MARVEL’S DAREDEVIL Review


The Man Without Fear arrives on worldwide television (or should I say streaming medium)! But has the wait for Marvel to regain the character rights been worth it? And will this help dull the sour taste of the disappointing Ben Affleck film? Read on to find out.

The official description from Netflix:

“Marvel’s Daredevil” is a live action series that follows the journey of attorney Matt Murdock, who in a tragic accident was blinded as a boy but imbued with extraordinary senses. Murdock sets up practice in his old neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, New York where he now fights against injustice as a respected lawyer by day and masked vigilante at night.

The moment that comic fans have been eagerly awaiting (maybe slightly less than Avengers: Age of Ultron) is finally here, as Marvel’s Daredevil hits Netflix worldwide. Having had my reservations on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and having yet to watch Marvel’s Agent Carter (due to a lack of UK release), I was curious to see what they’d do with The Man Without Fear, as though I had high hopes given the more mature content that Netflix allows, I also had my worries. Having now finished my binge viewing of the entire season (though probably not quite as fast as some), I can say that these fears were unfounded, with the vigilante being more entertaining than ever before.

Daredevil_Netflix_Matt_Murdock (edited)

Telling the story of a blind lawyer, who fights crime at night, Marvel’s Daredevil is a story that comic fans will know very well. It is however handled in a more in-depth manner, that will have non-comic fans hooked as well. For me personally, it’s the way that Matt Murdock’s portrayed that truly captivates. Where the 2003 film showed him as a brash, confident man, this show shows a more refined lawyer, looking for a break. Yes, there’s still a certain swagger to this charming character, but it never feels over the top, or in your face. The way that the show balances drama and action also is a testament to the creative genius’ behind this show, having enough excitement to keep viewers enticed, whilst also sporting a sophisticated story. We’re also taken into the word of crime in a more intense fashion than ever before, as though Daredevil is a little more aggressive than his comic counterpart, it’s not to an extent that tarnishes the character’s morals.

The main basis to a successful show may be it’s plot, but the acting ability behind it’s characters is just as crucial to it’s overall success. Marvel’s Daredevil captures this element perfectly, as though I was a little sceptical over certain casting choices, these were quickly proven irrelevant. The main star of the show is naturally Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock/Daredevil), with the Stardust star owning the role. Giving a rich depth to the character, Cox had this viewer on the edge of his seat, with the cool, calm moments as Matt Murdock, and dark, crime fighting scenes as Daredevil balancing each other perfectly.

Daredevil (1)

The supporting cast also do a marvellous job of bringing this world to life, with True Blood’s Deborah Ann Woll (Karen Page), and Hunger Games: Mockingjay’s Elden Henson (Foggy Nelson) being perfectly suited next to Cox, with the latter giving comic relief, and the former helping to form a continuous sub-plot. Vincent D’Onofrio also does a wonderful job as Wilson Fisk (better known as The Kingpin), and though he’s not quite as imposing as the late Michael Clarke Duncan, he shows that Fisk’s a man you don’t want to cross. Rounding things off, we get a terrific performance from Rosario Dawson (Claire Temple), with this insight into the Night Nurse’s origins being rather intriguing. Helped greatly by Dawson’s performance.

Marvel’s Daredevil is a revolutionary show, for a company that’s already been taking the movie world by storm. Being gritty, exciting, and above all, character driven, this is a show that any comic fan will love. It also proves that DC aren’t the only ones that can make good comic TV shows, with the character likeness and freshness working in perfect harmony. So if you’ve got Netfilx, what are you waiting for? Go start this series. Whether you pace it out, or binge watch, you’re sure to enjoy. If you don’t have Netflix, this is the best time to give it a try. You also don’t need to worry about being lumbered with it following Marvel’s Daredevil, as if you watch within a month, you can do so on their free trial (though I’m sure their package will keep you as a subscriber beyond this).

OUR RATING
9.5
  • + Shows no fear!
  • + True to character.
  • + Inviting to non-comic fans.
  • + Fantastic balance of drama and excitement.