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Darkman

Darkman

1990
Sci-fi
Crime
1h 36m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 42.83% from 2630 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(2630)
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Rated 07 Jun 2020
68
30th
Raimi's unique camera work somehow compliments the pulpy, comic book stylings of a superhero like "Darkman", but unlike a number of Raimi's other movies from the era, this one has not aged well. By today's standards, this is cheesy as hell.
Rated 16 Aug 2017
77
78th
Sam Raimi's superhero/Universal monsters creation is an interesting spin on some classic ingredients. This sort of "The Shadow" meets "The Phantom of the Opera" with the distinct horror/dark comedy B-movie pulp Raimi style, made for an entertaining watch. However, these influences also seem to hinder the movie slightly in ways. Unfortunately, overall something is off with the mix. The movie feels like it is lacking slightly in substance, despite being rather satisfying throughout.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
57
31st
Darkman lacks the delicious satire of RoboCop and the technical brilliance of Batman, which makes it strictly for those who enjoy pulp b-movie horror, which Raimi made a career out of up to that point.
Rated 30 May 2016
75
57th
In the immortal words of Mr. Plinket, "Oh my god! What's wrong with your faaaaace?" Seriously though, watch this movie.
Rated 17 Jun 2014
70
56th
This movie is different. It has fantastic themes and messages wrapped around an average plot. Its direction and cinematography by Sam Raimi however bolsters this movie. However, I do believe Raimi writing could have been the downfall. Overall it feels too much like Evil Dead. It takes a genre and adds little quirks like Raimi is known to do; however it did not work here. Overall, the film is not bad with great direction but it suffers from a less than average plot.
Rated 14 Oct 2014
7
57th
Darkman is one of the most inventive but criminally underrated anti-hero films I've ever seen. It feels like a fun mash up of Batman, RoboCop & The Fly. Liam Neeson, Larry Drake & Frances McDormand are enjoyable & Bruce Campbell has a great cameo. The set pieces and practical effects are fun and the makeup is impressive but the CG is hilariously bad. At the core is a heartbreaking story with characters you care about. Great B-Movie craft with visual flair and energetic direction from Sam Raimi.
Rated 05 Jul 2012
35
25th
American cinema generally requires one to embrace an ideology of vigilantism and revenge, with variations in subtlety involved, but sometimes it becomes unpleasant in a way that fractures identification. Occasionally one hopes this is deliberate, but, TAXI DRIVER aside, this rarely turns out to be a sustainable interpretation. Cf. my review of 'Kick-Ass'.
Rated 15 Apr 2012
40
19th
Poorly acted and over-directed.
Rated 26 Feb 2007
50
35th
Not bad.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
55th
Great vengance film on the super hero scale. It's no surprise who directed this one.
Rated 24 Jun 2019
72
51st
The odd little film that got lost behind Burton's Batman. Just as audacious but with more silliness and violence, Darkman is fully within the Evil Dead vibe. The makeshift technology is awesome, especially that little ‘pin table' that was such a popular toy in the early 90s.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
80
52nd
It starts off really bizarrely with an odd cast of villains, but becomes a lot more stable after that with the exception of the hero and that always bugged me about this, like it's trying too hard to straddle the line between absurd and reality in a movie shaped like a comic book - it teeters on the line but refuses to accept either side, leaving the movie feeling somewhat confused but it's still entertaining.
Rated 29 Jun 2012
74
59th
Funny how Raimi can so uncannily evoke the feeling of pulp novel superheroes with a Danny Elfman score, a fedora, and creative cinematography. This film feels like it pays tribute to the Shadow or the Spider (with Robocop's influence) in the same way as Buckaroo Banzai does for Doc Savage. It has some pretty exciting action sequences, but, even with its self-awareness, the practical effects, despite their Rob Bottin-like touch, have aged terribly and the plot leaves itself open to several holes.
Rated 06 Sep 2007
73
28th
Haha. This movie is so over the top. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. The amazing cameo at the end almost makes up for everything though.
