I had very low expectations when I went in to see the advanced screening of "Elektra." "Daredevil," the film that first introduced the character of Elektra did not impress me at all. That film completely destroyed what made the comic character unique by softening her too much.

Also, "Elektra" was screened only three days before the film opened. This usually happens only when the movie is a turkey, and the studios want to put off the reviews as long as possible.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by "Elektra." It’s a solid, tight, and reasonably imaginative action film. The film is well cast, and it stays true to the spirit of the comic character.

"Elektra" is based on the popular Marvel Comics character created by Frank Miller, and Miller is listed as a co-writer on the film. The upcoming film, "Sin City" is also based on his concepts.

Elektra was inspired by the tragic character from Greek mythology. She’s a woman of privilege who went insane when her father was killed. She joined a group called The Hand, and learned martial arts skills plus mastery over deadly weapons from them.

She later breaks with them and becomes an assassin. She wears a revealing bright red costume on her missions that looks like something a belly dancer might wear. The costume looks great on Gardner, but it would be very impractical in a fight.

Elektra leads a reclusive life. She trusts no one, and has no friends except for the man that gives her assassin assignments

While awaiting the details of a new assignment on a secluded island, she meets a girl named Abby who breaks into her seaside house and tries to steal some jewelry. The girl later gets Elektra to have dinner with her dad, Mark Miller. The daughter lost her mom, and she seems to bring out Elektra’s repressed motherly instincts.

Elektra is hired to kill Mark and his daughter, but she can’t bring herself to do it. She ends up defending them against other assassins sent by The Hand. It turns out that the girl has special qualities that make her useful to the organization.

The story is not particularly special. The movie is in large part a success because of the dazzling, colorful, and imaginative fight scenes. It also manages to build suspense well and the villains are visually interesting, and they have great powers. Then of course, Jennifer Garner is convincing in the title role, and she is good at showing repressed emotion. Terrence Stamp (veteran of a million great British films) adds a bit of class to the film in the part of Stick, Elektra’s blind mentor.

"Elektra" may not be quite as good as "Spiderman 2," but it’s still a satisfying and riveting action film.