Daredevil (Theatrical Version)

Daredevil is a 2003 superhero film directed by Mark Steven Johnson and based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The film stars Ben Affleck as Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who fights for justice in the courtroom and on the streets of New York as the masked vigilante Daredevil. Jennifer Garner plays his love interest Elektra Natchios; Colin Farrell plays the merciless assassin Bullseye; David Keith plays Jack "The Devil" Murdock, a washed up fighter and Matt's father; and Michael Clarke Duncan plays Wilson Fisk, also known as the crime lord Kingpin. Daredevil was released on February 14, 2003. It received generally mixed reviews from critics, with praise aimed at the action sequences, acting performances, soundtrack, storyline, visual style and stunts, while criticism is aimed at Affleck's performance and its perceived lack of ambition.

In 2004, an R-rated director's cut of Daredevil was released, reincorporating approximately 30 minutes of the film, and received significantly more acclaim from critics than the theatrical version.

Plot
Matt Murdock was raised by his father Jack “The Devil” Murdock, who was a boxer. Matt got blinded by radioactive fluid and gained a radar sense. Jack Murdock was killed by Fallon after he won a boxing match. As Matt Murdock got older, he became a lawyer and vigilante named Daredevil. He attended a trial with Jose Quesada, an alleged rapist. As the day passed, Daredevil followed Quesada to Josie’s Bar and killed him at the subway. Matt talked to his legal partner and friend Foggy Nelson about Daredevil on the news as a Greek American woman named Elektra comes by. Matt learned who she was after they had a fight at a playground. Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of Fisk Corp is now aware of Daredevil and talks to Elektra’s father. An Irishman simply known as Bullseye arrived to Hell’s Kitchen to help out the Kingpin. Matt encountered Elektra on a rooftop with the rain as he heard a man call for help. Daredevil decided to have six with Elektra instead. Karen Page informed Matt and Foggy an invitation to Nikolas Natchios’ ball. As Nikolas got in a limo, Bullseye used his motorcycle to follow him. Daredevil tried to stop Bullseye but his stick landed on Nikolas, killing him. Matt attended Nikolas’ funeral. Elektra found Daredevil and attempted to kill him. Bullseye arrived and killed her. Bullseye was attacked by Daredevil at a church. The police went to Fisk Corp as Daredevil fought against Kingpin. Kingpin got sent to jail, Jackson was proven not guilty and Daredevil continues as the Guardian Devil of Hell’s Kitchen.

Why The Theatrical Cut Sucks

 * 1) The theatrical cut forced in-studio interference that caused more problems. It was Tom Rothman's idea to have the theatrical cut be shown in theaters instead of the director's cut.
 * 2) * Bullseye saying “I want a fucking costume” was badly dubbed to “I want a bloody costume.”
 * 3) * There is a gratuitous sex scene between Matt and Elektra.
 * 4) * The theatrical cut feels more like a Spider-Man clone than a Daredevil film.
 * 5) * The pacing is unnaturally fast.
 * 6) * Elektra’s screentime was increased and Foggy’s screentime was decreased.
 * 7) * Most of the theatrical cut focuses on just Daredevil and Elektra.
 * 8) * The removal of the 30 minutes shown in the directors cut resulted in some plot holes.
 * 9) * The few scenes leading up to the ball scene are rearranged in a haphazard manner.
 * 10) Elektra and her father's actors aren't played by Greek people. Even her father doesn't have a Greek accent while talking.
 * 11) The playground fight seems ridiculous.
 * 12) Unlikeable characters like the bullies of Matt Murdock, who do get beaten by Matt.
 * 13) The CGI doesn't hold up and the clothing seems more like a Matrix clone.
 * 14) The release of the theatrical cut and the spin-off film, Elektra resulted in a sequel getting scrapped.
 * 15) Elektra saying “liar” sounded like a quote from a shampoo commercial.
 * 16) The film was diluted from an adult oriented superhero film into a PG-13 rated film.

Redeeming Qualities

 * 1) The director’s cut is a major improvement.
 * 2) Collin Farrell and Michael Clarke Duncan as Bullseye and Kingpin are rather fun to watch. In fact, many people think Bullseye is the best character.
 * 3) Some of the minor characters are named after Marvel employees, which has good fan service.
 * 4) Pretty much every song heard in the soundtrack is amazing to listen to, especially "Bring Me to Life" by Evanescence and "Won’t Back Down" by Fuel.
 * 5) Stan Lee had such a good cameo, it was first shown in the trailers.