@@trainnerd3029 Spot on. Dan is like a time machine. His enthusiasm for this stuff is amazing & genuine. So different & refreshing from this soulless world now. To go back to the best times of this life feels incredible.
@MoviesMusicMonsters Don't sweat it mate, this was a deep dive, and there is so much to cover. Appreciate the time you put in. Now, whatever happened to Automan. The one season early 80s sci-fi, which to be fair, had some really cool effects
Weirdly, tho I have seen this movie several times, I have NEVER seen the beginning. Only once the main character has set up camp on Mars before Friday appeared. And I always thought the appearance of the aliens a weird inclusion. Like, they didn't attack Earth or something??? Almost like we got a merger of 2 movies.
Bruce Campbell is reported to have in fact played Darkman in some scenes, mostly longshots, particularly the scene with Durant chasing Darkman in the helicopter.
Love the opening. Now that's how you introduce your villains. The rage moments are so creative, they would make The Hulk jealous. Love Elfman's score especially Carnival from Hell.
Great overview! God I loved this film. I remember what a shock it was to see Larry Drake in such a different role than "Benny" in "LA Law." It really made me realize just how great of an actor he was. And what could be more darkly funny than his line, "I've got seven more points."
Boy, the director, Sam Raimi, really seemed to hold a different point of view than either the critics, the executives, or the audience. BALLSY move by Robert Tapert! This was interesting, as usual. I really appreciate all the work you do on these videos. It shows in the final product. If these were for a class, you'd be getting a 4.0. Thanks again, Dan.
The sequels were okay, but suffer from just not being as good as the first movie. Each of them has parts that I really enjoyed personally. Part 2 comes off more as a standard superhero movie from that time period well the third movie has some great character work especially in the scenes where dark man is disguising himself as the film's big bad, and has to interact with the Man's family
Jenny Agutter wasn't credited in Darkman and her character didn't have a name. Would be cool if she was Nurse Alex Price from An American Werewolf in London.
Ohhhhh yesssss. The manhole scene. Locked in my mind forever. Sam Rami really has a way of navigating and tweaking the subconscious mind. Great storytelling. Worth an anniversary view.
The face changing aspect always reminded me of another pulp character called The Avenger.He could alter his facial features and fought crime. He was supposedly created by the fictitious Kenneth Robeson who created Doc Savage.
Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! 👏👏👏 I’ve started saving your content to watch on my big TV on a Saturday night! Right after I’ve watched my movie. The BEST channel on TH-cam! Loving it! 👍
So, Dan, where's the f**king elephant!? :) And, does that action figure come with one? And what about the cigar cutter? ;) I remember liking the movie back when I saw it in theaters. I was in college studying filmmaking and loved Raimi's style.
Dan, just want to suggest the series The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. Short-lived but absolutely brilliant - and of course Bruce Campbell. Whatever happened to the glowing orb?🤔
Loved that movie. I was about 20. Laughed my tail off in the theater. My girlfriend at the time began to question my humor... Wait! There were wrong places to laugh in this movie?
Another very sharp mini-doc, Dan! I read Bruce Campbell's very entertaining memoir, "If Chins Could Kill" (I'm a huge fan of Adventures of Briscoe County) that tells tales of he & his friends growing up, blowing up stuff, & eventually getting into the movie business. "Dark Man" is so stylish & I must admit that the writing, rewriting & reediting somehow worked out.
Briscoe County was brilliant and hilarious. I have the DVD. This suffered the same fate as another western/science fiction mashup - Firefly. In both, the humor seemed to go over the heads of TV executives. But I could go on for pages about unique series that networks intentionally destroyed. 😏
@@TripleBerg I think both shows would have done better in the age of streaming, where ratings aren't focused on whatever was on the air opposite at the same time.