Rated 25 Aug 2020
52
11th
Flat (what we would call now) origin story closely apes Burton's BATMAN and Beatty's DICK TRACY, but lacks the forceful charge of those efforts, meandering through an ill-at-ease Neeson's transformation into the ill-defined title character. Even this early in their careers, a film that wastes the combined talents of Neeson, McDormand and Friels is a near-unforgivable travesty - some well-crafted action sequences and a typically bombastic Elfman score at least maintain interest.
Rated 03 Feb 2012
65
31st
Hilarious but extremely disturbing. It had the feel of Tim Burton's Batman mixed with some Evil Dead.
Rated 09 Oct 2011
80
90th
Awesome B movie fun. Some really great lines and that last disguise added like five points to the score.
Rated 06 Feb 2008
58
47th
Raimi's first attempt to adapt comic story character. Neeson was a little bit lost in here.
Rated 01 Feb 2012
98
58th
Scientist Peyton Westlake is working on a project to create synthetic skin. Now the skin he has developed has a flaw--it will not remain stable for more than 99 minutes. His girlfriend, Julie, a lawyer is investigating a developer. She leaves some incriminating documents at Peyton's. One night Peyton was working when the lights in his lab went out, he then discovers that the synthetic skin has remained stable past 99 minutes, he deduces that it's because of light that the skin doesn't remain sta
Rated 21 May 2022
75
64th
TAKE THE FUCKING ELEPHANT...mweaaahhh.
Rated 19 Feb 2007
80
77th
Kickass.
Rated 28 Jun 2012
77
49th
A fun superhero romp delivered in a comical style which a lot of imitators could learn from. Neeson and McDormand are good casting choices, and bring the spirit of the film to life, although the bad guys and general plot are somewhat ordinary and forgettable. Sometimes when Raimi combines action sequences and humour it really feels fresh, funny and original, which are the film's best bits.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
77th
Sam Raimi hits a home run if only because he made Liam Neeson believable as an action hero. Followed two atrociously forgettable sequels. Just stick to this one, which rules.
Rated 15 Jun 2012
85
58th
Pretty decent
Rated 22 Mar 2007
75
42nd
Er, yes! I remember seeing it but I remember little about it. Still, there remains a kind of fuzzy positive feeling associated with it, and I remember that Bruce Campbell has an excellent cameo so it's probably awesome.
Rated 22 Dec 2015
72
50th
The interrogation, helicopter chase, and face-swap scenes are the exact kind of ridiculousness I can't help but adore. He can only feel intense pain, that's just a great setup for a character.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
75th
A great super hero movie by Sam Rami.
Rated 25 Mar 2007
65
38th
Alright film. Could be better. Some parts are really, really lame. Others are pretty cool, though dated as far as movie making goes.
Rated 01 Oct 2021
2
22nd
Did Hollywood take a leaf out India's 80's movies? Seen such movies by dozen so only mildly enjoyable because once the uniqueness, quirkiness fades, the movie has very little else to offer.
Rated 26 Jul 2011
60
36th
I just don't like Sam Raimi as much as everyone else seems to. I respect that he does his own thing and makes some original films, I just never seem to like them that much. Still not terrible, just not something I care to ever see again.
Rated 22 Jan 2012
65
25th
Seemingly an amalgam of homages that amount to a unique superhero origin story. Sam Raimi's signature visual style is readily apparent by his use of dutch angles and inventive camera movements, as well as the use of his brand of practical effects. The tone is also his classic mix of dark and silly, which he established on the phenomenal Evil Dead series. Unfortunately his reach was beyond his grasp on this project, largely due to overly campy dialogue that doesn't mesh with the darker themes.
Rated 05 Jul 2012
60
9th
I'm not going to call Darkman a bad film, because I think it probably accomplishes what Raimi was aiming for. It's cheesy, bizarrely funny and serves some iconic images. Though the film starts well, the second half is completely uninteresting and for all the winks and nods of Raimi, it bored the crap out of me. I should say that Darkman himself looks damn cool and there are some very nice shots in here - the makeup is quite good also, but the CG awful.
