Not your average group of Super Friends

Rating: 10/10 (21 September 2009)

Several critics who have read the comic book series have made an endeavor to dismiss this movie as an over-reverent praise to the source material without doing anything new. And while that has been rather accurate for those who have actually read the comics, I'm part of a narrow margin of individuals who not only didn't read the comics, but didn't even have the resources to buy such an expensive limited series. So I'm writing this comment with no prior knowledge of the story.
Set in an alternate storyline, the story focuses on what would happen to the United States politics and sociology had costumed vigilantes would actually existed. And so, this is not your family-friendly superhero story, where the good guys and the bad guys are easily differentiated and the consequences of their heroic deeds are always rewarding and lauded.
Some people hoping for an action ride may be disappointed with the film's pacing, as it's primarily a mystery plot, starting with the brutal assassination of former vigilante, The Comedian. As the mystery unravels, we learn back stories, motivations and events that are pertinent to each of the Watchmen: Rorscharch, Nite Owl, Silk Spectre Dr. Manhattan, Ozzymandias and The late Comedian. This, in turn, makes an even more complex set of superheroes than your average super friends. With just one glimpse of The Comedian's back story, you'll begin to wonder how on earth did this man can be considered a hero. I mean, he assassinated JFK.
Dr. Manhattan, although the second coolest character, is quite inexpressive. But that's justified as he grows more detached to human emotion, including empathy, resulting in an ultra-powerful being but a flawed protector that has lost its faith in humanity.
By far, my favorite character is Rorschach. His mask already has a personality, and his twisted but morally accurate sense of justice make him the most interesting character. Without his mask, or his "real" face, he isn't that fascinating. He still is cool, with a particular line "I'm not locked in here with you, You're locked in here with me".
Nite Owl was also a great character, but Silk Spectre II was rather expendable. SPOILER: Her importance came when it is revealed she is The Comedian's Daughter, even as her mother was raped by him earlier. Even with this, though quite hot, this female character didn't achieve much other than staying with Nite Owl, in a totally impertinent and unnecessary sex scene, which is done exquisitely, by the way.
The movie most certainly is not boring, as the action is there, though it starts late. Highlights are some quite graphic fight scenes. Just saying that several bones are broken on screen in various sequences can warn over-sensitive eyes. Also, the sight of a man being poured hot oil all over him (while seeing his burning skin) and a goofy fat man having his arms sawed off (I kid you not), this may turn off quite a percentage of the movie going demographics, but that's the way real comic books are now. Again, not your average super friends.
Still, by the time you get to the ending, where the conspiracy is unmasked, it's all worth while. The morality contest that ensues between the always justice seeker Rorschach and the intimidatingly brilliant Ozzymandias' plan for a better good is truly a controversial but enlightening one.
This is not to say that the other characters are not interesting either. Facts abound about several characters and some important events from the comic book that were edited out of the picture, but it's commendable with the amount of footage they managed to include in the final cut.
The soliloquies may be overbearing if you're not aware that comic books are mostly narrated this way. Besides, this is one of those movies where most anything the characters say can turn into a memorable quote. "I will say: No". "I can't see the whole future, just my own". As for the performances, coming from a cast of unknowns, they're really good. They don't touch the realm of average. They're miles above average. The only known face I remember is "Mickey" from Seinfeld, which was a pleasant surprise. Even he delivers an excellent performance.
Needless to say that the visuals are impressive. The comic book frames in the big screen make twice the edgy effect.
The political dialog and references can seem like your classic college anarchist essay, but the political scenario is so properly constructed that it's truly the work of a visionary. Not just a philosopher, but a true scholar.
As much as this revolutionary piece of film is wonderful, 80% of the credit has to go to Dave Gibbon's graphics, and most especially, Alan Moore's brilliant storytelling. And while that remaining 20% could go to Zach Snyder's religiously respectful directorial effort, it should really go to the execs and producers that green lighted the project with Snyder's proved style in mind. Instead of altering the story to their likes, they really let the filmmakers do their thing. And the filmmakers have the better vision and intentions.
No superhero was, is or will be as fascinating, mature and groundbreaking as Watchmen. They're most certainly not your average super friends.