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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jun 2, 2017 13:33:03 GMT
"I'm everyone - and no one. Everywhere - nowhere. Call me... Darkman!"Thanks to his groundbreaking work on synthetic skin, Dr. Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson) is closing in on a lifelong dream, which is to find a permanent cure in order to help out patients who is suffering with severe burn wounds. But his latest victory is to be cut short when the ruthless crime lord Robert G. Durant (Larry Drake) and his gang decides to drop by for an unannounced visit, as they immediately go to work, leaving Dr. Westlake and his dreams to be blown to pieces. Miraculously, Peyton ends up surviving the lethal "accident", but it does not make up for the gruesome fact, that most of his body is now beyond recognition. However, fate seem to have a certain cruel way of even the odds out, as crime is finally about to meet their match, and his name is Darkman!As a kid back in the 90s, I always got this one mixed up with The Shadow (1994) and along with my friends, we used to think that The Shadow was a rip-off of Sam Riami's 1990 picture, but later on we learned that it was the other way around, as Raimi wanted to make a superhero movie based on the comics from the 1930s-40s, and tried to get the rights to make his version of The Shadow. But when that did not happen, he went on and instead created his very own "superhero", Darkman. The film was released in a time where Superman had already faded away with thanks to the "help" of some very poor sequels and while Batman had only a year earlier set a whole new standard for the superhero genre, which saw Tim Burton bringing along a dark and unsettling tone, and very few came close of recapturing the same quality and style. And while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Robocop 2 (both released in 1990), has stood out in a good way (at least so I think) my pick for the best or most enjoyable superhero film of 1990s (beside any of the Batman films, including the animated ones), would have to be Sam Riami's Darkman. It really is quite an effort from Raimi who a decade later on would hit big with his terrible monster budget, Spider-Man trilogy, (I cannot help it, I truly hated it then and was very disappointed when I saw names like Sam Raimi, Danny Elfman, Willem Dafoe and even the great Bruce Campbell being attatched to these turds) and if only he had gotten the same kind of big budget money and instead used it on a trilogy for his Darkman adventure. Now that would have or could have been truly awesome. Instead I ended up watching him throw it all away on a series of CGI dominated adventures starring one of the whimpiest and most annoying superheroes ever, thanks to the "talent" that is Tobey Maguire, and this time not even Kirsten Dunst and her great uhm "talents" could save it. I tried getting through one of them last year, and it went into the garbage after 30 minutes or less, horrible movies, everyone of them. Anyway, Darkman or Dr. Peyton Westlake is my kind of "superhero". Instead of yet another 3 hour CGI dominated movie with some douchy, full of himself (cracking one-liners every other second) filthy rich hero, we end up with a rather tragic figure, who has lost everything while being "blessed" with, well (not super-powers though) but new skills along with a brilliant mind, in which he uses to overwhelm his enemies, but still he is very far away of coming off as another indestructible force, taking down 50 bad guys with no problem. Darkman however, is often clumsy, and very lucky, and even if he manages to save the day and the girl, he still is as the "nice" yuppie businessman Louis Strack Jr. puts it: "You truly are one ugly son of a bitch!"I love how we see Peyton throughout the film, always fighting with his inner demons, and even if it seems a bit "silly" or cheesy at times, I like the over-the-top almost Phantom of the Opera tone that Sam Raimi seem to be going after. Peyton's meltdowns are both incredible funny yet also tragic, and Raimi seem to get the best out of both worlds, and while a certain Elephant scene might be one of the films most famous scenes, I have alway felt the part where Peyton goes completely berserk, all alone in his lab, is one of the best scenes in Darkman. As Liam Neeson did one hell of a job, and even now I still have a little hope that he will eventually ditch the endless run of decent but not really that very memorable action-thrillers, and once again team up with Raimi to take on the part as Dr. Peyton Westlake.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2017 15:02:43 GMT
One of the best comic book style movies not to be based on an existing comic book. It's great fun.
