Rating: Summary: Justice is blind, but it can still be heard Review: Daredevil was always kind of a second tier Marvel comic, well known within the comic world, but little if anything known about it outside of the world. Myself, I never read the comic and only really knew the basic story of Daredevil. The unfortunate thing is that the film both wants to be dark, brooding, and more mature like Batman, but at the same time capture the youthful fun that is Spider-man. The fortunate thing is that Marvel yet again appears to have a marketable (and money making) franchise on their hands, but it's pilot into theaters isn't as strong as it's Marvel predecessors (Spider-man & X-Men). The plot is weaker than the others and the film is a bit thin because of it, but decent to good performances from the whole cast make the most of it.Matt Murdock's sight was taken from him in his youth when he was sprayed by a radioactive substance, but his other senses were extremely heightened at the same time. His sense of hearing is so strong he can use the echo to see people through a kind of radar vision, which is used as a nice visual effect throughout the film. His father, an aging boxer, was murdered by the mob and the young Murdock vowed vengeance. Ben Affleck stars as our guardian devil who is lawyer (or is he a DA, the film makes him to be confusingly both) Matt Murdock by day, vigilante of justice by night. At night he prowls the rooftops of Hell's Kitchen, a rough NYC neighborhood, throwing his version of justice around to protect those who can't protect themselves. Murdock uses the church as his crutch and confession to relieve himself of his inner tension., but unfortunately his priest feels as confused about his version of justice, Is it just bottled up revenge for his father's untimely death or is it actual justice, which Murdock tries to convince himself it is. The obligatory love interest is Elektra Natchios played by the always radiant Jennifer Garner. She's a martial arts expert who crosses paths one day with Matt, who uses the standard superhero charm to win her over. Their romance is played out decently as Daredevil shows her some of the more unique things he can do with his abilities. She also happens to be the daughter of a rich Greek entrepreneur, whom happens to be entangled with NYC crime boss Kingpin (Michael Clarke Duncan). Kingpin puts the order out for a hit on Mr. Natchios and calls in his number 1 thug, Bullseye (Collin Farrell), a marksman that can make a weapon out of nearly any object imaginable. Farrell plays Bullseye to his most sadistic and he's the real star of the show. I must admit Affleck appeared an odd choice beforehand, but he's actually rather decent. Daredevil isn't really an expressive character, his turmoil exists on the inside, which plays into Affleck's hands. The problem with the secondary characters is that we hardly know anything about them, especially Kingpin (sure the name says a lot but some more background would nice). We don't know nearly enough about Elektra's background to know how and why she's the trained fighting machine she is. Garner makes more of her character than the film probably deserved and Clarke Duncan's presence alone helps make up for his character's shortcomings. Making brief but quality appearances are Joe Pantoliano as Ben Urich, a NY Post reporter who is ever closing in on the red suited mystery man's identity and Matt's law partner Franklin Nelson, played by Jon Favreau, who tends to not sit well with Murdock's demand that they only take on innocent clients (his senses are so keen that he can sense people's heart beats as a kind of personal lie detector). Overall the film surprised me pleasantly. It does seem to jump around at times, like they cut out some character exposition in order to keep to the action pieces in the forefront. I'd love to see the DVD have a longer cut so we could get to know the characters better. But for a popcorn action hero flick it's workable and I'm sure a sequel will be in the works. Make sure to stick around for the credits for a little surprise.
