I watched part of this movie a long time ago. It's such a forgettable movie that I have to go and read the reviews every time because I keep forgetting which stupid movie this is, and whether or not I've ever seen it. So let that be a lesson to you: Don't waste your time watching because you won't remember later what it's about, it's that bad.
As for Van Damme being a better actor to play the role played by Michael Ironside, I have to agree with drnrg31. A few possibilities: (a) Van Damme read the script and rejected it because it was too lame even for him. (b) Van Damme gave the role to Ironside because the latter needed the money more. (c) Van Damme was busy and so the movie people twisted the arm of Michael Ironside to do it as a favor. (d) Ironside left his brain at home the day people asked him to do the role.