Dr. Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson) is dating an attorney (Frances McDormand) who likes to get her nose into trouble. She uncovers a memorandum that exposes a connection between the local mob and a powerful real estate magnate (Colin Friels). Rather than ignore it or go to the police, she tells the magnate. Soon, in order to stop her and get revenge -- they destroy Westlake's lab and scar him for life. A few weeks later an experimental medical procedure turns him into Darkman.
"Darkman" is a film with a mixed history. While it has a strong cult following (as of 2008 action figures and comic books were still being made), the film as a whole is of a lesser distinction than one might expect. It is not one of Sam Raimi's more notable films ("Evil Dead", "Army of Darkness" and "Spider-Man" clearly win this contest). It also is not one of the more notable superhero films (beaten by pretty much everyone but Meteor Man). This is unfortunate, as the film is a classic Raimi tale and a classic superhero tale, with homages to Universal monsters thrown in (Frankenstein, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Invisible Man and even Phantom of the Opera).
The story itself is great -- a man who can disguise himself as his enemies to infiltrate their ranks -- and likely would have worked no matter what. But the actors are spectacular (Neeson, of course, but also the mobsters... even Ted Raimi is respectable). And while Raimi seems less himself here than in past efforts (the camera shots are less wild), many elements still creep into the picture. The Raimi zoom is here, and in one scene (the "dancing freak" scene) Liam Neeson evokes Bruce Campbell from "Army of Darkness", something I am sure Raimi had a hand in. And, of course, the shot following the flying rivet.
Two sequels came from here, but were not very positively received (which is not surprising with how little respect the first film got). The biggest problem likely being that Neeson did not reprise his role, handing it off to an actor whose name escapes me (and is otherwise foreign to me). I will not dwell on that here, as that is really a matter for individual reviews.
The film has some greatness (Neeson doing many of his own stunts), but also some drawbacks. The Danny Elfman score is excellent, but seems too similar to his "Batman" score. There is also a bit too much green screen at times (which is only amplified with the newer, better definition transfers).
If you have not seen "Darkman", consider renting it if you can find a copy. Although it incorporates many familiar elements of other superhero or crime films, it has a feel all its own. I can't even describe it. But all Raimi fans should love it, and if you like "Spider-Man" then you ought to give his other hero a chance. (Also, guest cameos from William Lustig, John Landis and Scott Spiegel.)
The Shout Factory Blu-ray is definitely worth owning, as it is loaded with extras, including new interviews with all the primary cast and much of the crew. Sadly, they have no audio commentary with Sam Raimi (for unknown reasons), but there is more than enough here to make up for that.
"Darkman" is a film with a mixed history. While it has a strong cult following (as of 2008 action figures and comic books were still being made), the film as a whole is of a lesser distinction than one might expect. It is not one of Sam Raimi's more notable films ("Evil Dead", "Army of Darkness" and "Spider-Man" clearly win this contest). It also is not one of the more notable superhero films (beaten by pretty much everyone but Meteor Man). This is unfortunate, as the film is a classic Raimi tale and a classic superhero tale, with homages to Universal monsters thrown in (Frankenstein, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Invisible Man and even Phantom of the Opera).
The story itself is great -- a man who can disguise himself as his enemies to infiltrate their ranks -- and likely would have worked no matter what. But the actors are spectacular (Neeson, of course, but also the mobsters... even Ted Raimi is respectable). And while Raimi seems less himself here than in past efforts (the camera shots are less wild), many elements still creep into the picture. The Raimi zoom is here, and in one scene (the "dancing freak" scene) Liam Neeson evokes Bruce Campbell from "Army of Darkness", something I am sure Raimi had a hand in. And, of course, the shot following the flying rivet.
Two sequels came from here, but were not very positively received (which is not surprising with how little respect the first film got). The biggest problem likely being that Neeson did not reprise his role, handing it off to an actor whose name escapes me (and is otherwise foreign to me). I will not dwell on that here, as that is really a matter for individual reviews.
The film has some greatness (Neeson doing many of his own stunts), but also some drawbacks. The Danny Elfman score is excellent, but seems too similar to his "Batman" score. There is also a bit too much green screen at times (which is only amplified with the newer, better definition transfers).
If you have not seen "Darkman", consider renting it if you can find a copy. Although it incorporates many familiar elements of other superhero or crime films, it has a feel all its own. I can't even describe it. But all Raimi fans should love it, and if you like "Spider-Man" then you ought to give his other hero a chance. (Also, guest cameos from William Lustig, John Landis and Scott Spiegel.)
The Shout Factory Blu-ray is definitely worth owning, as it is loaded with extras, including new interviews with all the primary cast and much of the crew. Sadly, they have no audio commentary with Sam Raimi (for unknown reasons), but there is more than enough here to make up for that.