August 29, 1990 -- ``Darkman,'' a new Universal film now playing in Laramie is a visually stunning film that is more than a little like a comic book story.

``Darkman'' is kind of a cross between Batman and Phantom of the Opera. It has astonishing action sequences with 3-dimensional-type effects, vivid color and surrealistic nightmare scenes.

The story concerns one man's torment and his quest for vengeance on those who disfigured and nearly killed him. The main character, a scientist, is in the process of developing a new kind of plastic skin when he is nearly killed by organized crime figures.

He manages to survive and uses his plastic skin and his intelligence to get back at those who disfigured him and killed his research assistant. The plastic skin, however, does not last long when exposed to light, hence the name Darkman.

Unlike the Phantom of the Opera, the hero's search for vengeance causes him to become as ugly on the inside as he is on the outside. His rage becomes uncontrollable. But this is not your typical mad scientist.

Darkman is no megalomaniac and he has no illusions about himself. In the end he declares, quite correctly, that he can live with his pain, but he cannot live with anyone else. Whereas ``Dick Tracy'' featured bright primary colors, the colors in this film are bright fluorescent and they fairly jump off the screen. This is the most visually exciting film in recent memory. The action is reminiscent of ``Raiders of the Lost Ark.''

This is not a subtle movie. The dialogue was so corny it produced unintended laughs from the audience at times for its overdone dramatics. Some of the action scenes were overwrought as well, but no one can deny the elemental power of this film and the basically compelling nature of its story.

The acting in the film is adequate, but the actors take a back seat to the stunts, special effects and photography. It is, in effect, a comic book story with cardboard characters. The end of the story was interesting and it left room for a sequel, which no doubt will be out next year. If you get a chance, see this movie in a theater because there is no way in the world a television screen can fully contain the stunning imagery of this film.

On a scale of one to 10 this film rates an eight.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.