The one thing I learned from "Daredevil" was that I always should take a comic book buff with me to movies involving a comic book hero. Thank my lucky stars, I live with two such comic book fanatics, and both were more than happy to tag along. Unfortunately, however, I could take only one guest with me. Still, that was enough to introduce me to the comic book subculture. Ready for a night of action, I was sorely let down. The most exciting part of the night was getting to drive stick shift for the first time in years in the wet snow.

A habit I've noticed in the movie industry is to lure people in with huge names -- Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Michael Clarke Duncan, Colin Farrell, Joe Pantoliano and Jon Favreau, for example -- and after two hours leave you with an annoying voice, saying, "Got your money! See ya lata, sucka!" running through your head.

And, true to habit, Hollywood executives have done it again. If you're going to throw out names like they're golden tickets in candy bars, you should have the integrity to deliver some everlasting gobstoppers.

Michael Clarke Duncan ("The Green Mile") could use a few more everlasting acting classes. The only reason I can think of why he was cast is his big booming voice, a la James Earl Jones. On the other hand, Jon Favreau ("Batman Forever") stayed true to his habit of comic relief. Kevin Smith ("Chasing Amy"), who writes for the comic book "Daredevil" and Frank Miller, another comic book writer, make amusing cameos. And, when other names of the comic book world are thrown in, they are details caught only by avid comic readers.

Despite decent performances from the other featured actors, the plot of "Daredevil" lacks any real development, reading like a children's book. But that's basically what superhero comic books are: children's books for adults.

Matt Murdock (Ben Affleck) lost his sight in an accident, lost his dad to big-crime who uses justice as a cover up for revenge. Mark Steven Johnson, the director and screenwriter, failed to provide any unique aspects of the human condition that should accompany a story of an individual life. Apparently Johnson and his cohorts were aiming for Hollywood ostentation.

The movie gives a quick rundown of how Daredevil came to be, then adds details where needed to move the story along, like a made-for-TV action flick. Efforts at stirring up emotion in the audience just result in melodramatic clich.

"Daredevil" does have a few redeeming qualities, however. In an attempt to keep the story truer to life, we see Murdock taking a painkiller cocktail and notice the accumulated scars on his back during the obligatory shower scene. His pad is a pretty nice place too, locked up like Alcatraz and lifeless like cold steel. Which brings me to the question: If he takes so many pro bono cases, how on earth does he afford his devil-cave?

If you're a male with the average American libido, you'll find Elektra's (Jennifer Garner of "Catch Me If You Can") lack of clothing redeeming as well.

I could point out other inconsistencies and annoyances as well, but maybe you'll find the movie more exciting than I did. One more thing though: If you took your girlfriend to see "Daredevil" on its Valentine's Day opening and that was the highlight of your date, you should be used as a bulls-eye for target practice.