Common Sense Media Review
Dark, violent superhero adventure has cursing, drugs.
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Why Age 14+?
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Daredevil
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say that while the film has a mix of good storytelling and action, its high levels of violence, strong language, and dark themes make it unsuitable for younger audiences, with some suggesting a rating of 12 and up. Although some viewers appreciate the character development and humor, many criticize its representation of superheroes and recommend watching the Netflix series instead, deeming the film less impressive than its modern adaptations.
- violence concerns
- age recommendations
- mixed reviews
- character development
- dark themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Matt Murdock (Ben Affleck) is a lawyer whose father, a boxer, was killed for refusing to take a dive in a fixed fight. Matt, blind from an accident that also left him with his other senses super-enhanced, vows to become a righter of wrongs and a force for justice. Crime boss Kingpin (Michael Clarke Duncan), who wants Daredevil out of his way, hires Irish assassin Bullseye (Colin Farrell) to do the job. Jennifer Garner plays Elektra, who is also on Kingpin's bad side.
Is It Any Good?
DAREDEVIL may be another Marvel comic superhero movie rated PG-13, but it's a much darker story than Spider-Man. Parents whose 8- and 9- or even 13-year-olds loved that movie should think carefully before agreeing to let them see this one. The fights are very good, but it's clear that's where most of the creative energy went in this movie. Affleck doesn't act very much, and if he did, most of it would be hidden by Murdock's sunglasses and Daredevil's mask.
Garner brings energy and freshness to her role, and Farrell is, as usual, the most watchable part of the movie. There are some fun in-jokes, including appearances from Marvel's Stan Lee and onetime Daredevil writer Kevin (Chasing Amy and Dogma) Smith. But the script is flat, mostly just space between fights. Sometimes loud noises incapacitate Daredevil, sometimes they don't. He's badly injured, and then he isn't. These are continuity errors that are evidence either of laziness or, more likely, some re-cutting after early screenings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why we don't take the law into our own hands. How do you become a killer without being one of the bad guys? Why, when most superheroes have fantasy special powers, is a character who is disabled so appealing?
How does this movie compare with other superhero titles?
What would be the challenges in adapting a comic book series to the silver screen?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 14, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : July 29, 2003
- Cast : Ben Affleck , Colin Farrell , Jennifer Garner
- Director : Mark Steven Johnson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action/violence and some sensuality
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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