Chaos by Design

Read Time:6 Minute, 6 Second

MOVIE REVIEWS
Knock Off (Collector's Edition)
–

Genre: Action, Adventure
Year Released: 1998, MVD Rewind Blu-ray 2026
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Tsui Hark
Writer(s): Steven E. de Souza
Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Rob Schneider, Lela Rochon, Paul Sorvino, Carman Lee
Where to Watch: available now, order here: www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: What happens when an action movie stops trying to make sense? KNOCK OFF decides to dive into the shallow end and challenge you to either give in to the craziness or just scratch your head and wonder what you’re watching, This isn’t a film that wants to let anyone get comfortable and acclimate to its world; it goes quickly, is loud, and piles on the absurdity with the confidence of a director who figures you’ll keep up or be left behind.

Using 1997 Hong Kong as a setting, KNOCK OFF doesn’t really capture the country's political temperature at the time, so much as turn it into a pressure cooker. That background conveys a sense of uncertainty, shifting allegiances, and constant movement, all of which lean into the film’s style. Everything is changing, who people are loyal to, who people are, and even where things are. The story is, in principle, about counterfeit items and concealed bombs, but easy-to-follow storytelling isn’t anything the film cares about. It runs on energy, not on what makes sense.

Jean-Claude Van Damme plays against the kind of role he usually does, just enough to be interesting. As a fashion designer rather than the usual tough guy, he comes across as a joke, which helps the film. His acting has a deliberate, loose feeling to it, a vibe that the film knows what he is and isn’t good at, and actively uses that to strengthen the experience.

Rob Schneider’s being in it causes even more division. His character amplifies the film’s mood, leaning into overt comedy. Some people find the film's energy part of its free and rule-breaking appeal, but others find it exasperating in some scenes (seeing what Schneider has become today makes his earlier roles even more annoying). The issue isn’t that he’s in the film, but that the film doesn’t change it up much.

Tsui Hark’s directing is what the film is really about, for good or bad. The camera rarely stays put and often ends up in unexpected places. It’s forceful, sometimes exciting, sometimes confusing. When it’s good, it gives you a feeling of freedom that few American action films from the late 90s would attempt. When it isn’t, it gives up and loses any emotional grounding for the sake of being something different.

The action scenes have the same idea. They’re clever, you don’t know what’s coming, and often feel like they’re just too much. KNOCK OFF rarely stops long enough for worry to build. Instead, it maintains a level of power that ultimately makes its effect flatter than we would hope. Without high and low points, spectacle becomes just background sound.

The script adds to this imbalance. Steven E. de Souza’s writing brings a knowing awareness to what’s happening, sometimes admitting how silly the idea is. But the spoken words often can’t compete with the visual chaos around them. Dialogue is shared, jokes are made, but they’re often lost in the film’s pacing. What you get is a script that’s there but ignored, existing mostly to allow the next bit of chaos.

The supporting actors do what they can in the film’s over-the-top reality. Lela Rochon brings a bit of normality when the film lets her, and Paul Sorvino goes for a larger-than-life villain, which fits the film’s mood. Everyone seems to understand what they’re supposed to do, even if what they’re supposed to do doesn't make sense.

What’s most interesting about KNOCK OFF is how it turns away from normal expectations. It isn’t a carefully made action film. It’s messy, uneven, and often feels like it’s asking the audience if it even knows what it’s doing. Sometimes, that being reckless feels planned, even playful. Other times, it feels like it's lost all control, hiding and trying things to figure themselves out.

By the time the film gets to the end, it’s clear KNOCK OFF isn’t for everyone, or a traditionally good watch. It tries to do too much, and what you get is a film that's interesting as often as it's annoying, fun in parts but tiring when it’s all put together. KNOCK OFF is more of a strange experience than a success. It’s courageous, odd, and sometimes inspiring, but it struggles to turn its desire to do everything into something cohesive. For people willing to take chaos for what it is, there’s real fun to be found. For others, the noise will cover up the newness. It's not a failure, but it isn’t a hidden treasure either. It’s a film that gives in to its own craziness 100%, whether you really want to accept it or not.

Bonus Materials:
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
Collectible Mini-Poster
Limited Edition Slipcover (*FIRST PRESSING ONLY)

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive complimentary items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl Records, Books, and more. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support as you navigate these links.