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PCR # 151  (Vol. 4, No. 7)  This edition is for the week of February 10--16, 2003.

This Week's PCR
Movie Review
"Daredevil"

Movie review by:
Michael A. Smith
two and a half stars!

Movies are rated 0 to 4 stars

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20th Century Fox     
Starring:
Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Colin Farrell
Directed by: Mark Steven Johnson
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 1 hour 43 mins

If you could cross the Amazing Spiderman and Batman together you would come up with a costumed avenger named Daredevil.

Blinded as a young man, Matt Murdock (Affleck) finds that his other four senses have increased immeasurably. Using the vibrations of sound, he is able to "see" obstacles in front of him. Like the comic book characters of old, Murdock becomes Daredevil when he feels that justice needs to be done. A lawyer by day, Murdock dishes out his own sentences when he feels the system has failed.

As the story begins, the mysterious Kingpin (Duncan) decides to set up his partner and let him take the fall for the crime wave he has been causing. To ensure this gets done right, he hires an Irish hoodlum known for his keen eye.......Bullseye! As played by Farrell, Bullseye is the type of guy you wouldn't want to bet against in a game of darts! While out for coffee one afternoon, Murdock comes across the mysterious Elecktra (Garner). Following her to a local playground, the two begin an impressive martial arts demonstration as each tries to better the other. A relationship develops between the two of them..............sadly one that is doomed from the start.

Not being a huge Daredevil comic fan, I can only rely on those who are that told me the film is very faithful to the comics. Unfortunately, what works in the world of comic books doesn't always translate to the screen. While the action scenes are top notch, the story line jumps so much that I actually thought there was a reel of film missing from the movie. I'd list a few of my qualms, but to do so would give away too much.

For a long time, I've felt that Affleck would be a good Superman should the franchise be revived. He does a credible job here as Daredevil, though it's hard to show emotion when every part of your body, with the exception of your nose and mouth, is covered in leather. Garner is nothing more then eye candy here. Both villains do great jobs, but it is more then apparent that Farrell is having the most fun. Cameos by Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee and filmmaker/fanboy Kevin Smith are fun, as are the various name references to Marvel artists of the past.

On a scale of zero to four stars, I give "Daredevil"  Two and a half Stars!


This week's movie review of "Daredevil" is ©2003 by Michael A. Smith.   All graphics this page are creations of Nolan B. Canova, ©2003, all rights reserved. All contents of "Nolan's Pop Culture Review" are ©2003 by Nolan B. Canova.