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Judy Thorburn

Daredevil

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Flick Chicks Chick-O-Meter The Flick Chicks, film, video, movie reviews, critics, Judy Thorburn, Victoria Alexander, Polly Peluso, Shannon Onstot, Jacqueline Monahan, Tasha ChemplavilFlick Chicks Chick-O-Meter The Flick Chicks, film, video, movie reviews, critics, Judy Thorburn, Victoria Alexander, Polly Peluso, Shannon Onstot, Jacqueline Monahan, Tasha ChemplavilFlick Chicks Chick-O-Meter The Flick Chicks, film, video, movie reviews, critics, Judy Thorburn, Victoria Alexander, Polly Peluso, Shannon Onstot, Jacqueline Monahan, Tasha ChemplavilFlick Chicks Chick-O-Meter The Flick Chicks, film, video, movie reviews, critics, Judy Thorburn, Victoria Alexander, Polly Peluso, Shannon Onstot, Jacqueline Monahan, Tasha ChemplavilFlick Chicks Chick-O-Meter The Flick Chicks, film, video, movie reviews, critics, Judy Thorburn, Victoria Alexander, Polly Peluso, Shannon Onstot, Jacqueline Monahan, Tasha Chemplavil

“DAREDEVIL” IS BLIND BEN’S BLUFF

Just because Hollywood labels an actor a superstar doesn’t necessarily mean he has what it takes to portray a superhero. He has to have a strong presence, charismatic image or inner strength that transcends out of the movie screen and into the audience. But, the casting choice for this movie fantasy superhero based on yet another Marvel comics character, Daredevil, just doesn’t have what it takes to fit the bill. I’ll expound on that later.

Ben Affleck, most lately known as Jennifer Lopez’s fiance, stars as Matt Murdock, who as a youngster is left blind as a result of an unfortunate run in with some nasty biohazard chemicals. Athough sightless, his remaining senses are super heightened  (no explanation as to why) giving him superhuman abilities, including an acute sense of touch, and  a sense of sound that acts like radar enabling him to “see” images that sounds bounce off of.   When his prizefighter Dad, Jack “The Devil” Murdock (David Keith) is murdered by a crime boss for not throwing a fight, young Matt vows to seek justice one way  or another. Years later, having put himself through law school and having fine tuned his extra sensory capabilities, we see him partnered with  quick witted associate, “Foggy” Nelson (Jon Favreau) as a lawyer by day, and alone as crime fighting vigilante superhero at night. The police won’t acknowledge his alter ego, but clever New York Post reporter Ben Urich (Joe Pantoliano)catches on to the real identity behind the Daredevil mask without giving him away.  Jennifer Garner (TV’s hot CIA agent Bristow of Alias) co stars as love interest, Elektra, the  beautiful, martial arts expert and daughter of billionaire Nicholas Natchios, himself marked for death when he tries to break away from the evil crime boss “Kingpin” (the always imposing Michael Clarke Duncan)  who has control of  New York’s Hell’s kitchen.  At first, Elektra thinks Daredevil has killed her father during a street fight with the Kingpin’s henchman, Bullseye (Colin Farell), but later joins forces with him to avenge both their fathers’ death.

While Daredevil is action packed and fast moving, the numerous problems such as weak story and lead actor overshadow the production. There is such a thing as going overboard with high flying stunts and impossible moves that stretches the limits of credibility. The discrepancies and flawed continuity in the script are another thing.  Scenes are either missing or left on the cutting room floor.  Do filmmakers really think the audience wouldn’t notice?  For instance, how can Daredevil be stabbed with a sword to the point of near unconsciousness,  then get up, act like nothing happened (he’s Daredevil, not Superman) and return to work the next day, with no sign whatsoever of injury?  No explanation is given for the mysterious disappearance of his near fatal shoulder wound.  These things irk me.

As for Ben Affleck - he is tall, good looking and wears his DD costume quite well.  But, he just doesn’t have it.  IT, as in smoldering sex appeal, magnetic personality, and the versatility to handle this part.  He comes across just plain bland, two dimensional and upstaged by the strong physical presence of his costars. For a guy who has inner conflict that leads him to a Priest’s confessional,  Affleck’s conveyance of emotional turmoil comes across as flat, needing more depth.  The supporting cast is much more impressive.  Athletic Garner delivers more of same kick-ass babe persona she portrays in her TV series, and she and  Irish actor Farell are sure fire scene stealers. You can’t keep your eyes off these two hot stars whenever they appear.  Farell continues to electrify the screen, this time so devilishly playing the psychotic and vicious assassin,  aptly named for always hitting the perfect “bullseye” at any target with any object.  Is there ANY role this guy can’t take on?  Now, THIS is an actor dripping with charisma.

Daredevil is not awful. It just isn’t as that good.  But, nevertheless a sequel can be expected after we are set up with the implausible, ridiculous conclusion.  As Matt Murdock, alias The Daredevil, professes: “One man can make a difference (in fighting for justice)”.  In the case of this movie, it could use more than a few to make a difference:  a better writer,  director, and star.