Watchmen (2009)
In a gritty and alternate 1985, the glory days of costumed vigilantes have been brought to a close by a government crackdown. But after one of the masked veterans is brutally murdered, an investigation into the killer is initiated. The reunited heroes set out to prevent their own destruction, but in doing so they uncover a sinister plot that puts all of humanity in grave danger.
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Really Surprised!
Absolutely Brilliant!
Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.
It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.
First off'I would like to say that i have never read the graphic novel so i am going to be reviewing the film on its own terms starting with the director. Zack Snyder is known by many as a controversial filmmaker. I have a mixed opinion of him as well. I am not a huge fan of 300 though i did like man of steel and batman v superman the ultimate edition (both were good but extremely flawed films). However. this film was different, courageous and evoking the style of Quentin Tarantino and Stanley Kubrick. First off, the visuals are absolutely stunning as in most of his films. The performances are mostly excellent with the highlights being Jeffrey Dean Morgan's charismatic and mean turn as the Comedian and Haley"s gritty performance as Rorschach. However what elevates this film above other superhero films are both the complex thought-provoking plot and the graphic content which works for and against the film. The graphic content in the film (particularly the sex scenes) are quite excessive with one being played to the song "Hallelujah" which can deter anyone uncomfortable with the content. The complex plot might also dissuade less patient fimgoers and superhero fans from watching the film, particularly those who have not read the novel. The themes of the film are smart and clever as the film questions society, humanity and morality through its alternate reality of the Cold War and its characters who are flawed and sometimes unlikable unlike other humerous heroes like Spider Man. Overall, I am sorry if my review does not include many details but i am going to summarise this review by saying that Watchmen is Zack Snyder's masterpiece, one of my favourite superhero films, highly underated by critics and i suggest giving this film a go if you like superhero films or dark and complex tales which talk about morality.
The movie is almost a word for word translation from the comic, but through a clear misunderstanding of the source material and directorial incompetancies it somehow manages to be unfaithful. Both Silk Specters are are not at all like they are in the comics, again this is without changing a word. Absolutely impressive actually. Dr Manhattan, Nite Owl, and Rorschach are done well though. Zack Snyder is a 50 year old 12 year old and any good performance given by the actors is more than likely in spite of his direction.
Always problems filming a cult classic. Always. Purists will pop blood vessels. The ignorant will scratch their heads. I am a purist, the graphic novel blew me away. I also love this. Close to perfect.It captures the slime of the world in the comic. The depression, the sadness, the grim realism. As an adaptation, it is close to the oh so perfect Dredd. This is a work of beauty that the graphic novel lovers should not dismiss. Very, very, very good.
I was so excited for this movie because I love the books and comics and everything surrounding it. In some ways it really dissapoints. And I think if youre really interested by the chracters, read the book.