Darkman

Starring:Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake, Nelson Mashita, Jessie Lawrence Ferguson, Rafael H. Robledo, Dan Hicks, Ted Raimi, Dan Bell, Nicholas Worth, Aaron Lustig, Arsenio 'Sonny' Trinidad, Said Faraj, Nathan Jung, Professor Toru Tanaka, John Lisbon Wood, Frank Noon, William Dear, Julius Harris
Director: Sam Raimi
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

When attorney Julie Hastings (Frances McDormand) uncovers corrupt city real estate dealings, evil thugs attack her scientist boyfriend, Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson). Left for dead after his lab is detonated, he miraculously survives when the ensuing blast hurls him into the nearby harbor. Treated as a John Doe at a city hospital, he is unknowingly submitted to radical therapy which numbs his nerves to feeling--but which heightens his strength and his emotions. Once conscious, Peyton escapes from the hospital and builds a ramshackle lab in an abandoned industrial plant. Horribly burned and scarred by the lab explosion, he uses synthetic skin to impersonate his would-be murderers and seek retribution for their evil deeds. Peyton also tries to reunite with Julie, who believes him to be dead. While the film has an average script, it is overcome by the flashy cinematography of Bill Pope, the bombastic score by Danny Elfman, and the well-choreographed direction of Sam Raimi. The director confidently walks the line between suspense, action, comedy, and romance as he examines a bitter, victimized antihero who risks becoming as monstrous on the inside as he appears on the outside. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews:

Formative Years.......2007-05-14

There are some movies that one remembers as they grow up and even fewer films have a direct impact on their development. Darkman is not one of them but I do remember quite a bit of it.

Day after day I would come home from school, curl up in front of the VHS player and do my homework while watching this movie. Rewatching it today satisfies a feeling nostolgia for those times. It's amazing how much of the film I remember. It may not be as good as I remember but that is not at the fault of Sam Raimi and the other collaborators on the film per sae as the quality of the final product was highly influenced by the socio-economics of the Studio at the time of the production which is unfortuante: a film that is way too short to unfold the interesting mythology which had potential to be a great story arch that never came to fruition (run on sentences are applicable in film reviews).

All and all, a terrific iconic film from the early 90's that deserves a repeated viewing every year or so.

the Worst Action movie I've ever seen.......2006-08-22

I guess success turned around for Sam Raimi in 2002 & 2004 with the two Spider-Man films, but first he created this "V" like character in this garage of a movie, I liked "V for Vendetta" but not this "Darkman" if want to see a badly burned viligante in a mask see "V for Vendetta" don't see "Darkman"

Horrific And Awesome Action Movie With Heart And Rage.......2006-01-06

Years before moviemakers really starting getting comic book adaptations right with films like "Spider-Man" and "Batman Begins" came "Darkman", a brilliant action-horror movie that came closer than any show before it to capturing the darker, more developed comics of the modern era. It's a gory and action-packed - and intelligent, emotional and quite often humorous - tale as Peyton Westlake (superbly played by Liam Neeson) becomes the Darkman after barely surviving an attack by mob thugs employed by the crimelord Durant (Larry Drake), who Westlake's attorney girlfriend Julie (Frances McDormand) is trying to bring down. A scientist researching the development of a perfect synthetic skin to aid burn victims, it's being immersed in this liquid in its unstable corrosive state and then left for dead following the explosive destruction of his lab that is largely responsible for Westlake's metamorphis into Darkman.

Unable to feel physical pain but constantly assailed by emotional and mental anguish. Enhanced strength due to the maximum adrenaline now coursing unchecked through his system constantly, 24 hours a day. Serious rage problems. Severely altered, scarred physical appearance. Westlake/Darkman can create perfect masks of any human being (and mimic their vocal patterns precisely) but the masks break down after a finite period in sunlight, and thus he most frequently appears in his new identity's trademark garb of bandages and black trenchcoat and hat. I realize typing that that it sounds like a dopey outfit but it's actually a striking and intimidating look onscreen thanks to the great effects and costuming. Hellbent on a path of revenge against Drake's crime empire, and on protecting his love Julie from the shadows, the violent and vengeful reign of the Darkman begins. A movie that possibly could only have been made by a man capable of directing such diverse films as the "Spider-Man" epics, the "Evil Dead" trilogy and "The Gift". Highest recommendation.

Way better than Spiderman!!!!.......2005-12-02

Im a big fan of Liam Neeson, everything he does is great. Darkman was not only fun, it was different. The love story between Darkman and julie was great, since it didnt end in the in a typical fairytalish happy way. This reminded me of spawn in a way, and ive wanted more spawn. With the tense action, original superhero like traits, and the romance, this movie is one hell of a swing, on chains that is.