@@patbarr1351 I completely agree. Trying to find Firefly was like trying to hit a moving target. Even so, both shows developed a loyal following. Imagine if they could have just searched on Netflix or Hulu at any time? Generally, I don’t think network executives liked anything different. The Twilight Zone had a rough start first season, then they wanted Rod Serling to do one-hour formats with a low budget. Suits!😏
Larry Drake was also the best thing in short lived 1998 series Prey. Very interesting premise, but the writers had some serious problems and it was cancelled after half a season.
Dude, your research took longer than usual but I can definitely see it on the screen. Cameos I was unaware of, miniatures I hadn't realized were there and casting choices that didn't happen. How cool was this?
Darkman stunt work trivia. The scene at 7:28 was done using a cool trick. The explosion is real and done using a miniature set. The actress was actually in the shot in real time by placing a mirror at the bottom of the set and having her stand far enough away that her reflection was at the correct size and scale while she was also at a safe distance. This saved time and money by being an in camera effect done in real time.
In 1990 there was a similar made for TV movie that was also quite good entitled The Dark Avenger. An acid-scarred judge (Leigh Lawson) turns masked avenger, backed by an electronics expert (Maggie Han) and her crime lab.
16:15 I take it by the Universal studio executive's response that's why there wasn't a Dark Man Ride as part of the Studio Backlot Tour? And no, HHN doesn't count.
Yes, the two other sequels are worth a watch. The second one I think is almost on par with the original and the other one why I think it depends on your taste, but I think it’s pretty good.
I saw it when it came out and while I enjoyed it, I found it to be rather forgettable. But I really appreciate your retrospective on it and your channel as a whole.
Dan, this channel is very quickly becoming my absolutely favorite on TH-cam. You are a great moderator, well read, well researched, and we'll presented .. HOW COOL IS THAT!?!?!?!😁🤣
I remember seeing this with college friends in the theater and having a ball. Your thumbnail, with the elephant, is what hooked me! Still one of the most amusing lines from that season of movies, music and monsters that was the late 80s, early 90s. The Darkman sequels were watchable but suffer mightily from comparisons to the original film. As Bob Hope liked to say, "Thanks, for the Memories!" 👍🎉
If the original concept was to have a person who can change his face, well there was a Twilight Zone episode with that premise. A two-bit hood had the ability to change his face as long as he found a photo of a face he can morph into. Unfortunately, the hood gets his just desserts at the end. I'm assuming the 2-hour version doesn't exist or at least the original negative will never see the light of day. Of course, the cut scenes may have been thrown away and all we have is the 96-98 minute version.
Loved this dark hero movie when it came out. II and III were sleepers and belonged in the direct to video market. Without Raimi directing the effect was absent.
When this came out, I felt this is what a comic book movie should be. I wasn’t a fan of Tim Burton’s Batman but this film really felt like a comic book come to life.
I think both sequels are worth a watch so you make your own mind up because I think both are ok with the budget they had and the story they trying to tell in them.
also dan, lmk, do you collect anything comic book related? im a movie prop super collector, amoung many other vices, would like to send a gift , to show how much i love the show buddy
I saw the original in first run , and loved it. The video sequels were OK, but the low budget really held them back, as did the need to use clips from the original to fill the run time out. A modern day sequel could take advantage of of the time that's gone by , and have Peyton Westlake, older and retired from being Darkman, teaching in a medical school by day , with his hideous scars hidden by advanced artificial skin that can handle extended sunlight exposure. A student of his, a possible inheritor of the Westlake modern day science, is ruined by a lab accident Peyton caused...and so , like Zorro, the legend is passed on to a new DARKMAN, and Peyton teaches his student how to be what he once was.
I remember seeing this in the 90s and then also seeing the premier of the 90s flash and thinking they were a bit similar. Don't know if I would think the same thing if I rewatched them both now, but that's what my teenager mind perched on.
Oh my I was 35 when it came out. I always check the amazon to see the price and well it's out of my price range lol. I might get it when I win the lottery. I forgot about the other movies they made. Wasn't really impressed. Good memories on this one.