Rated 27 Oct 2015
60
52nd
A lot of goofy fun like any good Sam Raimi film. Liam Neeson has such gravity even in 1990 that his presence in domestic scenes (like those with his girlfriend pre-transformation) can seem jarring, but the same bearing actually makes the characteristic Raimi dark humor (like the times Darkman goes mad), which requires a lot of body movement and/or over-the-top facials, all the more entertaining. Yeah, the characters are a little thin, but it's the tone of these films that matters.
Rated 01 Jul 2014
75
65th
Take the fucking elephant! Entertaining nonsense. Feels more like Army of Darkness than Spider-Man 1 through 3, so this is easily Raimi's best superhero film.
Rated 23 Feb 2020
76
56th
Liam Neeson is good in the tittle role of this film. The script has several good moments but it also contains weak dialogue at times. The supporting cast don't get to do a lot here. Overall I would recommend this movie.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
74
79th
Gets a lot of unwanted hate. A decent romp that is both exciting and witty. Haters shouldn't hate, even if it is their wont.
Rated 27 Jan 2009
65
66th
Would have been much better with Campbell, Neeson doesn't really work here.
Rated 25 Apr 2020
53
55th
okay movie
Rated 24 Jun 2012
85
86th
If this was either grosser or funnier or actionier it would be perfect. It comes so close before the formula fizzles out ... kinda like that thing in the movie huh
Rated 12 Jul 2007
80
23rd
It's pretty cheesy.
Rated 02 May 2012
90
42nd
a good storyline and the movie is ok.. worth a watch
Rated 16 May 2018
65
49th
There are both genius and lame moments int this movie. Raimi's cinematography and landscape/location shots were great but CG and effects also bad. Even for its own time. Characters a bit dragged specially last showndown against villains very weak. But the relationship with Peyton and Julie is ended in a very unique way. And ı love the conclusion. But again movie had so many dragged and boring out of plot sequences.
Rated 11 Nov 2013
82
77th
I wish they got the guy who directed this to do the Tobey Maguire Spidermans. Oh wait...
Rated 19 Jul 2010
55
46th
from what i remember the production value was not that high, but i still enjoyed the movie
Rated 15 Sep 2012
50
47th
Darkman is a film that takes an interesting premise and does little with it. Our hero is worth exploring, but the paint-by-the-numbers plot, along with a lack of action scenes makes the film almost not worth watching. The fun that everyone in front of and behind the camera is what keeps it alive, and Sam Raimi's personal touches are always fun to look for (look for the Bruce Campbell cameo, which shows up with a wink and a smile), but look elsewhere for a fun action movie.
Rated 08 Nov 2007
90
70th
This was one of those movies that my friends and I always seemed to end up renting on Friday nights in the 7th grade.
Rated 13 Feb 2014
3
31st
Possibly worth all the off moments / plot holes just for the pink elephant scene.
Rated 24 Jan 2007
55
32nd
Weak, but has some funny moments.
Rated 01 Feb 2017
60
47th
A twisted protagonist makes this interesting to watch. It does many things better than your average hero movie.
Rated 29 Apr 2017
90
40th
While the dialogue is clunky and jarring in places, and the film sometimes ventures into the ridiculous. There's enough here to make Darkman very enjoyable. I also have to say that this film shows that Raimi's flare for visuals borders on genius.
Rated 01 Oct 2020
68
71st
To anyone not familiar with Raimi, it can seem a bit rough around the edges and with a tone sometimes all over the place. Meaning fans will appreciate, but folks coming in unaware might be confused
Rated 02 Jun 2013
40
19th
It felt like a cross between a not so crazy Toxic Avenger, and less robotic RoboCop.