Larry Drake and Colin Friels are great bad guys, Frances McDormand is an appealing leading lady, and of course Liam Neeson is awesome as the hero. His "elephant" scene is indeed hilarious.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jun 2, 2017 15:24:09 GMT
Well, said heysweden. Larry Drake is fantastic, and I should make a entry for him in the eccentric henchmen thread, as he sure is one of the most memorable and sadistic villains of the 80s early 90s. What a great way of introducing a character, such as Robert Durant early on, having him cut off some "poor" guys fingers, one by one: ![](http://i.imgur.com/DJTLmzw.jpg) Robert Durant: "Now, let's consider my points, one by one. One. I try not to let my anger get the better of me." [Durant cuts off one of Black's fingers. Eddie Black starts to sweat] Robert Durant: "Two. I don't always succeed." [Durant cuts off another of Eddie Black's fingers] Robert Durant: "Three. I've got seven more points." [Durant cuts off Black's third finger. Eddie Black screams] It is sad that so many of the great scenes from Darkman is not available any longer, but it really is quite the opening act, thats for sure. SPOILER ALERT!!!!!I find it hilarious how Durant even manages to survive without a scratch, as his helicopter is completely destroyed and then make a big comeback in the sequel, which is not that bad. I enjoyed both the sequels, sure not close to the original but I thought Arnold Vosloo did a fine job as Dr. Peyton Westlake/Darkman. SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2017 17:41:18 GMT
Well, said heysweden. Larry Drake is fantastic, and I should make a entry for him in the eccentric henchmen thread, as he sure is one of the most memorable and sadistic villains of the 80s early 90s. What a great way of introducing a character, such as Robert Durant early on, having him cut off some "poor" guys fingers, one by one: ![](http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a584/FrankZeeto/Darkman3_zpslayoibdm.jpg) Robert Durant: "Now, let's consider my points, one by one. One. I try not to let my anger get the better of me." [Durant cuts off one of Black's fingers. Eddie Black starts to sweat] Robert Durant: "Two. I don't always succeed." [Durant cuts off another of Eddie Black's fingers] Robert Durant: "Three. I've got seven more points." [Durant cuts off Black's third finger. Eddie Black screams] It is sad that so many of the great scenes from Darkman is not available any longer, but it really is quite the opening act, thats for sure. SPOILER ALERT!!!!!I find it hilarious how Durant even manages to survive without a scratch, as his helicopter is completely destroyed and then make a big comeback in the sequel, which is not that bad. I enjoyed both the sequels, sure not close to the original but I thought Arnold Vosloo did a fine job as Dr. Peyton Westlake/Darkman. SPOILER ALERT!!!!!I know you're Lonestarr_Winnebago/Admiral_Pointdexter/PVC_Marine _Corps/Scott_Sinclair/Hendry_William_French. Now you're pretending to be a guy from Norway? Lol you're one of the most delusional, annoying, pathetic, dumb fuck losers I've ever encountered online. You should have died at birth. I hope you die real soon.
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Post by FridayOnElmStreet on Jun 4, 2017 12:51:22 GMT
8/10 A childhood favorite.
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Post by Chalice_Of_Evil on Jun 7, 2017 10:11:50 GMT
I thought *I* was the only one who didn't enjoy Raimi's Spider-Man movies. Glad to know you felt the same, stefancrosscoe.
I first watched Darkman on TV quite a long time ago (though it must've been somewhat edited, as I didn't get to see the multiple fingers being cut or that famous line from the 'elephant scene' - though, strangely most other stuff seemed to remain). Anyway, I really enjoyed this movie and watched it again when it was on a couple of different times. I had it recorded on video tape....but can no longer watch that.
I thought Liam Neeson was really awesome in the role. I felt so sorry for him throughout the movie, first when he witnessed his friend/colleague being killed, then what was done to him, then later when he was trying to have a happy day out with his wife and it all went pear-shaped, but I especially felt sorry for him when he tried to befriend the cat that scratched him (not that I blame the cat as such, but I did feel bad that Peyton couldn't even have an animal buddy) and when he unknowingly lit his hand on fire and he was breaking down about how, "They took my hands!" - there's just something about Liam Neeson, I feel, where if he looks upset or is sad, he makes me so sad *for* him.
I liked that he had no mercy for the people who were part of what happened to him - not even Ted Raimi (Joxer from Xena: Warrior Princess), who seemed the least 'evil' of the bad guys, was cut any slack by Darkman.
Robert Durant was indeed a memorable bad guy henchman, and thanks to hearing lines repeatedly from him and Peyton pretending to be him, I still remember some of them ("That would be...just fine."). The helicopter scene with him was memorable, as were lots of other scenes in the movie.
There was a lot that set this film apart from other superhero movies, and I hadn't even known when first watching that it wasn't based on any comic. It's probably the Sam Raimi movie I like best (of the ones I've seen).