Rating: Summary: DareDevil-Take the Dare Review: DareDevil was a great action film, with stunning sequences and in fact some nice performances. Ben Affleck, plays the hero Matt Murdock/DareDevil, Jennifer Garner plays Elektra, the sexy,voluptuous assistant to Affleck's character. Michale Clarke-Duncan plays the dominant and malevolent character Kingpin who's main goal is to spread chaos and crime into the streets of New York. Matt Murdock at an adolescent age, 12 to be precise becomes blind shortly before the death of his loving father, who is murdered. Matt Murdock soon gains a magnificent ability which allows him something simply amazing! He soon be comes a secret vigilante by night to avenge the death of this beloved father. He soon teams up with Garner's character and meet up with a deadly and brutal rival named Bullseye, played by Colin Farrell. Director Mark Steven Johnson does a great job on adapting the comic book into an actual motion picture, the film unfortunately was not at all able to beat Spider-Man as a top opening grosser but will surely shine at the box-office. Spider-Man and DareDevil are both great films. But DareDevil, is a bit more dark and gloomy and also intermittently exciting and derivative. The film was nice, could've had some improvements, but overall it was worth the money and the time I devoted to it. But as for comparing Ben Affleck to Tobey Maguire, that's kind of difficult for me to say. Just see DareDevil, for it's kicking action and intensity, and just for the fun of it! DareDevil: Rated PG-13 for Action/Violence and Some Sensuality Time: 103 Minutes (1 hour and 43 minutes)
Rating: Summary: Characters forced to be interesting! Review: I saw "Daredevil" on opening day, against my better judgement. I had read the scathing reviews in the Boston Globe and Entertainment Weekly, but I was willing to give it a shot. I mean, it's Ben Affleck in leather... However, I was ultimately disappointed. Not because of what the Globe and EW had mentioned but for other reasons. Ben Affleck plays the tormented Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer (who somehow subsists on only pro bono work) out for venegance as his alterego Daredevil. Ever since he witnessed the death of his father as a child, he is on a serious rage streak (oddly reminiscent of his character in "Changing Lanes"), and he is out for blood against the city's evil-doers. However, his superhero status is not so black hat vs. white hat. In fact, at several points in the movie, he questions if his vengeance is actually making him a bad guy as well. Very interesting, right? Well, let me just say here that these attempts to make Murdock interesting just make the Ben Affleck even less effective in this role. He just lacks the sincerity to pull off the tormented superhero. In addition, the way the story is written doesn't establish any of the characters very well to begin with. This is especially true of Elektra Natchios, played by the svelte Jennifer Garner. I admit, she has a great physique and killer moves, but her character just seems like a fluffy side-story. For some reason, she has been raised as some sort of Amazon martial arts warrior woman. But why? "My father never wanted me to be a victim." OK, MY dad doesn't want me to be a victim either. Doesn't mean they'd have sent me to army training maneuvers over Camp Horizons. However, the movie wasn't ALL bad. Colin Farrell makes a comical but deadly foil as Bullseye, and Daredevil's arch-nemesis Kingpin (played by Michael Clarke Duncan) is sufficiently evil as the criminal mastermind of the city. The action sequences are good as well. So, to sum it up, Daredevil is all action, no talk. The characters are poorly developed, and you just can't get very interested in them.
Rating: Summary: Do Not See This Movie Review: I repeat, Do not see this movie. It will be two excruciating hours you will never get back. Why, you ask? Well, it could be the painfully staged fight scenes. Or the badly delivered lines. It could be the lack of interesting story line. Or the fact that by the time you got to the end of the movie it left you wondering- What exactly was the point? Oh and don't forget the blasphemy. In conclusion, It isn't worth your money or time to see this trash.
Rating: Summary: Where's the plot? Review: Nothing happened in this entire movie. Do you know who the Kingpin is and why he does what he does? I don't, and I've grown up reading about the character! Atrocious acting (Michael Clark Duncan is WAY overrated, Ben Affleck is emotionless) and a terrible non-existent script make me ashamed for Hollywood in general.
Rating: Summary: Quite good but not great Review: Took the family to see this movie (may have been first mistake). Quite a bit of violence so you'll need to be prepared for that. Ben and Jen were excellent. The martial arts scenes were exceptional. Great special effects. The story was a bit weak. Asked the kids and they unanimously preferred Spiderman.
Rating: Summary: not worth all the hype Review: the movie was strictly action, a lot of gore, and many fight scenes. the movement was hard to follow when Daredevil used his "senses" at some times but other than that the fight scenes were okay. the plot was horrible and so was the acting for the most part. if you want to see a movie with lots of action,okay fight scenes, and a lot of eye candy this movie's for you then.
Rating: Summary: Not for the Faint of Heart Review: I must say that upon entering the theater, I was expecting a great show, one that could rival last spring's amazing Spiderman. The previews had certainly led me to believe such a thing, not that I was totally dissapointed when I left. There were some great aspects to it, and I, being attracted to movies with lots of romance coupled with great action sequences, did get what I had hoped for. The only difference was that the happy ending (or that which would be reflective of later happiness) was not at all what I was left with. ...The movie itself was also rather dark. It was made to be that way for a reason as the ending explains, but it is not to be recommended to those who wish to experience the uppity atmosphere that Spiderman held. Overall, it was a good movie but I was mortified at how they finished it off. For the last 20 minutes or so of the film, I admit I was hoping that the deceased person would somehow rise from the dead, and those thoughts prevented me from fully appreciating (or paying attention) to the finale. My impressions of Daredevil are as I have just previously explained and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fun action sequences and lots of romance.
