It's About Time!

Rating: 9/10 (21 March 2009)

I wouldn't consider myself a Comic Book Geek, nor would I consider myself one of those Graphic Novel Fanboy Types. What i would consider myself is a Moviegoer! simple as that! I am a fan of all genres and know what to expect from them. I first heard of Watchmen about three years ago when it was originally being helmed by Paul Greengrass, the Idea of a Superhero movie about Non-Powered SuperHeros sounded interesting. I then got hold of the Grahic Novel and read it within two days, wetting my appetite for the Movie, and also sharing the same views as other Fans "How the hell will they film this?". Now when this question was asked, it wasn't because the visuals were complicated or even the characters impossible to adapt, it was sheerly the detail and depth the story arc had, that was going to prove a problem. But I am happy to report, Zack Synder (300), the Director has just about pulled it off.....Just!
The Theatrical Version stands at a mega 163 minutes, but bear in mind this is roughly the same running time as The Dark Knight and a few Harry Potter Movies, and to be honest it does feel it, but thats not to say thats a bad thing. With so much information to cram into 163 minutes it does take things slow and attempts to ease you in slowly. This does allow your Brain to take everything in and keep you up to date with what is going on. Watchmen is the Thinking Mans Superhero movie, a film layered with Mystery, Depth and all set in a world that is both Unrealistic and Realistic in equal measure.
The Characters vary from Spot On ( Rorshach, Night Owl and The Comedian ) to Under-developed and Clichéd ( Silk Spectre ) to Incredibly Subtle ( Dr Manhatten - Which special praise goes out to Billy Crudrup ). You can't help that the Characters are let down by the simple medium of movement. On page their characters emotions and feelings are shown through subtle expression, but on screen it's hard to concentrate on them purely when the background is beautifully shot. This is not to say any bad acting has occurred, actually far from it, but this was a battle that was never going to be won, and I think the Makers knew that
The Movie is Brutal, holds no punches and Dark, but gets away with it due to it's Comic Book Stylisation. Its like Magnolia written for the screen by Stan lee!
Stand Out Scenes almost all involve Rorchach. whereas the less exciting scenes involve Silk Spectre. Now lets not begin to think The Silk Spectre ruins this films, because she doesn't ( She is very sexy! ) its just that, with all thats happening, she kind of gets sucked up and almost blends in with the scenery
The ending will split Fans! Whether its down the fact you miss the Squid? Don't understand it? or simply think it's pretentious and Over-thought is your Opinion. My Opinion is that The changes from the Novel, benefit better on screen than they would have on paper
FINAL VERDICT: A Movie for Fans of the Novel. Non- Novel readers,will struggle to take it all in, first time round. A film that will make more sense long after you've left the cinema.
9/10