Review of Daredevil (2003) by Robert H — 23 Mar 2012

This film belongs among the ranks of other great superhero movies and in my opinion, is severely underrated. It has a great cast of characters and actors, including a surprisingly good Ben Affleck, It's also very skillfully directed by Mark Steven Johnson and has terrific cinematography that really brings out the darkness of the film's setting-New York City. Most importantly, it has terrific action sequences which are thrilling and the likes of which are unique to this film.

The comic book story follows blind lawyer Matt Murdock (Ben Affleck) who is from Hells Kitchen, one of the worst neighborhoods in the country. He is blind because toxic waste spilled into his eyes after he caught his father (David Keith), boxer, intimidating someone in an alley. He panicked and got in the way of a truck transporting toxic waste. Next thing he knows, he is able to hear sounds amplified a hundred times and he has visual radar. He is a lawyer because his father was beat up by mobsters after he refused to throw a fight, and Matt vowed to fight crime, much like other comic book characters. After he "puts away" a murderer who walked, he attracts the attention of the Kingpin (Michael Clarke Duncan), who basically owns New York's crime. He also meets the beautiful Electra Nachios (Jennifer Garner), whose father has a complicated relationship with the Kingpin. Eventually, Daredevil makes enemies, including a thug named Bullseye (Colin Farrell), who never misses. This leads to a epic showdown between Daredevil and all opposing forces.

The plot and premise may be a bit ridiculous and cliched, but it is still an extremely well done film. So if you enjoy superhero films or action films in general, don't overlook this.