Affleck less than daring in 'Daredevil'

Having been a longtime fan of "Daredevil" (especially the issues penned by Frank Miller and Kevin Smith), I had high hopes for its cinematic incarnation. Lo and behold, I emerged from the theater in bittersweet fashion. Much of what's presented is well done, but a lot also sucked bad.\nBen Affleck capably headlines as Matt Murdock/ Daredevil, a blind Hell's Kitchen lawyer by day and pissed-off, costumed crime fighter by night. Daredevil's origin is none-too-different than many of his contemporaries: a tragic childhood event involving the death of his prizefighter father (David Keith) spurs future bouts of vigilantism. Differences come via Murdock's handicap as he was blinded in a mishap involving toxic waste as a teenager, but his remaining senses are dramatically amplified.\n"Daredevil" serves less as a narrative and more as an introduction into the world of "The Man Without Fear." Ol' Hornhead battles crime boss, Wilson Fisk aka the Kingpin (Michael Clarke Duncan), and his chief assassin, Bullseye (Colin Farrell), beds Greek ninja-broad, Elektra Natchios (Jennifer Garner) and banters with his best buddy and law partner, Franklin "Foggy" Nelson (Jon Favreau). All the while, he's tailed by inquisitive reporter, Ben Urich (Joe Pantoliano), who's suspicious of the uncanny parallels between Murdock and Daredevil. In a film that runs well under two hours, it's a case of sensory overload, too much crammed into too little time.\nThe flick sports a killer cast. Affleck more than fills the utilitarian red leathers of Daredevil. Garner is both sexy and skillful as Elektra, spinning sai and sucking face. Duncan is certainly imposing as the Kingpin, but is also saddled with too little screen time to make a real presence. As far as performances go, the film belongs to Farrell (going full hilt in his Irish brogue) and Favreau as both add humor to the otherwise dark proceedings. Pantoliano and Keith also turn in muted but nonetheless effective work in their small, respective roles. \nAs much as I want to give "Daredevil" a glowing review, I just can't. \nMost, but not all, of the fight sequences are abbreviated, edited and shot poorly. The dialogue and stilted love angle are both corny. Much of the computer graphics are bad (aside from the utterly cool "sonar sense" shots) and the poor alt-rock soundtrack not only irritates, but will also date the film within a few months. While moderately entertaining, here's hoping the inevitable sequel is an improvement.