For Those Who Have Read The Graphic Novel

Rating: 9/10 (6 March 2009)

Brilliant. A beautiful film occasionally interjected with shots of brutal violence. Zach Snyder used his 120 million dollars brilliantly to bring to life one of the most varied comic books of all time: from Dr. Manhattan's Martian palace to the street corner of New York. The film retains a great deal from the comic book down to direct visual homologues, yet at the same time cuts so much.
SPOILER-DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE CUTS FROM THE STORYLINE!
Unfortunately, a great deal of the political conflict drops by the wayside along with the Tale of the Black Freighter. However, Snyder promises an extended director's version that will add back in most of the scenes with the comic book within the comic book as well as other tidbits. However, the additions such as the beautiful soundtrack,(the sound of silence, the times they are achangin', and all along the watchtower, to name a few) are all good. The new ending is possibly even better than the ending in the comic book. Sacrilege, I know.
The Actors: Jeffrey Dean Morgan does a good job as the Comedian. He manages to convey the inner nihilism and satiric twists of the Comedian very well. 9/10.
Billy Crudup as Dr. Manhattan. Great job conveying subtle, yet powerful emotion along with the pure logic of the character. Only one issue...he needs to wear pants much more often. There is way too much blue penis. 9.5/10
Malin Akerman as Silk Spectre II. Good job. She conveys the inner turmoil of the character well. 8.5/10
Matthew Goode as Adrian Veidt. Very well done. He is perfectly in his element as the effeminate yet menacing Ozymandias. Look for the folder labeled boys on his desktop. 9.5/10
Patrick Wilson as Dan Dreiberg. Perfect. He is both the boy scout hero, the nerdy intellectual, and the lacking in self-confidence lover. Amazing. 10/10
Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach. A brilliant performance. His last scene is unbelievable. This is Oscar-worthy, I kid you not. His lines are even better when he says them. His narration is beautifully rough, but when the mask comes off-he blows you out of the water. 11/10
It is amazing. Go watch the watchmen. NOW!