Pretty good film (and I'm not a fan-boy)

Rating: 7/10 (12 March 2009)

Just came home from the show. I haven't read the comic novel nor knew anything about this except the teasers which I've seen on TV (or before feature films in the theater). So all I'm going to comment on is what was presented to me on the screen this afternoon.
Very interesting characters; the back story on each was necessary and well done. While there were a few minor details that were left unexplained, my son (who did read the comic novel) explained them to me after the movie and I felt the director was correct in leaving them out of the movie; they were unimportant.
However, I will state the obvious: This movie is w-a-y long; probably too long, IMHO. As I'm not carrying the baggage of the fan-boys, I could see a few ways of cutting 30 minutes out of the film and making it even more compelling (although I'm not saying the film was painfully long - except maybe for my bladder). But The Dark Knight was also a bit on the long side yet compelling so these directors have a vision and that's why they're hired, right? I don't want to give away any secrets or ruin any surprises. The characters are (mostly) very complicated and Rorschach...wow...Jackie Earle Haley is wonderful in that role. Let's just say he's the roughest, toughest SOB I've seen in the movies in a long time. I'd nominate Haley for a Best Supporting Actor award; and I think that's what I will remember about this film.
The producers should be happy that all of the money they spent (well, except for that nonsense about who actually owned the rights) was right up there on the screen. Lots of special effects, plenty of red paint (y'know, blood) and it didn't feel like anyone phoned in their acting.
So, from an old guy who's not a fan-boy (of this franchise, anyway), I'll recommend you go see it but DON'T BRING ANYONE UNDER 13 as this will definitely give them bad dreams.