Daredevil – Film Review

Few superhero films are as frustratingly uneven as Daredevil (2003), a movie that squanders its potential at nearly every turn. Directed by Mark Steven Johnson and starring Ben Affleck as the blind vigilante Matt Murdock, Daredevil attempts to blend gothic grit with comic book theatrics but ultimately stumbles under the weight of its own ambition. While it boasts moments of visual flair and a committed supporting cast, the film is bogged down by a convoluted narrative, lackluster action sequences, and tonal inconsistency that make it a misfire in the superhero genre.

At its core, Daredevil follows Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who moonlights as a crime-fighting vigilante in Hell’s Kitchen. By day, he upholds justice through the legal system; by night, he enacts vengeance upon criminals who escape it. His heightened senses, the result of a childhood accident involving toxic waste, allow him to “see” the world through echolocation. The film explores his dual life, his tragic past, and his romance with Elektra Natchios (Jennifer Garner), the daughter of a powerful businessman. Meanwhile, the crime lord Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin (Michael Clarke Duncan), and the unhinged assassin Bullseye (Colin Farrell) threaten Murdock’s world, forcing him to confront his limits.

The problem is that Daredevil tries to cram too much into its runtime, introducing multiple storylines that never fully develop. Murdock’s struggle with morality is half-baked, his romance with Elektra feels rushed, and the revenge plotlines lack emotional weight. Instead of a cohesive narrative, the film feels like a collection of disjointed scenes strung together, leaving little time for any subplot to breathe.

Ben Affleck’s performance as Daredevil is one of the most criticized aspects of the film, and for good reason. While Affleck would later redeem himself in the superhero genre with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, his portrayal of Matt Murdock lacks the depth and emotional nuance necessary for the role. He appears stiff and disengaged, failing to convey the internal turmoil of a man struggling with justice and vengeance. Affleck’s performance feels more like someone going through the motions rather than truly embodying the character, making it difficult to invest in Murdock’s journey.

Jennifer Garner’s Elektra is another weak link in the film. While Garner is a capable actress, she is given little to work with beyond generic love interest tropes and some underwhelming fight sequences. Her chemistry with Affleck is unconvincing, and her character’s arc, which should be emotionally compelling, is rushed and shallow. Instead of being a complex and formidable presence, Elektra is reduced to a plot device, which is a disservice to the character’s rich comic book history.

One of Daredevil’s few strengths is its villains, though they are far from perfect. Michael Clarke Duncan brings an imposing physicality to Kingpin, making him a menacing presence on screen. However, the script gives him little to do beyond generic crime boss antics, robbing the character of the depth that makes him such an iconic antagonist in the comics.

Colin Farrell’s Bullseye, on the other hand, is pure camp. Farrell chews the scenery with exaggerated facial expressions, ridiculous line deliveries, and absurd moments (such as carving a bullseye into his own forehead). While his performance is undeniably entertaining in a “so bad it’s good” way, it feels wildly out of place in a film that wants to be taken seriously. His characterization is cartoonish and lacks any real menace, making him more of a caricature than a true threat.

For a film that revolves around a superhero known for his agility and acrobatics, Daredevil delivers shockingly lackluster action sequences. The fight choreography is clumsy, overly reliant on wirework, and edited with such rapid cuts that it becomes difficult to follow the action. Instead of exhilarating, the fight scenes feel disorienting and artificial, stripping them of any real impact.

The CGI is another major issue. Even by 2003 standards, the visual effects are subpar, with Murdock’s “radar sense” rendered in an awkward, blue-hued filter that looks more like a screensaver than a compelling visualization of his abilities. The rooftop sequences, which should showcase Daredevil’s acrobatics, are marred by unrealistic physics and poorly rendered digital doubles, making them more laughable than thrilling.

If there’s one thing Daredevil is remembered for, it’s its soundtrack—though not in a good way. The film leans heavily on early 2000s alternative rock, featuring bands like Evanescence and Nickelback. While the music was popular at the time, it now feels incredibly dated and out of place, serving as an unintentional reminder of the film’s era rather than enhancing the storytelling. The overuse of these songs, particularly during key dramatic moments, diminishes their impact and makes the film feel more like an extended music video than a cinematic experience.

One of Daredevil’s biggest flaws is its inability to settle on a consistent tone. The film wants to be a dark, brooding character study in the vein of Batman Begins (which wouldn’t be released until two years later), but it also indulges in absurd, over-the-top action sequences and unintentionally hilarious moments. One minute, the film is trying to explore Murdock’s internal struggle with justice and violence; the next, we have Bullseye licking his fingers after killing someone. This inconsistency makes it difficult to take the film seriously, as it constantly undermines its own attempts at emotional depth.

With its convoluted plot, miscast lead, unconvincing romance, poorly executed action, and tonal confusion, Daredevil is a film that never quite finds its footing. While Michael Clarke Duncan and Colin Farrell bring some entertainment value to their roles, their performances aren’t enough to save the film from its fundamental flaws. The result is a superhero movie that fails to do justice to its source material, leaving audiences with a forgettable and frustrating experience.

Though Daredevil would later receive an improved “Director’s Cut,” which adds depth to certain aspects of the story, it still doesn’t elevate the film beyond mediocrity. Thankfully, the character would be redeemed years later with the Daredevil Netflix series, which demonstrated how to properly handle the Man Without Fear. As it stands, the 2003 Daredevil remains a cautionary tale of what happens when a superhero film lacks a clear vision.