Rating: Summary: DD = (D)ifferent (D)aredevil Review: Let's just say it's not like the other "Marvel" movies. This movie was much more darker and more sensual than the other "Marvel" movies, so it is not really recommended for kids, and that is a shame because most of the money superhero movies get are from the kids cause for some reason children like those "Superhero" type movies. + The action sequenses are to fast so you really can't see anything. - I don't like that
Rating: Summary: One of the Top Three All-Time Best Superhero Films Review: I genuinely enjoyed DAREDEVIL, and I believe that after I see it a second time, it may just end up in my Top Three All-Time Best Superhero Films list, right next to X-MEN and BATMAN RETURNS. Sorry, SUPERMAN, I believe that you are about to be demoted to #4. THE GOOD * Ben Affleck -- I've been a Daredevil fan for a long time (since the '80s, when I retroactively discovered the Miller/Sienkiewicz runs) and I was very skeptical about Ben Affleck playing such a complex character as Matt Murdock. Fortunately, Affleck put all my fears to rest; he was Matt Murdock. Ben brought a much-needed intensity to the role, and a dark, brooding quality that Murdock so desperately needs for his character to be convincing. Murdock has to be driven, to be possessed, or why else would he torture himself night after night, collecting scars and injuries for his efforts? Ben conveyed that sense of need, that thirst for revenge quite admirably. * Jennifer Garner -- Whoa. She may not be the Elektra of the comics, but she has the most remarkable, the most memorable, the most electrifying screen presence one could possibly imagine. She is extraordinary and amazing in a role that does not have nearly enough screen time. Any other actor would sell his or her soul to S@t@n for the action chops Jennifer Garner displays in this film. * Colin Farrell -- Once again, he may not be the Bullseye of the comics, but that is just fine...he's better. This was an antagonist worthy of Daredevil, and Farrell played him brilliantly. Farrell is one of those actors that the camera loves, and he knows his craft. Any director working with Farrell would be wise to simply point the camera at him and let him go, and it sure seems like that's what happened here because Farrell scorches the screen in an unrestrained performance that must be seen to be believed. Amazing. * The Action -- Pitch perfect. Move-for-move, flip-for-flip, block-for-block, it is all right on the money. A "bullseye," if you will. Not a single misstep anywhere. The filmmakers did their homework, and spent their money both wisely and where it really needed spending...in the action, in the hand-to-hand combat. Bravo. * The Script -- Whip-smart. Clever. Well-written. Moreover, despite what I have been reading on these boards and elsewhere, not a single false note. Not one. This is one of the best comic-to-screen adaptations ever. * The Production Design -- I am wrapping up all the elements that worked for this film in the Production Design blanket. Absolutely everything onscreen works, from Murdock's "vision" to the realization of Hell's Kitchen, from Daredevil's costume to his inner sanctum, from the smallest details to the largest canvas, it all works and it works beautifully. THE BAD * Michael Clarke Duncan -- Yawn. Talk about an actor sleepwalking through his role. Duncan could not have taken this film less seriously if all the other actors were dressed in clown shoes and squeaky red noses. His "performance," if I may call it such, was disgraceful. He has the physical presence for a Wilson Fisk, he quite simply and quite obviously refused to consider any motivation beyond that of collecting a fat paycheck. Repugnant. Fortunately, Duncan only stinks up the screen for about ten minutes, all told. * Joe Pantoliano -- Oh, for crying out loud! Are there no other actors in Hollywood? Must every director who is looking for someone "edgy" cast Joey Pants? Joe is the least "edgy" actor working today. My dead grandma is edgier than Joe is. In addition, what the Hell is Joe doing playing Urich? If I tried, I could not imagine an actor less suited to play that character. And here was another thespian apparently too good to be bothered with actually performing. In fact, I hope his "fifteen minutes of shame" is edited out of the DVD before its release to save us all some embarrassment. THE INDIFFERENT * The Photography -- I know what the filmmakers were going for, and they achieved it...just barely. If they had used a single lux less light, there would have been no way to see what was going on. You could call that the result of careful pre-planning, or you could call it what it is, luck. I am convinced these guys got lucky, because it sure looks like they almost over-reached their grasp in nearly every shot. * The Score -- Immediately forgettable...I'm sorry, what was I talking about? Just the same, despite The Bad and The Indifferent, I give this film my highest possible recommendation. Run, run, run to your nearest Cineplex, then lay down your hard-earned cash with a smile on your face and a song in your heart, because it will be the best money you have ever spent in your entire life. DAREDEVIL is that good...as far as superhero films go. :-)
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