A complex and fascinating movie, not for the easily distracted

Rating: 9/10 (4 April 2009)

'Watchmen' is an excellent and faithful adaptation of the graphic novel with superb acting and a great atmosphere. I actually saw the film without ever reading the book but I enjoyed it so much that I bought the novel soon after and finished it very quickly. Yes, it's dark, it's violent, it's disturbing at times but most movies nowadays are and any schmuck can make a flick with those qualities and little else.
No, the reason to see 'Watchmen' is because it's REAL. Yeah I know that glowing blue super-men are not real. Genetically engineered felines are not real. Richard Nixon still being president (and respected at that) in 1985 is certainly NOT REAL. If you can suspend your disbelief in these things and accept that it's a fantasy story in a fantasy version of our past, you'll be astounded at how believable the rest of the movie actually is.
The characters act and speak as real people do. They interact with each other like real people. They have normal problems and try to solve them like anyone would. The world around them isn't some utopia with a few bad eggs spoiling it for everyone else like in most comic books. You don't see the local caped crime-fighter show up to save the day. Sure, there are "heroes" in costumes fighting the good fight in this movie but most of them are middle-aged has-beens and a couple are more psychotic and dangerous than the bad guys.
It appears to me that many people have trouble following a movie that's even slightly more complicated than The '40 Year-Old Virgin'. 'Watchmen' has a lot of back-story and subplots that make it not exactly a linear viewing. Honestly though, if you are paying attention and enjoying yourself, it's not that hard to follow. I was having such a good time that I found any little extra info or secondary plot point made it an even richer experience.
If you don't like lengthy, complex, thought-provoking films then 'Watchmen' probably isn't for you. I'm amazed this was directed by the same man that did '300' considering that was such a piece of trash and this is phenomenal. The story is very engaging and the near 3 hour length of this movie flies by. The cinematography is very well done, especially during the opening credits and the backgrounds/environments are really nice. There isn't as much action as I thought there might be but the fight scenes it does have are pretty exciting. Many people claim that the soundtrack was decent but the songs were at inappropriate moments. I think that all the songs fit the scenes quite nicely aside from 'Hallelujah' during the sex scene because all I could picture was the pre-wedding montage from 'Shrek'.
All told, it was a great movie based on a great series of comics and I highly recommend it. Some non-spoiler highlights include:
1. The opening credits. Nice slow-mo old-timey shots and real historic events/people mixed in and altered.
2. Rorschach. The character is just plain awesome and Jackie Earle Haley kills (literally) in the role.
3. Dr. Manhatttan's origin narration. One of the most emotional parts of the movie despite or because of Dr. M's completely unfeeling delivery.
4. Nite Owl II's hideout. From his suit and night-vision goggles in the display case to Archimedes the Owl Ship, the man's dank basement has some nice gadgets.
5. The anti-hero rally. In a flashback sequence, the Comedian jumps down from above and takes out some protesters to the tune of 'I'm Your Boogie Man' from KC & The Sunshine Band. Genius.