Don’T Bank On ‘Blankman’

Dumber than that cop in “It Could Happen to You.” Geekier than Forrest Gump.

It’s “Blankman,” Damon Wayans’ entry in the summer’s pure-hearted fool competition. A “Batman” parody with a big glop of gooey sentiment where more jokes ought to be, “Blankman” nevertheless rises above last summer’s urban crimefighter comedy, “Meteor Man.” But accomplishing that couldn’t have been difficult, and “Blankman” isn’t that much better.

Wayans, who also created and cowrote the piece, stars as geeky Darryl Walker. A Jerry Lewis-ish man child, Darryl lives with his nurturing grandmother (Lynne Thigpen) and better-adjusted brother, Kevin (David Alan Grier), in a decaying neighborhood.

Darryl’s one, idiot savant-ish grace is his ability to invent stuff out of junk. The resulting devices are stupid-looking but effective. When the local crime boss kills their grandma, Darryl stumbles into action as the masked avenger Blankman. But not only is he physically incapable of defending himself or anyone else, Darryl’s awkward inventions get him into as much trouble as they prevent.

Robin Givens plays the television news reporter who falls in love with the mysterious crusader. Grier gives the best performance as Darryl’s constantly exasperated brother.

Director Mike Binder (“Crossing the Bridge,” “Indian Summer”) does little to enliven the tepid action.

“Blankman” is playing at the Lincoln Heights, North Division and Coeur d’Alene cinemas. Directed by Mike Binder and starring Daymon Wayans, Lynne Thigpen, David Alan Grier, Jon Polito and Robin Givens. Rated PG-13.