Excellent Episode! I loved and still do love Darkman. Fantastic story and the movie was very well done with cutting edge effects for the time. Only disappointed that there wasn't a good sequel film but it's probably best, seeing how that very rarely works out... ...even thought there have been a couple.
This channel is one of the reasons TH-cam was invented!! A little break from reality… Thank you, sir!
Wow, thanks!
@@trainnerd3029 Spot on. Dan is like a time machine. His enthusiasm for this stuff is amazing & genuine. So different & refreshing from this soulless world now. To go back to the best times of this life feels incredible.
CORRECTION: Larry Drake played Benny on LA LAW - not Law & Order... my mistake! SORRY! Cheers, Dan :)
@MoviesMusicMonsters Don't sweat it mate, this was a deep dive, and there is so much to cover. Appreciate the time you put in. Now, whatever happened to Automan. The one season early 80s sci-fi, which to be fair, had some really cool effects
Now you have your do what happened to LA Law to make up for the mistake
@@MoviesMusicMonsters Criminal mistake! ;)
Larry Drake wasn't in "Law and Order", he was in "LA Law".
The most remarkable superpower of Darkman is his ability to pronounce the name 'Peyton Westlake' despite having no lips.
Quick correction: Larry Drake played the character Benny on "L.A. Law", not "Law and Order".
I was today years old when I discovered that Darkman used extensive miniatures. I had no idea!
Thank you!
Actually, the character Benny was not on Law and Order, but rather LA Law. RIP Larry Drake.
Yes, Larry Drake was great in LA Law as well as in Darkman.
Speaking of music. I wasn't a fan of LA Law but I thought the theme song was great.
It was Darkman that eventually got Raimi the Spider-Man gig.😊 I loved this film. It was like a live-action comic book.
Love your videos. Please do on on Robinson Crusoe on Mars
YES
Agreed, fantastic movie - would love it to get the DM treatment!
Thanks so much for your support! Part of my extremely long list of future videos :) Stay tuned! Cheers, Dan
Yes, PLEASE!
Weirdly, tho I have seen this movie several times, I have NEVER seen the beginning. Only once the main character has set up camp on Mars before Friday appeared.
And I always thought the appearance of the aliens a weird inclusion. Like, they didn't attack Earth or something??? Almost like we got a merger of 2 movies.
Bruce Campbell is reported to have in fact played Darkman in some scenes, mostly longshots, particularly the scene with Durant chasing Darkman in the helicopter.
Love the opening. Now that's how you introduce your villains.
The rage moments are so creative, they would make The Hulk jealous.
Love Elfman's score especially Carnival from Hell.
Great overview! God I loved this film. I remember what a shock it was to see Larry Drake in such a different role than "Benny" in "LA Law." It really made me realize just how great of an actor he was. And what could be more darkly funny than his line, "I've got seven more points."
Boy, the director, Sam Raimi, really seemed to hold a different point of view than either the critics, the executives, or the audience. BALLSY move by Robert Tapert! This was interesting, as usual. I really appreciate all the work you do on these videos. It shows in the final product. If these were for a class, you'd be getting a 4.0. Thanks again, Dan.
The sequels were okay, but suffer from just not being as good as the first movie. Each of them has parts that I really enjoyed personally. Part 2 comes off more as a standard superhero movie from that time period well the third movie has some great character work especially in the scenes where dark man is disguising himself as the film's big bad, and has to interact with the Man's family
Love your videos, Dan. Also love Darkman.
One small quibble: Larry Drake played Benny on L.A. Law, not Law & Order. 😊
You are right. He did a great role, dignifying people with mental disabilities.
@@PabloCalahorra-ym6ox He certainly did. He raised more awareness back then, that's for sure.
Whoever controls The Shadow does everything they can to keep that character from ever reappearing.
Jenny Agutter wasn't credited in Darkman and her character didn't have a name.
Would be cool if she was Nurse Alex Price from An American Werewolf in London.
