"Watchmen" Pleases the Eye, the Brain, and this Fanboy
Matt Mueller
Issue date: 3/23/09 Section: Entertainment
Let me just start with a brief explanation: I love the graphic novel, "Watchmen." I personally believe it is one of the best books in general I have ever read. Therefore, it is very difficult for me to review the film adaptation without some bias. I admit, the film is quite flawed, but both the critic and the fan inside me find "Watchmen" a thrilling, visually stunning, and mentally stimulating adventure.
The plot of the film, much like everything else, is almost identical to the 1986 original Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons graphic novel. Several heroes exist in an alternate reality during the 1980s in which Nixon is still the President, the U.S. wins the Vietnam War, and the Cold War is getting frightening close to becoming World War III. The only hero with actual superpowers is Dr. Manhattan, a scientist-turned-weapon after a shocking lab accident. He is the only thing keeping the world from blowing itself up, but he finds himself apathetic to the human race since he's basically God on Earth. The other heroes, such as Nite Owl II, Silk Spectre II and Rorschach, each have their own issues and demons to confront while coping with a world on the brink of destruction.
When the graphic novel was first released, it was a brilliant and unique work on paranoia, communism, and the nuclear age. Nowadays, communism and its ensuing paranoia have been replaced by terrorism; therefore, the film's ties to communism and the Cold War don't quite have the same effect. The movie, though, does maintain several other intriguing plot commentaries, especially on human nature and the twisted mythology of the superhero, that still compel and fascinate the audience's mind. Plus, during a time when so many movies refuse to extend themselves beyond a two word plot (for example, "Overweight Security" or "Vengeful Dad"), it is nice to see a film try to do something more. For that, "Watchmen" gets major points.
In addition, the visuals are spectacular. Supposed "visionary" director Zach Snyder, who has created a legacy of taking other people's creations (George Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" and Frank Miller's "300") and turning them into new generation entertainment, has a fantastic eye for detail and luscious visuals. The graphic novel was filled with breathtaking imagery, such as a crystal fortress on Mars and the always-changing face of Rorschach, and Snyder is able to take those images and make them equally as unique and beautiful on screen.
The plot of the film, much like everything else, is almost identical to the 1986 original Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons graphic novel. Several heroes exist in an alternate reality during the 1980s in which Nixon is still the President, the U.S. wins the Vietnam War, and the Cold War is getting frightening close to becoming World War III. The only hero with actual superpowers is Dr. Manhattan, a scientist-turned-weapon after a shocking lab accident. He is the only thing keeping the world from blowing itself up, but he finds himself apathetic to the human race since he's basically God on Earth. The other heroes, such as Nite Owl II, Silk Spectre II and Rorschach, each have their own issues and demons to confront while coping with a world on the brink of destruction.
When the graphic novel was first released, it was a brilliant and unique work on paranoia, communism, and the nuclear age. Nowadays, communism and its ensuing paranoia have been replaced by terrorism; therefore, the film's ties to communism and the Cold War don't quite have the same effect. The movie, though, does maintain several other intriguing plot commentaries, especially on human nature and the twisted mythology of the superhero, that still compel and fascinate the audience's mind. Plus, during a time when so many movies refuse to extend themselves beyond a two word plot (for example, "Overweight Security" or "Vengeful Dad"), it is nice to see a film try to do something more. For that, "Watchmen" gets major points.
In addition, the visuals are spectacular. Supposed "visionary" director Zach Snyder, who has created a legacy of taking other people's creations (George Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" and Frank Miller's "300") and turning them into new generation entertainment, has a fantastic eye for detail and luscious visuals. The graphic novel was filled with breathtaking imagery, such as a crystal fortress on Mars and the always-changing face of Rorschach, and Snyder is able to take those images and make them equally as unique and beautiful on screen.
Be the first to comment on this story