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jun 7, 2017 10:52:06 GMT
Beautiful written, Chalice_Of_Evil. Liam was fantastic as both Darkman and Peyton. And what a lot of people seem to forget, is that most of the scenes all we get to see of him, are his eyes and body language along with a very raspy voice, as most of his face is either of other people through the mask he makes or it is hidden between clothes, and still he makes it all work so very well, always going between the motions of anger, frustration to sadness/love for the life he has lost and will never get back. And yes, the "They took my hands" part is incredible. The ending was perfect, with Bruce Campbell doing a very short but memorable cameo and I think a "happy" ending would have been completely wrong, but I guess Sam Raimi never had that in mind.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jun 7, 2017 11:00:24 GMT
I liked that he had no mercy for the people who were part of what happened to him - not even Ted Raimi (Joxer from Xena: Warrior Princess), who seemed the least 'evil' of the bad guys, was cut any slack by Darkman. Robert Durant was indeed a memorable bad guy henchman, and thanks to hearing lines repeatedly from him and Peyton pretending to be him, I still remember some of them ("That would be...just fine."). The helicopter scene with him was memorable, as were lots of other scenes in the movie. There was a lot that set this film apart from other superhero movies, and I hadn't even known when first watching that it wasn't based on any comic. It's probably the Sam Raimi movie I like best (of the ones I've seen). Darkman sure did not take any bullshit from the bad guys, and he even ended up playing a great bit of psychological warfare against them, by having Durant and his crew turn against each other. By the way, have you seen any of the sequels? I know, they have a pretty lousy reputation, but I kind of like them, as they came with the same tone/vibe, maybe not as violent or memorable, but Arnold Vosloo held his own, and it also did came with some cool bad guys, including a impressive return of Durant, specially after what happend with his helicopter in the first one. Darkman reminds me a bit of Robocop, where two ordinary guys get their lifes completely destroyed in a gruesome way, and by very similar kind of bad guys, and are both left to die, only to return with incredible powers/gift, and they even have that same corporation/yuppie thing going, where OCP wants to rebuild Detroit City into Delta City, tearing down the old and building a new, of course not mentioning that the people in the old part of town is gonna be forced out of their homes, and with Darkman we have a similar egomaniac yuppie, who wants to create a new city and destroy the old, plus the sadistic hencman in both Clarence Boddicker/Robert G. Durant.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2017 11:18:10 GMT
I liked that he had no mercy for the people who were part of what happened to him - not even Ted Raimi (Joxer from Xena: Warrior Princess), who seemed the least 'evil' of the bad guys, was cut any slack by Darkman. Robert Durant was indeed a memorable bad guy henchman, and thanks to hearing lines repeatedly from him and Peyton pretending to be him, I still remember some of them ("That would be...just fine."). The helicopter scene with him was memorable, as were lots of other scenes in the movie. There was a lot that set this film apart from other superhero movies, and I hadn't even known when first watching that it wasn't based on any comic. It's probably the Sam Raimi movie I like best (of the ones I've seen). Darkman sure did not take any bullshit from the bad guys, and he even ended up playing a great bit of psychological warfare against them, by having Durant and his crew turn against each other. By the way, have you seen any of the sequels? I know, they have a pretty lousy reputation, but I kind of like them, as they came with the same tone/vibe, maybe not as violent or memorable, but Arnold Vosloo held his own, and it also did came with some cool bad guys, including a impressive return of Durant, specially after what happend with his helicopter in the first one. Darkman reminds me a bit of Robocop, where two ordinary guys get their lifes completely destroyed in a gruesome way, and by very similar kind of bad guys, and are both left to die, only to return with incredible powers/gift, and they even have that same corporation/yuppie thing going, where OCP wants to rebuild Detroit City into Delta City, tearing down the old and building a new, of course not mentioning that the people in the old part of town is gonna be forced out of their homes, and with Darkman we have a similar egomaniac yuppie, who wants to create a new city and destroy the old, plus the sadistic hencman in both Clarence Boddicker/Robert G. Durant. I know you're Lonestarr_Winnebago/Admiral_Pointdexter/PVC_Marine _Corps/Scott_Sinclair/Hendry_William_French. Now you're pretending to be a guy from Norway? Lol you're one of the most delusional, annoying, pathetic, dumb fuck losers I've ever encountered online. You should have died at birth. I hope you die real soon.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jun 7, 2017 11:37:29 GMT
Here are the trailers for Darkman II: The Return of Durant (1995) and Darkman III: Die Darkman Die! (1996). I love that title for the third one, hilarious.
In the sequels, Peyton ends up taking his lab to the extreme, even adding his very own suitable train/subway vehicle, in order to get to the action as fast as possible. Anyway, I rather take these enjoyable b-movies, anyday over the Raimi Spider-Man trilogy. Also, Jeff Fahey plays the villain in the third Darkman feature, while Larry Drake returns, as promised in the second one.
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Post by rateater on Jun 7, 2017 13:15:20 GMT
this was my favorite movie for a few years. i remember part 3 being better than part 2. also there is a tv pilot episode, a video game, books and comic books.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jun 9, 2017 16:10:39 GMT
Never knew there even was made a TV pilot before, but a fast look at what they ended up with, I can see why it ended with that one episode. Incredible how it seem to use the same stunning opening shot from Blade Runner, several times within a few minutes. I was even more surprised to see Larry Drake return, once again.
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Post by egon1982 on Jun 22, 2017 17:23:26 GMT
Great movie! kind of influenced by Frank Miller's works especially Dark Knight Returns, Phantom of the Opera, Universal monster movies and The Shadow comics with a hint of Batman.
I saw this 2 times in theaters when i was 9 and had the comics and all, one of my fave movies.
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Post by taylorfirst1 on Jul 31, 2017 18:51:43 GMT
Darkman is a great movie and an important contribution to the super hero movie genre.
BTW, Raimi's Spider-Man movies are also great.
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Post by kuatorises on Aug 2, 2017 13:57:43 GMT
One of the best comic book style movies not to be based on an existing comic book. It's great fun.
Larry Drake and Colin Friels are great bad guys, Frances McDormand is an appealing leading lady, and of course Liam Neeson is awesome as the hero. His "elephant" scene is indeed hilarious. I would say that this and Robocop have them going for them. They both feel like a real life and graphic novel, but aren't based on anything. In the case of dark man, I think one of the biggest contributors to it feeling like a comic book is the Danny Elfman score.
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