Watchmen Movie Review

Rating: 9/10 (17 March 2009)

Watchmen Movie Review
Watchmen was yet another film I came into the theater knowing nothing about, except that all my friends had seen it and told me it was excellent. I was expecting something like a mix of Sin City and V for Vendetta. While it did borrow certain elements from both movies, it was something totally unique in its entirety. The accurate 1985 setting and the masterful depiction of this alternate world and its history throughout the 20th century and the story of the heroes that are center to the movie and the undergoing nuclear detente that was the definition of the cold war between the Soviet Union and the United States was done well. In going with the backdrop of the threat of Nuclear Holocaust, we also see the conflicts and character studies of the Watchmen who are several heroes with their own deep history. As well as the internal conflict the intriguing God-like hero Dr. Manhattan undergoes in which he struggles to understand human nature and if humanity is actually worth saving.
Genre: Action/Sci-Fii
The Good: The first thing that struck me with this movie is the excellent cinematography and the excellent musical score used throughout the movie. The history of this Alternate United States is told exceptionally, with numerous scenes striking the heart, such as JFK's assassination. There are also many images that will stay burned in your head throughout the movie, from the scenes in Mars, to the rape scenes, to all the bloody and gory scenes. The setting of the movie was perfect depicting a gritty 1985 New York where even though the United States is a police state with Richard Nixon as president, still greed, corruption, and crime still run rampant. Dr. Manhattan is a wonder to watch, he has so many amazing powers that truly make him like God, yet has a calm detached demeanor as he struggles to understand humanity. All the other characters are well done, esp. Rorschach a conflicted hero that may be insane who has a mask that has Rorschach ink blots that are constantly shifting, to the all American do-gooder Nite Owl, to the "villain" of the movie, golden boy Ozymandias (Veight). The story itself while very long and complex could have been a bit better, but is satisfactory to me. The constant news of the world being at the brink of nuclear holocaust really captures the sentiment of the Cold War. Overall a great movie with many positives.
The Bad: The weakest link might have been the story, the main gripe was that it was way too long and complex with many heroes to follow. But I liked it. The conclusion to me was sort of weak, but I guess it was a nice surprising twist but I think it was unnecessary.
The Ugly: There are so many bloody, violent, and gory scenes in the movie that it may turn off some. But I enjoyed it, it showed humans at its worst. Also Dr.Manhattan is naked most of the movie, but I don't think it was ugly, it was amazing!
Overall, one of the better hero films I have seen in recent memory. I loved the history of this alternate United States and the depiction of the Cold War. Dr. Manhattans powers were mind-blowing, there were also plenty of philosophical points as Dr.Manhattan struggles to understand humans and their natures. The Cinematography, Setting, and Musical Score are worth the price of admission alone. There are also many scenes which depict the ugly side of humanity all in making the movie more real. The story could have been a bit better, but it was satisfactory to me.
Supra Score - 8.5/10