 |
|
|
|
| | | |
| MatchFlick Member Reviews |
All Movie Info
Directed By
Mark Steven Johnson
Written By:
Mark Steven Johnson
Cast:
Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jon Favreau, Scott Terra, Ellen Pompeo, Joe Pantoliano, Leland Orser, Erick Avari, Paul Ben-Victor, David Keith, Frankie J. Allison, Kane Hodder, Lennie Loftin, Derrick OConnor
|
|
|
| |
Daredevil (2003)
 email this review to a friend
Movie Review by Xavier
April 17th, 2007
|  |
No Need To Fear
I have a feeling I am going to say a few things that may upset and bamboozle some people. I have the distinct impression that I could be setting myself up for a torrent of abuse. I think a lot of people are going to think that I am just plain wrong. I love this movie. Mostly for all the reasons that everybody else hates it. I caught this flick at the cinema when it was first released, bought it the day it was unleashed on DVD, I am a little surprised that I have left this review for so long.
Allow me to set the scene. Daredevil has often been cited by his critics as Marvel Comics two-bit answer to Batman. Some people even suggest that he is simply a poor mans Spiderman. As a kid the fellow really annoyed me, always getting in Spidermans way and being an irritating goody two shoes to boot. He was also quite blind, where is the appeal in that? Of course I was wrong. Between the 80's and 90's Matt Murdock and his alter ego enjoyed a renaissance as many respected writers and artist worked to fill the gaps in DDs character. The comic itself got darker, grittier and tackled themes that would make Superman wish he was just Clark Kent. The grey area of justice, loves divided loyalties and simply the subject of disability were all tackled by such heavy hitters as Frank Miller and Kevin Smith. The comic got a lot more adult and DDs appeal spread.
I'm not here to chat comics, I need to tell you why I think it is such a well made film. First up, Daredevils costume. I was always of the opinion that DDs get-up was a little too bright, a little too obvious. The costume designers seemed to agree with me, not only has the appearance of his costume changed but it actually looks like something that could actually be made and worn. It often baffles me as to how Peter Parker can afford to make those sexy looking threads that Tobey Maguire is so fond of prancing around in. DDs special abilities are so well represented as well. The story goes thus; blinded by radioactive waste as a boy Matt Murdock has heightened senses and a unique 'Radar Sense' that allows him to react to his environment in exactly the same way that we cannot. The scene where Murdock awakes and discovers this is simply brilliant, such a tricky concept presented so clearly.
The film itself is very well paced, from the opening origin sequences right to the very end, no long periods of inactivity and no chance of you losing your way. The Daredevil mythos is very well covered as well. Apparently some of the biggest criticisms of this film was that it messed with the comics integrity. I couldn't disagree more. You have the deadly love interest, the powerful crime lord, religious iconography, the main supporting characters, the intricate double life and the one thing that makes DD quite unique, the fact that he cannot see. I think the blindness again is dealt with very well, would I be out of line if I stated that there are moments that made me actually think a little more about blindness in general? Consider it stated. The film looks just how I picture the comics tone as well, the sets are great, the CGI believable. It's all very grim and dark.
On to the cast. Again, I feel it was spot on. BEFORE you start with the Affleck bashing I would like to remind you that DD is Ben's favourite comic book hero and he worked hard to secure the spot. His heart was most certainly into the film. He also looks good. Jennifer Garner does a good Elektra too but mostly because of her looks and the fact that she can bend her legs over her head. Colin Farrell, superb. Jon Favreau, funny. Joe Pantoliano, excellent. All portraying the characters almost exactly how I thought. The real stroke of genius is Michael Clarke Duncan as the Kingpin, I honestly cannot think of any other human that could do a better job. Seriously, just take the Kingpins opening scene, all cigars and ruthlessness, I'd like to mention that the giant one reprised his role in the MTV Spiderman cartoon and something I appreciate is consistency.
So what does this mean to you? It could simply be another superhero flick, slightly silly and a little preposterous. Yes, it is those things. DD and Bullseye jumping across rooftops towards the end is only bettered in hamminess by the Murdock/Natchios face off. It is however entertaining and I feel it does no harm to the comic book world whereas there are plenty off other offerings out there that do quite the reverse. I have seen this film more than a few times and it has yet to lose its appeal, maybe you should give it another shot? And really, do you think Kevin Smith himself, one of DD's best remembered writers would agree to have his cameo screened if he thought it was pants?
email this review to a friend
Comment on this Review:
Sorry, you must be a member to add comments to reviews.
Join or Login. |
 | Zara
Apr 17, 2007 3:57 AM
also wrote a review of Daredevil 
| |
I've always taken a lot of sh*t for admitting that I liked this movie. I hate that there are certain movies that you automatically have to be on the defensive about just because they have a reputation around them. Hell, I've even been judged harshly by people who've NEVER seen the movie, based just on the name of it alone.
Meh. |
 | Lisa
Apr 17, 2007 6:49 AM
| |
| For me its Ben Affleck, when I watch this movie I get this uncontrollable urge to kick him in the nuts really hard, i found him annoying and pityful. I guess it doesn't help that I was never into comics....with the exception of Dandy and Beano. |
 | Penny
Apr 17, 2007 2:21 PM
| |
| Hey, I thought Ben looked good in this. |
 | Misty
Apr 17, 2007 2:24 PM
| |
| I thought the movie was okay...it was just the actors that did it for me. I really didn't see Daredevil as an Afleck kind of guy...I dunno, but I still enjoyed the movie. Kudos to you for writing how you feel regardless of how the masses may react. :) |
 Subscribe to MatchFlick Movie Reviews through RSS
|
Apr 17, 2007 5:39 PM
I sh*t you not.