You're in here with ME!

Rating: 7/10 (7 March 2009)

Greetings again from the darkness. While not a rabid, obsessed fan of Alan Moore's graphic novel, I certainly enjoyed the read and was anxious for the film (for about 15 years now!) Director Zach Snyder ("300") stays very close to script with a product that should please all but the most persnickety fans.
The film is a hard "R" rating and I just couldn't believe how many under 10 year olds were in the theatre. Why so many idiot parents? The violence and gore is brutal and graphic. The film unquestionably sets the cinematic record for most screen time for a blue penis. This is not Bugs Bunny folks, this is an adult presentation of a graphic novel ... and a very good and unique one, at that.
Overall I was pretty pleased with the casting. Billy Crudup (Almost Famous) as Dr Manhattan (voice and head) was plenty mystical, Malin Akerman (27 Dresses) surprises as Silk Spectre II, while Carla Gugino was a bit over the top as her mom. Jeffrey Dean Morgan's too brief Comedian turn was excellent and Patrick Wilson was fine as the soulful Nite Owl and slightly wimpy Dan Dreiberg ... complete with the Clark Griswald eyeglasses. While the weak link was unfortunately Matthew Goode as Ozymandias, the unquestionable strength of the cast was Jackie Earle Haley as the hardened Rorschach. His scenes are fascinating ... as is that terrific ink blot mask!
Snyder does a good job with the soundtrack, though it easily qualifies as the oddest placement for the great Leonard Cohen's song "Hallelujah". Stay for the credits to catch Leonard's "First we take Manhattan". The absolute best sequence of the film is the historical montage featuring highlights of the heroes' early years played over Dylan's "The Times They are a'Changin'". Sure the ending was changed out of necessity and it is a bit long in running time, but Snyder has done a wonderful job with the outstanding source material and this one can be watched and enjoyed a few times.