Gritty superhero action movie.
Rating: 6/10
Running Time: 103 minutes
UK Certificate: 15
Here's another superhero movie, the first in a long line of super powered action movies about to blast into cinemas in 2003. Fully intent on cashing in on the success of Spiderman, enter Daredevil. What do you mean you've never heard of him?
Affleck stars as the tortured Matt Murdock/Daredevil, a lawyer who was blinded in a chemical accident as a child only to discover his four remaining senses were greatly enhanced. Now he can see the world through a form of sonar, and through intense physical training and his supernatural awareness has become Daredevil, the red, leather clad 'man without fear'. He takes an oath to bring to justice Wilson Fisk aka the Kingpin (Clarke Duncan) who kills his father after he will not succumb to the orders of his evil empire.
In his mission of revenge and justice, Daredevil still has all the typical superhero nonsense: cheesy lines, impossible action sequences and a plot where the hero cannot die. He takes all kinds of punishment and can still fight on. Willpower, inner strength and determination can overcome any injury, apparently. I guess that's why they're superheroes and I'm not.
The (about to be seen in every movie) Colin Farrell stars as Bullseye, the Irish assassin who never misses. Obviously when Daredevil evades his attacks, the gloves are off in the grudge match of the century.
Love interest is provided by Jennifer Garner (Elektra Natchios), the streetwise daughter of one of Kingpin's associates. When he decides to leave Kingpin's empire, both he and Elektra must pay the price. But can Daredevil save them both, and bring Kingpin to justice; and does he have the skill to best Bullseye in single combat?
If you like superhero movies, you'll care enough to find out. For the rest of you, this film is overly long and entirely too unbelievable to sustain your interest for its two hours.
It's Got: A gritty feel, darker than most superhero movies. The stunning Jennifer Garner as Elektra.
It Needs: To be shorter. As an action movie, its entirely too long for all but the most devoted Daredevil fans.
Summary
No Spiderman. Daredevil does offer something of slightly more substance than your average superhero movie. But despite its gritty locations and brooding Affleck, it doesnt quite hit the super ratings.