Darkman **** (1990, Liam Neeson, Larry Drake, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels) – Classic Movie Review 3483

Co-writer/director Sam Raimi’s 1990 horror comic is a thrilling grand guignol horror movie.

Liam Neeson gives an admirably grave performance as Peyton Westlake, a scientist who recreates himself as the shadowy avenger Darkman after he is been beaten, hideously mutilated and all but killed by the evil Robert G Durant (Larry Drake)’s gruesome thugs who are searching for his cloning formula.

Overflowing with the confidence of its dark and unpleasant convictions, it sweeps deliriously along on its heady brew of thrills, black humour, imaginative cartoon-style visuals and twisted emotions. Be prepared for a tongue-in-cheek approach to horror, mixed with extreme darkness as suggested by the title.

Also in the cast are Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Nelson Mashita, Jesse Lawrence Ferguson, Rafael H Robledo, Danny Hicks, Theodore Raimi and Jenny Agutter.

There are two sequels so far: Darkman II: The Return of Durant (1994) and Darkman III: Die Darkman Die (1994), both with Arnold Vosloo as Darkman. Larry Drake returned for Darkman II: The Return of Durant and also as Dr Giggles (1994).

Larry Drake died on 17 March 2016, aged 67.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3483

Link to home page for more reviews derekwinnert.com