Lian Neeson was outstanding in this one.
Darkman was fun! Have you seen Lair of the White Worm?
That was a fun and rollicking good movie! Really loved the folk song. 😊
I have all 3 movies. The 2 direct to video are OK. But the first is so exciting. Thanks for showcasing it.
The music 🎶, score was well done.
I never made the super hero connection. I will rewatch soon. Thanks.
"Darkman: If The Shadow had Leprosy"?
one of my more memorable video store rentals.
Ohhhhh yesssss. The manhole scene. Locked in my mind forever. Sam Rami really has a way of navigating and tweaking the subconscious mind. Great storytelling. Worth an anniversary view.
Dan the man
I love this movie. It was the first time I saw Liam in anything. Keep em coming Dan, you are a bright light in a weary world. Your fan, Mike Zinza
The face changing aspect always reminded me of another pulp character called The Avenger.He could alter his facial features and fought crime. He was supposedly created by the fictitious Kenneth Robeson who created Doc Savage.
Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! 👏👏👏 I’ve started saving your content to watch on my big TV on a Saturday night! Right after I’ve watched my movie. The BEST channel on TH-cam! Loving it! 👍
I just got a copy of the old Marvel Comic Adaption for this for 2 bucks, great video, thanks
So, Dan, where's the f**king elephant!? :)
And, does that action figure come with one?
And what about the cigar cutter? ;)
I remember liking the movie back when I saw it in theaters. I was in college studying filmmaking and loved Raimi's style.
There is an episode of the Twilight Zone called "The Four of Us Are Dying" where a man could change his face into anyone else.
Voslo aka the Mummy Imhotep later took on the role for the subsequent sequels. But the 1st is always the classic.
LOVED the “cross your severed fingers” phrase…. Love the show
Dan, just want to suggest the series The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. Short-lived but absolutely brilliant - and of course Bruce Campbell. Whatever happened to the glowing orb?🤔
Hey, thanks so much for the suggestions! I will add both to my extremely long list of future videos :) Cheers, Dan
And Francis McDorman end up in the movie Burn After Read, and she was amazing in both of them.
Bad guy: I told you everything I know!
Dark man: I know you did. I know. But let's pretend you didn't!!
Loved that movie. I was about 20. Laughed my tail off in the theater. My girlfriend at the time began to question my humor...
Wait! There were wrong places to laugh in this movie?
love this buddy, thanksalso guys, the more comments left, the more it helps dan grow the show, it deserves to get the gold button
Another very sharp mini-doc, Dan! I read Bruce Campbell's very entertaining memoir, "If Chins Could Kill" (I'm a huge fan of Adventures of Briscoe County) that tells tales of he & his friends growing up, blowing up stuff, & eventually getting into the movie business. "Dark Man" is so stylish & I must admit that the writing, rewriting & reediting somehow worked out.
Briscoe County was brilliant and hilarious. I have the DVD. This suffered the same fate as another western/science fiction mashup - Firefly. In both, the humor seemed to go over the heads of TV executives. But I could go on for pages about unique series that networks intentionally destroyed. 😏
@@TripleBerg I think both shows would have done better in the age of streaming, where ratings aren't focused on whatever was on the air opposite at the same time.
@@patbarr1351 I completely agree. Trying to find Firefly was like trying to hit a moving target. Even so, both shows developed a loyal following. Imagine if they could have just searched on Netflix or Hulu at any time? Generally, I don’t think network executives liked anything different. The Twilight Zone had a rough start first season, then they wanted Rod Serling to do one-hour formats with a low budget. Suits!😏
A Darkman sequel with Liam Neeson and Sam Remy directing!? Freaking fantastic!
Darkman was so cool, and I never hear it talked about as much as I ought to. So much fun, and such potential for more.
DM had a few video 📹 sequels.
@@DavidLLambertmobile yeah, I know. I just feel it should have become bigger than it did.
