Darkman II: The Return of Durant **½ (1995, Larry Drake, Arnold Vosloo, Kim Delaney) – Classic Movie Review 3486

Written by Steven McKay, this is an entertaining 1995 Grand Guignol horror comic sequel from director Bradford May, taking over from part one’s Sam Raimi, the director of Darkman (1990), who stays on as co-producer only.

Arnold Vosloo proves an adequate replacement for Liam Neeson as Peyton Westlake, the scientist who recreated himself as the shadowy avenger Darkman after he’s been all but killed when beaten and hideously mutilated by the evil Robert G Durant (Larry Drake)’s gruesome thugs who were searching for his cloning formula.

As the title suggests, Drake is back as the evil Robert G Durant, who, after remaining in a coma for several years, suddenly reawakens, eager to take over the city’s drug trade, using high-tech weapons. But the ever-elusive Darkman is ready to do battle and try to put a stop to Durant for ever.

The story is by Robert Eisele and Lawrence Hertzog.

Vosloo returns for Darkman III: Die Darkman Die in 1996, again directed by Bradford May.

Larry Drake, the Emmy-winning Benny in L A Law, died on 17 March 2016, aged 67.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 3486

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