An incredible adaptation to an often labeled "unfilmable" novel.

Rating: 9/10 (8 March 2009)

The rule of thumb when it comes to books and movies is that the source material will almost always dominate its film adaptation counterpart. This is why I chose to go into this film somewhat blind and reserve reading the praised Watchmen graphic novel from Alan Moore. Whether it's seeing a naked blue guy, Nixon's big nose, a prolonged sex scene, or some campy fun sequences, Zack Snyder's Watchmen film has garnered a lot of mixed feelings from the movie world. It's a near three hour superhero epic and I could only imagine how much more was embedded in the graphic novel.
The film unfolds with the death of the Comedian, with his retired superhero partner Rorshach investigating the aftermath of the terrible tragedy. He begins to suspect a plot to kill off all superhero vigilantes, or in other words, the Watchmen team themselves. Utilizing flashbacks and origin stories while simultaneously interweaving the significance of the Comedian's death is why Snyder manages to succeed. Each character gets his or her time to shine and we begin to slowly realize why they're doing what they're doing, and the deep faults with each individual who hides behind their dark and mysterious mask.
Another shining aspect here is Snyder's ability as a filmmaker to capture this alternate 1985 time setting perfectly. He grinds this fable in reality, and really gives you a clear picture on what the world would be like if their were superheroes bringing "justice" to the world. By far the most interesting of the ensemble cast of masked vigilantes was Rorsach, with Dr. Manhattan being a close second. For a mini review it's impossible to fully dive into their respected character depths but they're the two most intriguing characters. Nite Owl II is the most identifiable character and Silk Spectre II is probably the least likable but not a character to hate in the least.
The performances are stellar, highlighting Crudup and Earle Haley as Dr. Manhattan and Rorsach respectably. Jeffery Dean Morgan as the Comedian is pitch perfect, capturing the dark and comedic character behind what is a troubled and morally confused superhero. In fact, most of these superheroes are confused. Watchmen is as much a superhero tragedy as it is a human one. Humans kill each other everyday, and for what? They ask to be saved, you do it, and their are still many that will hate you. The Watchmen hide behind their masks not only to cover their identities, but to hide their most embarrassing characteristic..being human.