bit of disbelief is expected in martial arts movies, Hark’s excess sometimes tips into the ridiculous, with both the fights and the jokes feeling more forced than natural. After his cover is blown, Schneider dials back his comic persona for a more serious turn, while Van Damme is left to carry the comedic weight—a task that doesn’t play to his strengths.
Paul Sorvino’s role is minor and feels wasted; his character is so inconsequential that nearly anyone could have played it. Even Van Damme’s renowned martial arts skills are sidelined—gunfights get most of the attention, and his trademark hand-to-hand combat only appears in brief flashes.
This film came at a turning point in Van Damme’s career, as his days as a box-office draw were fading—a fate similar to that of other action stars from the ’80s and ’90s like Steven Seagal, Wesley Snipes, Dolph Lundgren, and Bruce Willis, who gradually shifted into the world of low-budget, direct-to-video fare. While Van Damme did get a memorable villain role in “The Expendables 2”—arguably the series’ best bad guy—much of his recent output has flown under the radar, kept alive mostly by longtime fans.
It’s a shame his career didn’t keep soaring, as he really was a standout martial arts star in his prime. Die-hard fans might find something to like in “Knock Off,” but for most viewers, I’d steer them toward “Double Impact” or “Hard Target” instead.
Disc 1: 4K Special Features:
- HD Restoration (16-Bit Scan of the Original Camera Negative) of the film presented in its original 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio in HDR
- Audio: English DTS 5.1 Surround LPCM 2.0 Stereo Audio
- Optional English Subtitles
- Archival Audio Commentary by Action Cinema Experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
- Collectible Knock Off “4K LaserVision” Mini-Poster
- Reversible Cover Art
Disc 2: Blu-ray Special Features:
- High Definition (1080p) presentation of the main feature in 2.35:1 aspect ratio
- Audio: DTS 5.1 Surround & LPCM 2.0 Stereo Audio
- Optional English Subtitles
- Archival Audio Commentary by Action Cinema Experts Mike Leeder and Arne Venema
- NEW! Interview with Steven E. de Souza (HD, 40:51)
- NEW! Interview with Moshe Diamant (HD, 18;24)
- Archival 2020 interview with writer Steven E. de Souza (HD, 9:49)
- Archival “Making Of: Knock Off” featurette (SD, 23.15)
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Special Features May Not Be Rated, Closed Captioned, Or In High Definition.
4K Ultra HD™ Details:
• Rated: R
• Closed captioning available
• Run Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes
• Released: 2/17/2026
• Originally Released: 1998
• Label: MVD Rewind Collection
Now available on a Two-Disc Collector’s Edition 4K Ultra HD™
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