Review of Darkman (1990) by Stefan N — 02 Feb 2014

The wonderful thing about Darkman is that it's directed by the biggest goofball director Sam Raimi (I mean it in the best way possible). And this is the only way a film about a scientist who specializes in skin synthesis and gets burned as well as disfigured; then, exacts revenge on the greedy corporate business man by wearing skin suits to look like other people.

The plot is so far off from reality that the only way to believe it is too see it in a movie where an amputated leg is used as a machine gun and doppelgangers spot each other in a revolving door. Darkman is a pulpy and fun version of Phantom of the Opera mixed with a comic-book feel.

Liam Neeson has never been cast better as the disfigured Peyton who undergoes a drastic character arc. His character is the only part of this film that is believable. He doesn't go back to his wife, because he is ashamed of his burnt face.

Another thing worth mentioning is although the make-up is great, the special effects are third rate and are worse than some of the 70's. Darkman is pure fun and serious when it needs to be - a must have for the occasional Sam Raimi marathon!