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Daredevil (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition)
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Rating:  -
Superhero movies have become one of the highest-grossing genres in the moviemaking business and for good reason. They provide fantastic escapism and bring the fantasies from the pages of comics to life. One such film was the 2003 adaptation of Marvel Comic's character Daredevil.
Now, I'm sure I'll take some heat for this from fans of the comic, but I've never really enjoyed the Daredevil comics all that much; a red-horned wearing Stan Lee/Marvel rebuttal to DC's Batman. This kept me from being interested in the comics, but I always enjoy a good superhero movie so I gave the film adaptation of Daredevil a shot. Like many, I found the product disappointing...but then I discovered there was a Director's cut many claimed to be drastically different from the theatrical release I had witnessed...
That is correct. The Director's Cut is indeed a whole other film that stands on its own as an engaging superhero flick. I'll just have to summarize both versions without giving away too much- just so you can understand the differences.
Theatrical Cut: 2.5/5 Stars
This is the version of the film most people have probably seen and found to be severely disapointing. It clearly tries to follow up Spider-Man with wall-to-wall special effect fights with gravity defying, Matrix-influenced fights. The only real highlight is Colin Farrell as assassin Bullseye, whose over-the-top antics and remorseless killing make for quite a show. Matt Murdock's (Daredevil) daytime career as a lawyer who stands for the little-man is totally glossed over in order to increase the action percentage and the Kingpin (played outstandingly by Michael Clarke Duncan) is so underdeveloped and unintimidating that he seems more like a glorified CEO than a prominent crime lord.
In its theatrical format Daredevil is a fairly typical superhero movie. Wall to wall fantasy action with minor character development, but little soul; only good thing to be found here is the soundtrack which features some contemporary songs and a stylish directing style.
Director's cut: 4/5 Stars
Most of the flaws of the theatrical cut are resolved in this grittier version of the film. This isn't one of those director's cuts like Alien Vs. Predator where they splatter some CGI blood but the final result still blows chunks. No, this Director's Cut truly is an alternate cut that bears only a vague resemblance to the theatrical cut.
Allow me to list some reasons why this cut is vastly superior to the edition many of you saw in theaters back in '03.
1. Character development: Matt Murdock is developed as a character and a lawyer instead of being simply the man in the red costume. He is a conflicted individual who doesn't quite know yet what he wants to be; only that he wants to take down crime in whatever manner possible. The Kingpin is shown as a brutal crime boss who rules without remorse. Electra is cut-back in this version, but this version of the film she really is only a supporting cast member (which I prefer because her character was the weakest part of the theatrical cut, in my personal opinion). Only character without improvement is the over-the-top Bullseye, but this is for the best seeing as Farrell's character really does work best as a whimsical enigma (Farrell does however get to drop the film's single F-bomb).
2. New Scenes: An entire subplot cut from the theatrical cut involves Matt Murdock represented a drug dealer (Coolio) who has been framed by the Kingpin for the murder of a prostitute. This entire subplot works in developing a reason for Daredevil to want the Kingpin while in the theatrical cut it turns the hunt for Kingpin a simple revenge story of Daredevil getting angry over his murdered romantic lead. Because of this the film takes on a new emotional depth.
3. Alternate Scenes: Scenes such as the love scene between Affleck and him in confession have been removed from this cut of Daredevil . Those tacked on, crowd-pleasing moments that seemed to drag down the pacing of the film have been removed from the director's vision of the film creating better flow along with giving the hero a more tragic story.
4. Fight Scenes: Now, if you hated the Matrix/Spider-Man fight scenes from the theatrical cut I'm sorry to say those are still here. I liked most of these fights (except the unnecessary one between Matt and Electra in the park which is just worthless filler) but the one that improves the most in this version is the climatic fight between Daredevil and Kingpin. In the theatrical cut Kingpin is a pushover (in the theatrical cut you might as well turn the film off after Bullseye is taken out). In the Director's Cut Michael Clarke Duncan takes the opportunity to remind us he was a professional bodyguard prior to breaking into the acting scene. This is a brutal fight between a David and Goliath that doesn't let you down considering the way the film has built it up.
5. Tone: This film is no Spider-Man. Action scenes might be similar, but the tone of this Director's Cut makes a fine attempt at following the footsteps as such greats as The Crow.
6. Humor: Even though this cut is far darker than the theatrical cut it also manages to insert a fair dose of brisk humor. This allows leveling out the tension and making for a more exciting experience. Action scenes are fun, but without interludes they just become boring, which was a primary problem with the theatrical cut.
Now, the Director's Cut is not without faults (hence why I only give it Four Stars). It still suffers in the believability of its action scenes and the weak performances from Jennifer Garner, but overall it wins my approval. Does that mean you'll like it? Well, to put it in perspective I didn't necessarily "hate" the theatrical cut. I just found it generic and dull. Now, if you absolutely HATED the theatrical cut for its unbelievable action scenes, and the presence of Ben Affleck simply for being...Ben Affleck, odds are you will still detest this film.
If you thought the theatrical cut was only a missed opportunity? I suggest you pick up a copy of the director's cut and prepare to see this film in a whole new light! It isn't perfect, but it is a magnificent improvement!
Rating: -
Based on Frank Miller's run on Daredevil, Affleck plays Matt Murdoch, a lawyer who lost his sight in a horrible chemical accident. Out of that tragedy, all his other senses began working at super human levels. He also has the ability to see via sound, like some advanced sonar. The story begins with Daredevil badly injured and near death, as his life flashes before his eyes the story unfolds. As he recollects his tough childhood, the murder of his father and the death of his love Elektra (Garner), he realizes they all tie back to the Kingpin (Duncan). The masked avenger must find his last ounce of strength to face his toughest foe yet.