Larry Drake played a cool part in an episode of SG1. “Beast Of Burden”
RIP Larry!
Larry Drake was also the best thing in short lived 1998 series Prey. Very interesting premise, but the writers had some serious problems and it was cancelled after half a season.
Dr Giggles too. It's on Amazon Prime.
Jenny Agutter was so hot in Logan’s Run. ❤
Jenny Agutter was hot in everything. Even in The Railway Children.
Have we ever found out whatever happened to The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension?
Part of my extremely long list of future videos! Stay tuned :) Cheers, Dan
I've long been hoping & praying they'd do the sequel. 😮
Just, please, no Disney involvement! 😮
@@MoviesMusicMonsters add The Fly 🪰 Jeff Goldblum version.
What a great episode! Darkman is a hidden gem. Thanks Dan.
I watched DM on Amazon Prime around 4 weeks ago. The plot, action are good. The CGI SFX are decent but some scenes are 🤷🏽♂️ ...
Dude, your research took longer than usual but I can definitely see it on the screen. Cameos I was unaware of, miniatures I hadn't realized were there and casting choices that didn't happen. How cool was this?
Hey Dan did you mean Larry Drake, who played Benny, was on L.A. Law, not Law & Order? Always enjoy your videos!
8:38 Law & Order? Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Well done movie, but kinda overlooked.
Darkman stunt work trivia. The scene at 7:28 was done using a cool trick. The explosion is real and done using a miniature set. The actress was actually in the shot in real time by placing a mirror at the bottom of the set and having her stand far enough away that her reflection was at the correct size and scale while she was also at a safe distance. This saved time and money by being an in camera effect done in real time.
you gotta love real special effects
Darkman is my 2nd all-time superhero character after Batman. I'm Bipolar and I love having a superhero that's the same way.
This film was ahead of its time
Call me weird, but I love this film *_BECAUSE_* it's slightly campy. Liam Neeson's over the top acting in certain scenes was a joy to watch.
In 1990 there was a similar made for TV movie that was also quite good entitled The Dark Avenger. An acid-scarred judge (Leigh Lawson) turns masked avenger, backed by an electronics expert (Maggie Han) and her crime lab.
16:15 I take it by the Universal studio executive's response that's why there wasn't a Dark Man Ride as part of the Studio Backlot Tour? And no, HHN doesn't count.
Yes, the two other sequels are worth a watch. The second one I think is almost on par with the original and the other one why I think it depends on your taste, but I think it’s pretty good.
Sir, you have exellent taste in movies and TV. Every one a winner.
I love your deep dives, Dan. As always this one was excellent.
I saw it when it came out and while I enjoyed it, I found it to be rather forgettable. But I really appreciate your retrospective on it and your channel as a whole.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This channel is one of the only reasons I watch.
I am very thankful a new Movies, Music and Monsters tonight.
Thanks Joey!
VERY EXCELLENT EPISODE, DAN!!! A great deep dive into what I always thought was an unappreciated film... THANK YOU!!!!
Dan, this channel is very quickly becoming my absolutely favorite on TH-cam. You are a great moderator, well read, well researched, and we'll presented .. HOW COOL IS THAT!?!?!?!😁🤣
Just watched the movie Saturday to be up on the information you covered. Had no idea on the miniatures.
Neeson was the bomb in Darkman!
Snoogans!
Why is it always the brilliant scientist and not the above average one?
Or just middle of the road?
@@FIREBRAND38 or just not a very good one at all! lolz
I was always confused about why The Shadow was now Darkman. Now I know!
I remember seeing this with college friends in the theater and having a ball. Your thumbnail, with the elephant, is what hooked me! Still one of the most amusing lines from that season of movies, music and monsters that was the late 80s, early 90s. The Darkman sequels were watchable but suffer mightily from comparisons to the original film. As Bob Hope liked to say, "Thanks, for the Memories!" 👍🎉
Aren't the memories great?! I appreciate your suport :) Cheers, Dan
If the original concept was to have a person who can change his face, well there was a Twilight Zone episode with that premise. A two-bit hood had the ability to change his face as long as he found a photo of a face he can morph into. Unfortunately, the hood gets his just desserts at the end.