"You're going down Burnhead" ???.......2005-11-24

I have to say that I was not familiar with any Darkman comics, or had had any other contact with the character apart from this movie so I cannot compare the character to other sources. Therefore, coming from someone that did not "know" Darkman prior to the film I have to say that the movie was quite a disappointment!
There are the obvious comic book characteristics that one finds in these types of movies, like the Shadow, Batman etc, which is interesting.
Nevertheless, Darkman was quite a disappointment considering the make-up of the cast: Liam Neeson, Larry Drake, and Frances McDormand among others. It is the story of a scientist who falls victim to a group of gangsters resulting in his horrendous disfigurement. In an effort to exact revenge, he makes use of his latest invention in order to appear like his targets/victims....
In short, the acting and the plot are average (nothing great), while the dialogues are way below average. The movie falls into the action/adventure/horror type of category.
The characters are, overall, bland and just plain uninteresting (e.g. Rick Anderson played by the "fool," Ted Raimi, from the Xena series).
Though the potential for a good movie was definitely there it fails to take off. A shame really...
In a nutshell, it's not a movie you would want to add to your collection, but it might provide for an evening's entertainment, and that's about it.
No masterpiece here... 2 Stars

Average customer rating:

This ROCKS
darkman is back..for round three.....
dont waste your time
"Darkman" Has Potential as TV Show...
DARKMAN CAN'T DIE

Darkman III - Die Darkman Die
Starring: Jeff Fahey , Arnold Vosloo , Darlanne Fluegel , Roxann Dawson , and Nigel Bennett
Director: Bradford May
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Darkman
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ASIN: B0003JANT6
Release Date: 2004-12-28

Product Description

Arnold Vosloo returns as Dr. Peyton Westlake, a.k.a. Darkman, the crime-fighting master of disguises. In this action-packed adventure, Westlake matches wits with underworld drug-dealing villain Peter Rooker (Jeff Fahey), who will do anything to unmask the secret of Westlake's superhuman strength.

Agreeing to an experimental operation on his ravaged body, Westlake is flung into a vicious game of survival for himself, his priceless research and the lives of two innocent people. One false move and he will be locked into darkness forever.

From Executive Producers Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert, creators of the original film, Darkman III: Die Darkman Die, like its predecessors, is jam-packed with surprises, staggering special effects and never-ending thrills.

System Requirements:

Running Time 87 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

This ROCKS.......2005-11-29

Hi! I loved this dvd! The effects are good, and I think its scary! But i am 10. The disfigurement is great and is really scary. I don't think it was as good as the 1st one, but it was a lot better than the 2nd one. I think Liam Neeson was best in the part, Larry Drake was BAD. And Jeff Fahey was good. Nice voice.
B.

darkman is back..for round three............2005-10-19

this movie is a great popcorn muncher!! sit back relax and enjoy...although not as : powerful" as the first one it still has a decent plot my only gripe is the dvd ..there are no extras period not even a trailer or anything talk about bare bones..still if you liked darkman one and 2 which i thought were excellent pick this one up just for the film..

dont waste your time.......2005-06-20

I look at the average raiting for this movie. # stars, now thats supposed to mean its ok. Well ppl, this plotless load of junk is getting more than it deserves. I read some review saying the musicwas good, and, well, from my perspective It seemed like the music was played at entirely random moments. Like it could skip from a fight scene to a dramatic we feel sorry for darkman moment, and i would almost barely knotice, if it wasnt for stupid clips they play of images that make no sense. It was like they didnt know what to show so they figured this is kinda how he feels so lets just put this here. Save your money. I bought this after seeing the first, which was lame, but i though it was ok, and hoping this one would hae like maybe better action sequences or something. Well this was in 6th grade. HUGE mistake i hated it when i first saw it. It seemed like they wanted to make a sequel but never got around to doing it. And about the actrion sequences it looked like i was at six flags watching that batman show they play. Good, considering its live, but lame as far as movies get.
Oh, and the villians who were supposed to seem smart or truly evil, just seemed spiteful and annoyingly upsessed with killing. I really think this is one of the most absolutely stupid films ever made. But that was untill I saw reptillian. Which is kinda depressingly awfull.

"Darkman" Has Potential as TV Show..........2005-01-08

Lets stop making lame sequels boys and girls. I mean this isn't a real bad sequel, but they are getting lamer. Why not slow it down, and turn it into a TV series. It would be exciting and different from anything else on the boob tube. Jeff Fahey is always welcome in any movie, but doesn't have the menacing premise that Larry Drake had. Still, loaded with lottsa action and suspense. Good special effects enhance the story, and lets face it, you need this one to complete the set.

DARKMAN CAN'T DIE.......2004-04-24

Big return for the most frightening character ever been. While the first straight-to-video sequel was a little bit weak and pointless (but still enjoyable) this one could have been a great theatrical follow-up to SAM RAIMI's cosmic masterpiece if done with the proper production values (big budget) and more sequences.
Of course, this one is the best "video sequel" and the real one by all means. You know, they filmed "DIE, DARKMAN, DIE!" long time before "THE RETURN OF DURANT", but when Larry Drake agreed to reprise his role as Robert G. Durant, the production company skipped DIE and went to film RETURN.
As far as concerning DIE, I liked the story a lot. Rooker is da man! Great villain. Arnold Vosloo was really getting in touch with Darkman, you can see it from his performance direction.
FInally, there's a fandom for Darkman at westlakedarkman.proboards3.com - Just enjoy.
I'm waiting for a DVD release of "DARKMAN III: DIE, DARKMAN, DIE!". Mmm... featuring deleted scenes and documentaries? Hell yes!