Rated 12 Oct 2021
80
37th
Viewed September 20, 2021. While it’s an action movie with Raimi’s typically cartoonish aesthetic and rhythm and old-fashioned horror movie flair, it’s also a committed — albeit not particularly serious — portrait of its protagonist’s existential quandary, his own self-loathing horror at what he’s become. This adds an unusual resonance to all of the film's offbeat touches and its wacky sense of humor.
Rated 23 May 2023
12
5th
wow. Shockingly boring, fell asleep near the end. So many stupid plot elements, terrible acting, atrocious accent from Liam Neeson.. and they gave Spiderman to this director?
Rated 20 Jan 2012
75
23rd
Raimi did an awesome job in creating the sequences where Neeson goes into 'crazy mode'. A dark and whacky movie.
Rated 11 Aug 2015
100
91st
When synthetic liquid skin researcher Westlake (Neeson) is burned to a crisp by finger-lopping bad guy Robert Durant (Larry Drake) it's all about getting even, which means plenty of rubbery disguises that only last 99 minutes before they bubble away to nothing. Neeson may be wild-eyed and single-minded, but it's Larry Drake's brutal crime boss Durant that gives our hero someone to really hate. Drake is very far removed here from his simple L.A.
Rated 20 Nov 2010
63
35th
It's quite clumsy at times but that certain Raimi charm is constantly present.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
84
84th
Raimi's madcap action is always a welcome divergence. A too often overlooked and underrated effort on the entire cast and crew's resume. Big in its day but now lost in the shuffle.
Rated 12 Apr 2018
72
60th
Take the fucking elephant
Rated 29 Jul 2008
75
53rd
There are some scenes that don't work, but those are contradicted by some other inspired scenes that do. Darkman as a character is interesting enough and the actors do a fine enough job, outside of a few wooden lines. The script is convincing enough and the direction also works. Plus I like how Darkman dresses.
Rated 24 Jan 2011
65
45th
(Blu-ray rewatch)
Rated 06 Mar 2021
63
44th
Gosh I love how over-the-top this is, all the dutch angles and weird montages and technicolor nightmares. The story it's wrapped around is not all it could be - I have to wonder how much was lost in the studio-mandated edit. The kind of pitying ableism the narrative shows towards its main character is real uncomfortable (and doesn't always make sense - how can he even use his hands?). But there are enough ridiculous concepts and scenes to keep the momentum up anyway.
Rated 19 Aug 2009
90
82nd
A good comic book movie. Suitably dark and nicely done with a minimum of special effects.
Rated 24 Sep 2010
25
23rd
Peytoooon. Juliiiiiiee. Pfff.
Rated 08 Jul 2014
55
36th
Great action sequences, but most of the acting is hokey and Raimi's comic sensibility seems more dumb than fun. Elfman's score also gives off the impression that it is a Batman clone and really cements the film's second tier status. On the plus side, Neeson plays the titular character well and is more convincing here than he is in his current guise as an old ass action star; Larry Drake is also a hoot as the bad guy, but the film hasn't aged that well.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
32nd
Haven't seen it in a while but I rememeber talking about it as a kid all the time.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
85
73rd
I probably watched this way too often
Rated 15 Apr 2008
78
42nd
A surprisingly good story for an effects/action movie.
Rated 08 Nov 2012
100
97th
Watched again for the first time in years. This is a master-class in filmmaking!
Rated 03 Feb 2010
86
71st
Elegant low budget movie. One of the best superhero film.
Rated 19 Apr 2024
70
36th
Rated 30 Jan 2012
69
54th
"What am I, huh? Some kind of a circus freak? Is that it? Maybe I should be wearing a funny little hat! Do you like it?!" *does the Sam Raimi dance*
Rated 15 Jul 2014
3
73rd
I know it's only a film but, property developers simply aren't this reasonable and honest in real life. Starts really well, the now-dated CGI helps make this a very comic-book-looking comic-book-movie. Loses it's charm some in the second half where the running around and stuff becomes pretty boring.
Rated 10 Jun 2009
28
3rd
Synthetic skinned avenger can't take the light.
