To the Point of Death

Sudden Death is a 1995 American sports action-thriller film shot and directed by Peter Hyams and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, with Powers Boothe, Raymond J. Barry, and Dorian Harewood co-starring in supporting roles. The film pits a lone fire marshal against extortionists who hold unsuspecting NHL players and fans for ransom during game seven of the Stanley Cup Final, and set payment milestones to coincide with the game's progress. It was Hyams' second directorial collaboration with Van Damme, after Timecop (1994) and before Enemies Closer (2013). Sudden Death was released in the United States by Universal Pictures on December 22, 1995, to mixed reviews, albeit better than most of Van Damme's earlier efforts. The film fell short of Timecop's performance, especially domestically. However, it was a minor success, grossing $64 million at the box office – on an announced budget of $35 million. The film became a popular staple for cable TV and in video rentals and sales.