I'm assuming the 2-hour version doesn't exist or at least the original negative will never see the light of day. Of course, the cut scenes may have been thrown away and all we have is the 96-98 minute version.
Loved this dark hero movie when it came out. II and III were sleepers and belonged in the direct to video market. Without Raimi directing the effect was absent.
Love this channel!!!
"Take the f**** elephant!!!"
Dan, more great stuff! I always wished we’d get a sequel that was in the same vein as the original.
I love this movie... Awesome video, Dan!
When this came out, I felt this is what a comic book movie should be. I wasn’t a fan of Tim Burton’s Batman but this film really felt like a comic book come to life.
Thank you Dan Monroe for another great video ❤
Dan there was also a Darkman Vs. Army of Darkness comic book published by Dynamite Comics.
I think both sequels are worth a watch so you make your own mind up because I think both are ok with the budget they had and the story they trying to tell in them.
so much information on these movies. thank you. I'll have to look up that TV pilot. thanks Dan! awesome once again.
I'm not normally a fan of years later sequels, but take my money, please!
I like this movie n I always seen it as an action flick. Btw awesome video Dan n thanks
It was different and pretty cool.
Great work😊
Thank you as always Dan, you always bring top notch entertainment
Wow! So much information! This was awesome 👌
also dan, lmk, do you collect anything comic book related? im a movie prop super collector, amoung many other vices, would like to send a gift , to show how much i love the show buddy
Whoohoo! Thanks again, Dan! Keep up the awesome work! :D
I'd love an animated Darkman Sequel with Raimi and Neeson.
The character would be around 75! It would be Dark OLD Man! 🎬
Darkman 2,3 are worth watching dan so we can get your take on them
Agreed. Just wish Liam was on the sequels.
@@R8DRBeagle with you there can only hope he returns for the fourth instalment
@@rosiegary poor Liam, they keep taking thinsg from him- his face, his daughter, his wife, his luggage... *snickers*
Yikes. The forgotten Raimi flick with a script that was never worked out.
Expertly done as usual !! Well done sound really takes your videos to the next level.
I like the Darkman trilogy. Great movies I think you might like the other two Dan hope if watch them you like them keep those videos coming Dan.
Nice video I saw all of them that was a good series.
Darkman 2 and 3 are pretty good.
I saw the original in first run , and loved it. The video sequels were OK, but the low budget really held them back, as did the need to use clips from the original to fill the run time out. A modern day sequel could take advantage of of the time that's gone by , and have Peyton Westlake, older and retired from being Darkman, teaching in a medical school by day , with his hideous scars hidden by advanced artificial skin that can handle extended sunlight exposure. A student of his, a possible inheritor of the Westlake modern day science, is ruined by a lab accident Peyton caused...and so , like Zorro, the legend is passed on to a new DARKMAN, and Peyton teaches his student how to be what he once was.
I've got one of the sideshow
Statues the one with his face bandage, wearing the hat.
I remember seeing this in the 90s and then also seeing the premier of the 90s flash and thinking they were a bit similar. Don't know if I would think the same thing if I rewatched them both now, but that's what my teenager mind perched on.
Oh my I was 35 when it came out. I always check the amazon to see the price and well it's out of my price range lol.
I might get it when I win the lottery. I forgot about the other movies they made. Wasn't really impressed. Good memories on this one.
Larry Drake was in LA Law. Not Law and Order
Keep Dropp 'in them BANGERS Brother Dan
Excellent Episode!
I loved and still do love Darkman.
Fantastic story and the movie was very well done with cutting edge effects for the time.
Only disappointed that there wasn't a good sequel film but it's probably best, seeing how that very rarely works out...
...even thought there have been a couple.