Blankman: Um Super-Herói Muito Atrapalhado

Being a tremendous superhero nerd, I loved everything about Blankman! The hokey jokes, costumes and plot. Damon Wayans must have watched all the old 60's Batman shows, as did I, and loved all the garishness of it, just as I did. Anytime I watch a movie and think..."I would make this movie EXACTLY the same way", means that it's one that I will always watch on TV, and even buy on DVD. I loved the "Blank Station", the references to David Alan Grier's superhero character as "The Other Guy" still make me laugh out loud. Yeah it has toilet humor, yeah it's a goofy parody of a goofy medium, but that just makes me love it even more. And even, God help us, Robin Givens is good enough in her role to make the whole ride an enjoyable one.

Oh man is Damon Wayans hilarious. And paired up with David Alan Grier... comedy gold! They already had chemistry as their "Men on Films" comedy sketch from "In Living Color" was one of the funniest sketches of the entire show.

"Blankman" is insanely stupid and it's a riot. Kevin Walker (Damon Wayans) is a very unremarkable geek with a penchant for making shoddy gadgets out of discarded appliances and electronics. If you used to like Steve Urkel, then think of Kevin as a more effeminate and older version. When he discovers a solution to make his clothing indestructible he decides to become a superhero. The name Blankman was given rather than chosen. The movie is cut in the mold of the old Batman T.V. show except with a comedic air.

Kevin's geekiness is only made funnier in juxtaposition to his normal brother, Darryl (David Alan Grier), who takes every opportunity to insult Kevin.

Wayan's antics make the movie. It's not a brilliant movie by any means, which is quite alright. It is a clean movie though, for the most part--not relying on sexual humor or a barrage of profanity. I may be nuts for even liking this movie, but I was already open to enjoying "Blankman" due to my "In Living Color" fandom. What can I say? There are worse movies I could like.

Damon Wayans has a rather odd role here but he manages to amuse fairly enough in this 1994 Columbia Pictures release. Wayans portrays an average guy with big ideas but he never seems to get any recognition for them so he decides to make an attempt at being a media celebrity by going around town in his underwear and fighting crime under the alter ego, Blankman. It's highly bizarre but also fairly funny. The hilarious David Alan Grier is also on hand costarring as Blankman's sidekick.

I found the character a bit annoying. The voice and the over the top awkwardness mostly.

On the bright side, the story was cute. Basically, a super hero parody, but on the light side. An event in the awkward and geeky Darrel's (sp?) life made him want to make a difference in the world. A lab accident led to a formula which made him somewhat indestructible.

Where the movie shined, was in some pretty good comic moments. The rorshach test was funny. There was a scene I am pretty sure was stolen from Live and Let Die, where the voodoo guy comes out of the ground. Just to name some.

There are better superhero movies. Some of the humor falls flat, or is cliché. The movie lacks focus at times, as another reviewer pointed out.

But if you want a mindless tribute to Batman (the campy TV version,) and like movie on the light hearted side, you might like this one. Very little mean humor, swearing, adult and potty humor, which in itself, is refreshing (I like that stuff from time to time, but I also like it when a movie makes do without it for a change of pace.)

I remember seeing this on cable way back when and i loved it, rewatching it now 20+ yrs later it STILL holds its charm for me! It's goofy, funny, adorable and yet it's message is still relevant-even a little guy can make a difference...yet doesn't take itself too serious. It's nice to know my fondness for this one wasn't misplaced as so often can happen with such a long time span. This was the first time I really got introduced to Damon- became an instant fan.