Rated 23 Mar 2021
74
45th
Raimi's farcical take on the superhero genre that is as indebted to silent 'monster pictures' as it is Tim Burton's 'Batman.' Some absolutely phenomenal framing and composition that you can't help but marvel at, trying to figure out what Raimi did to ever get the shot. Ultimately forgettable, but a lot of goofy fun while it lasts.
Rated 24 May 2010
52
25th
Bruce Campbell
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
72nd
This is a lot like every other underdog superhero movie (without the superpowers), but Raimi's bold directing makes this enjoyable. You can see why he was given the reins to Spiderman
Rated 31 Mar 2007
60
47th
Tries to be different and exciting, but just too damn sloppy and noncredible
Rated 26 Feb 2007
76
40th
It has this awesome campy b-movie charm throughout the whole film. No matter how weak the plot got, I still liked it.
Rated 08 Sep 2022
50
9th
Youngfrancesevenhotter-sometimesnotthatmuchlol+scoredidntfitattackscenelol+hardtopayattention+somesoapoperaishacting+TAKETHEFUCKINGELEPHANTlmao+goodhedropshimloli'mlearningtolivewithalotofthings+becameamonstersodipsonhershapeshifting
Rated 05 Mar 2022
90
67th
This movie has tons of style, a great cast and some utterly terrifying and exciting moments.
Rated 05 Aug 2017
4
55th
1990 sure was great for unhinged comic book movies nobody liked, huh?
Rated 23 Aug 2007
40
41st
ok
Rated 25 Aug 2021
75
47th
Hard not to like this one.
Rated 26 May 2007
35
12th
Why Liam, why?
Rated 08 Feb 2013
77
55th
76.500
Rated 31 Mar 2015
4
63rd
Raimi at his best, which coincidentally, but maybe not surprising, is also when he's most unrestrained and farcical.
Rated 17 Jul 2011
60
58th
ger; [Darkman]; ein wissenschaftler arbeitet an der künstlichen haut, doch er wird von einer gangsterbande gefoltert und entstellt - er startet seinen rachefeldzug mit seine geheimwaffe: der haut;
Rated 16 Nov 2007
30
30th
remembered liking this, but don't remember anything about it, so it must not have been great.
Rated 20 Oct 2007
79
71st
Cheap 90's superheroes at its best!
Rated 23 Oct 2017
62
35th
Darkman is a fairly compelling hero in a lot of ways. Mostly in that his "super" circumstances are only barely outside the realm of reality. He can make really good disguises and is more intelligent than average, but his weaknesses are basically just disfigurement and emotional instability. In some ways, this is like Raimi's middle ground between Spider Man and Evil Dead, but not as good as either, and featuring some painfully dated green screen effects.
Rated 31 Oct 2009
83
67th
Oddball sci-fi, action, comedy along the lines of Evil Dead but with a more serious slant.
Rated 14 Mar 2010
65
42nd
This is a pretty bizarre Sam Raimi character. If it came along before Batman this would have been remembered but it got pushed into obscurity. The direction is B-movie excellence. The plot is surprisingly dark and violent for a "superhero" film.
Rated 02 Sep 2008
66
44th
More proof that Sam Raimi can still deliver the goods on a small budget, Darkman is The Iliad next to its nemeses, like The Shadow and The Phantom (or even Batman IV). Despite itself, still spawned terrible sequels.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
77th
I really liked this movie. I think it is based on a comic book, but it is very well made and acted.
Rated 03 Jan 2009
58
30th
I liked it when I was a kid. Now it doesn't really hold my attention.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
80
84th
Liam Neeson will never do anything better than this, and Colin Friels shines as the villian
Rated 01 Aug 2009
52
41st
Some really nice touches, but generally pretty average.
Rated 26 Apr 2011
45
40th
this could have been sooooo much better.
Rated 13 Sep 2010
53
44th
Super(anti)hero film that deals with similar topics as The Fly in comic book fashion. The result is somewhat ambiguous, but Raimi knows his craft well enough to make it fun and different.

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