Amazon.com

Sam Raimi created Darkman with a potential franchise in mind, and his original movie had enough flair to suggest a sequel was warranted. Unfortunately (or perhaps wisely--for Raimi), he handed over the straight-to-video sequel duties to rookie director Bradford May, and nobody bothered to come up with much of a screenplay. As a result, Darkman II plays like a bad pilot for a proposed Darkman TV series, with Arnold Vosloo (best known as a villain in Jean-Claude Van Damme's Hard Target) doing his best to replace Liam Neeson in the title role. Sporting a dastardly scar and delivering lackluster punch lines as he kills his many enemies, Larry Drake returns from the first film as the villainous Durant, who wreaks havoc in his attempt to finance and manufacture the world's most destructive automatic weapons. As he supports the synthetic skin experiments of a like-minded scientist, the scarred hero known as Darkman thwarts Durant's ruthless plot, but the case proves costly for the intrepid crime reporter (Kim Delaney, pre-NYPD Blue) who allies herself with Darkman's efforts. Basically, this by-the-numbers plot serves as a tissue-thin vehicle for lots of explosions and gratuitous violence, and it's all about as inspired as a bad syndicated action show. Of interest only to those who were dazzled by the original Darkman, and even then it's a disappointment. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Sadly,.......2005-03-29

The lack of Liam neeson and raimi's directing is what ruined this movie for me. While Mr. Vasloo is superb in his taking on the burden of the Liam created character and mr. Drake always has appeal, the movie as a whole needed a much better script. It was too predicatble, too phoney.
On the bonus side, they did manage to keep the hapahazard and crazy comments Darkman makes during chases and fight scenes in tact, so that was a plus.

Another great movie!.......2004-07-04

This movie is a fun filled movie that delivers nonstop action and isn't one second boring! Brilliant!

A big surprise!.......2004-07-04

After I saw this movie I realized that it is not so bad as everyone described it to be. Although they changed the person who plays Darkman, this movie is still good and fun to watch more than once. It's a good movie!

Very good!.......2004-07-02

All I can say is that I loved this movie from start to finish because of its splendid acting, cast, script, and everyting else. This movie is must see for all comic book fans because it's just GREAT!

Best direct to video movie ever? perhaps.......2004-06-24

Ok we all know how crappy 99% of direct to video moviesare, and even worse when they are sequels to a big movie, most times they lack the heart along with the budget.

but here we have a movie that is every bit as good as the original, camera work, style, feel for the character is all there, heck we even get some returning cast in Durant, now darkman is played by a different actor (Vosloo from the mummy movies) but since the character always wears fake skin and changes faces like we change shorts it does not matter what face he has, i say he changed his face so people didn't go "hey doctor westlake..ain't you dead?" every time he talks to someone.

we get a solid action movie that does not look like it was shot on a video budget, sure it's not a $100 million looking movie but it does look like soemthing we would see in the theaters.

the movie is not exactly original, it's kind of standard action, but a much more darker hero, something like a punisher or batman one a really bad day, and that's a good thing, too many heroes are not this tragic or badass.

it's not based on a comic book but comic fans should enjoy it, rami came up with the character when he could not get the rights to any other comic or super heroes, it was his superhero..now he does spider-man movies, a big step up huh? he may not direct this one but his style from the first is kept so the rami fans should check it out.

Amazon.com

Darkman
When attorney Julie Hastings (Frances McDormand) uncovers corrupt city real estate dealings, evil thugs attack her scientist boyfriend, Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson). Left for dead after his lab is detonated, he miraculously survives but at a city hospital is unknowingly submitted to radical therapy that numbs his nerves to feeling--but heightens his strength and his emotions. Horribly burned and scarred, he uses synthetic skin to impersonate his would-be murderers and seek retribution for their evil deeds. While the film has an average script, it is overcome by the flashy cinematography of Bill Pope, the bombastic score by Danny Elfman, and the well-choreographed direction of Sam Raimi. The director confidently walks the line between suspense, action, comedy, and romance as he examines a bitter, victimized antihero who risks becoming as monstrous on the inside as he appears on the outside. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews:

This ROCKS.......2005-11-29

darkman is back..for round three............2005-10-19

dont waste your time.......2005-06-20

"Darkman" Has Potential as TV Show..........2005-01-08

DARKMAN CAN'T DIE.......2004-04-24

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Sadly,.......2005-03-29

Another great movie!.......2004-07-04

This movie is a fun filled movie that delivers nonstop action and isn't one second boring! Brilliant!

A big surprise!.......2004-07-04

Very good!.......2004-07-02

All I can say is that I loved this movie from start to finish because of its splendid acting, cast, script, and everyting else. This movie is must see for all comic book fans because it's just GREAT!

Best direct to video movie ever? perhaps.......2004-06-24

Ok we all know how crappy 99% of direct to video moviesare, and even worse when they are sequels to a big movie, most times they lack the heart along with the budget.

we get a solid action movie that does not look like it was shot on a video budget, sure it's not a $100 million looking movie but it does look like soemthing we would see in the theaters.