Darkman II: The Return Of Durant (1995)

 

Plot

Set nearly 2.5 years after the original film, Peyton Westlake (aka Darkman) is still fighting crime and working on perfecting his synthetic skin. When the source of his painful transformation, Robert G. Durant, returns Peyton seeks a more final form of vengeance and justice.

Review

I'm going to start with the positive. I enjoyed Darkman II. He's not Liam Neeson, but Arnold Vosloo is a fine protagonist. Some scenes from the original were reshot with Vosloo which makes the transition somewhat easier. Speaking of which, it seems some of the green screen effects were actually recreated irl (with the helicopter scenes) which makes it easier on the eyes. Once again, Larry Drake is phenomenal as Durant. The plot is solid enough and for a direct home release flick, this one isn't bad. David Ferry, who plays Detective Dolly in the Boondock Saints franchise plays one of Durant's goons. Renee O’Conner, Xena’s Gabrielle, also has a small role.

However, it's not Raimi's Darkman. This film looses the comic book zaniness of the original flick and feels more like an action movie with some comic book elements (though the Vigilante particle gun is pretty comic book-y). It's definitely missing some of the original's je ne sais quoi.

Durant’s plan to use neo-Nazi’s to take out his competition is an interesting one. It was also ironic that one member was wearing a Cap shirt.

All that being said the biggest elephant in the room is how the hell did Durant survive!? The helicopter he was in smashed into a tunnel at full speed and exploded. We see the wreckage in the original film and the new one and there are no bodies. In the end, I'm not going to complain though, because I like the movie and the more Darkman the better.

In Your Game

Since Darkman got stats, I figured Durant should have them too.

Code Name: -

Real Name: Robert G. Durant

Team Affiliations: Durant Crime Syndicate

Medium Humanoid, Lawful Evil 

Armor Class: 13 (Kevlar Suit)

Hit Points: 65 (10d8+20)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 4 (1,100 XP)

Str 12 (+1) Dex 16 (+3) Con 14 (+2) Int 18 (+4) Wis 16 (+3) Cha 16 (+3)

Saving Throws: Cha +6

Skills: Deception +6, Intimidation +6, Persuasion +6 

Senses: passive Perception 13

Languages: English

Traits

Cunning Action: On each of his turns, the Durant can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Engage, or Hide action.

Actions

Multiattack: Durant can make two slam attacks.

Unarmed: Melee Attack. +4  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) bludgeoning damage.

Pistol: Ranged Weapon Attack. +6 to hit, range 50/150 ft., one target, Hit: 9 (2d6+3) piercing damage. (15 round clip)

Vigilante Particle Rifle (recharge 6): Ranged Weapon Attack. +6 to hit, range 50/200 ft., one target, Hit: 9 (4d8+3) radiant damage. This weapon deals double damage to objects and structures.