Darkman
(Region 2 DVD) 
  (1990)
  review by Billion$Baby

Ever wonder how Sam Raimi got the Spiderman gig? If you did, wonder no more because Darkman has already proved Raimi's capabilities to create a convincing, dark, yet humourous comic book character of his own. Unfortunetly producer Rob Tapert has stated that Universal made them tone down some of the wilder sequences, but I still find it to be a very exciting mix of comic book imagery, action, horror and comedy.

The horror aspect really comes into play with the make-up on the lead character, which is provided by Tony Gardner and Larry Hamlin. It really is shocking (in a good way!). What also greatly aids the film are the performances by the four leads. Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels and Larry Drake are all on form in a big way.

The film cost around $16 million, and I think that Raimi used the money very well. Especially when you consider that this film was made before the use of today's computer technology. I'm not surprised that Raimi got the Spiderman directorial duties. This film is a pretty good advert for his talents!

Liam Neeson gives his all to the lead role. The only time that I really raise my eyebrows is when he performs that funny little dance and jig! It reminds me of that "goody little two-shoes" moment in Army Of Darkness. Kudos to Neeson for his complete willingness to carry out crazy moments. That pink elephant sequence is one of my favourite bits!

I don't always agree with Variety's film reviews but check out what they said about this film :

"Despite occasional silliness, Sam Raimi's Darkman has more wit, pathos and visual flamboyance than is usual in contemporary shockers.
Director Raimi, lenser Bill Pope and production designer Randy Ser conjure up a flamboyantly expressionistic world out of downtown L.A.'s bizarre architectural mix of gleaming skyscrapers and decaying warehouses."

I guess they like it too! Oh yeah, it also features my favourite Raimi oldsmobile cameo.

It's one of Raimi's greatest films but it is a shame that I can't say the same about this disc. It doesn't even get a 5:1 audio track. You get some sort of half-assed "surround" track instead! As for special features, you get a trailer, together with production, cast and film-maker notes. Whoopee! Come on Universal, wake up, this is one of your greatest films, please treat it with more respect.

Having said that, the picture quality is very good and pleased as I am to own a widescreen copy of this film, I just wish I had some extras to watch. Buy this dvd if you want a widescreen copy of this Raimi/Tapert movie, (I certainly did and haven't regretted it) but don't expect anything significant in the way of extras.