Watchmen (2009)

To me, this movie is perfection.

Excellent, a Must See

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

Too much about the plot just didn't add up, the writing was bad, some of the scenes were cringey and awkward,

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 effects in this film really went it its favor. The characters that had some of the least backstory were eventually the best developed, such as Rorschach and The Comedian. Dr. Manhattan's effects and Billy Crudup's port rail is spot on to what Id think Manhattan shouldn sound like. Where the movie falls is in it's Female lead. She was one of the most developed in the comic but she comes of as cold and whiny. Malin Ackerman has the most shoddy line delivery in the movie, right next to Matthew Goode, that may be because he had to do an American accent with his very British one. Ultimately the movie comes down to a solid 90% for me.

Contains plot details some may consider spoilers.There is a lot of Superhero action in this movie. The who-dun-it aspect is simple to figure out. What really bogs the movie down is the stiff acting by everyone and the ever constant heavy themes of blurring good and evil. I ask you, can the Watchmen really be good guys if they allow Nixon to become president 5 terms and disco music to survive?The movie does a poor job of introducing the characters. You are fed a pseudo history of the US with Watchmen during the opening credits. Once Bob Dylan is done playing, the movie starts and you are confused who the characters are. The relationship of the characters and their past deeds are relayed through flashback scenes, which in many cases were more interesting than the rest of the movie. The lack of character introduction wasn't as bad as "Final Fantasy VII" movie, but it is worse than what Tolkien did to us.The Superheros, a vigilante group who murder women and children for their country (an early good/evil blur) are semi-retired as wearing masks became outlawed. Someone is killing off the Superheros and superhero Rorschach is the most determined to find out.Dr. Manhattan (big blue guy, clothes optional) can't see into his future and has assumed we have annihilated each other. Meanwhile, Nixon and Kissinger are in the war room, in a scene which reminds us of Dr. Strangelove. They are debating a first strike.If you like your superhero action mixed in with pseudo history, political statements, blurred good/evil themes/ atheist statements (The watch has no watch maker), and the slinky Silk Spectre being zipped out of her costume (some nudity) then this movie is for you.If you like good acting, a well written chronological story, good dialogue, and a need to know the characters, and capable film editors go elsewhere.

Watchmen l watched this again recently but this time while using the fast forward button a lot. Basically, Zack Snyder is awesome when it comes to visuals and that is about it. The clown just doesn't have what it takes to direct a film unless someone is holding his hand along the way. I still need the read the original Watchmen comic. Darn, just from the story, budget and acting - this film could have been one of the greatest films ever made. What a shame.