This movie will please any hardcore fan. Some of the images in this movie are ripped right out of the comics. I have seen both versions and the Director's Cut is far superior. A story arc is added that not only shows in detail the friendship between Matt and Froggy (Favreau), it also defines him as an attorney and provides a better sub plot to the Kingpin's control of all the crime in the city. The relationship between Elektra is also changed slightly. I don't provide more because I hate spoilers!
NOW FOR MY BLU RAY THOUGHTS: It looks very good and the sound is excellent. All the special features of the Director's Cut are carried over. FINAL VERDICT: Hardcore fans should upgrade because the picture and sound are better. Casual fans, this is not upgrade worthy.
Rating: -
An A-plus report card brings young Matt Murdock to the docks to show his father. All he ever wanted was to please his dad and, as per his father's advice, "be a doctor, be a lawyer." Except, stumbling upon his alcoholic, washed-up ex-boxer father as a leg breaker, Matt takes off on his skateboard in a hurry, only to accidentally run into a truck with barrels of radioactive liquid that--due to the forklift that just avoided him--has sliced the barrels open, the stuff inside spraying Matt in the face, causing him to go blind. But all is not darkness because he also mysteriously inherited a strange "radar sense" that enables him to see in a sort of X-ray way because of his newfound ability to convert sound waves into sight.
Him and his father vow to fix their relationship and their life, promise to never give up and be fearless, and embark on a journey to perfect themselves and hit the comeback trail--Matt via the books and honing his senses and disciplining his body; his father to enter the ring once more. With Matt by his side, Jack "the devil" Murdock makes good on that promise, but a fateful night in the ring changes everything and Matt promises from then on to stick up for those who can't defend themselves and watch out for the long shots like he and his father were.
Now, all grown-up, he's a lawyer by day and masked crimefighter by night. His name: Daredevil.
And he's not the only one who wants a piece of New York. Crime boss the Kingpin (Michael Clarke Duncan) is on the rise, as is his hired goon, Bullseye (Colin Farrell). Adding to matters, Elektra Natchios (Jennifer Garner)--a shapely martial arts master--has her sites on Daredevil (Ben Affleck) as well, leading us into a battle for New York, for vengeance, and for those who have been a victim of crime.
For some reason a lot of people didn't like this movie. I thought it was great. I liked the overall story; the costumes (except Bullseye's); the atmospheric New York City; the sense of darkness Matt Murdock carried within himself; Elektra's close relationship with her father; Foggy Nelson (Jon Favreau) and his being a "come-with" guy--very enjoyable. There was a sense of humanity about this version of Daredevil that I was able to relate to on a lot of levels.
The fight scenes were nothing short of amazing, especially that barroom brawl where Daredevil clears the room. I remember seeing that in the trailer and just being absolutely stoked.
Who cares that Kingpin was black? So what? The dude's one of my favourite actors and it was interesting to see him play the bad guy as he's usually the nice, innocent one, but for some reason people didn't like the character being black in this. It doesn't matter, folks. He did a good job.
The whole Matt Murdock-Elektra/Daredevil-Elektra relationship was well-handled, in my opinion, and I particularly enjoyed how those elements intertwined with each other throughout the film.
If I was going to criticise a few things--and while I enjoyed Daredevil's gallivanting throughout New York--his spinning jumps and aerial movies were very similar to Spider-Man's (who made his feature film debut the year before Daredevil came out), and some of the stuff Daredevil was able to do was pretty farfetched. I mean, I don't care how awesome you are at acrobatic stuff or if you're more fit than Bruce Lee on his best day, but falling face first toward a window washer's station at lightning speed won't get slowed down by doing a somersault in the air so you could land on your feet. You'd break your legs and die from the impact. But whatever. It's superheroes, so I overlook most of the impossible these guys accomplish. Just goes with the understanding superheroes can do things we can't, whether realistic or not.
That's really my only critique. I liked everything else. Wasn't crazy about Bulleye's costume. Would like to have seen him as more of a stealth assassin. I also don't read Daredevil comics so I can't tell you if this is a faithful adaptation or not. I know Daredevil's back story and a bit about some past adventures, but that's about it.
I haven't seen the director's cut of this either, so need to get around to doing that.
Still a good movie and I'm proud to have it in my superhero movie collection.
If you like superhero flicks, you'll like Daredevil.
A.P. Fuchs
Canister X
Rating:  -
Marvel Has awesome superheros and Daredevil is one of them. Ben Affleck plays Dredevil and he's awesome at it. Jennifer Garner plays Elektra and she is awesome and georgeous in her outfit. Collin Ferlle Plays Draedevils Main Nemisesse Bullseye and he rocks and Michael Clark Duncan Plays the Most Dangerous and powerful Villian in the marvel universe The Kingpin. Though the Kingpins is White i still don't think you could of picked a better actor to play The Kingpin but Michael Clark Duncan. and when are they going to Make Dredevil 2. I hope they keep all of the original actors if they do make a sequel. This movie is awesome. The action is awesome the costumes are awesome and so is the story and actors. If you have not seen this movie then you should
Rating:  -
Honestly, I don't think that there was a single person in the production or studio that was not completely drunk or high on cocaine. Compare this film with any other Marvel film (Except Punisher w/Tom Jane) That was crap too! Stan Lee is getting older and there seems to be a necessity to pump out as many of the comics with little or no disregard to the true and factual story-lines. This film was put together with names vs. characters. Ben, Jen, and Michael were all the hype to watch this film. Had this movie been released in the 80's or 90's I would have cried at the disgrace, but seeing as how anyone who owns anything worth any substance sells it like a Prostitute, I am not surprised. Watch this movie with ear plugs and a blind fold while tripping on acid, then, and only then will this movie not want you to hate everything Marvel stands for. Enjoy!!
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