Based on the acclaimed graphic novel (not a comic book, but a GRAPHIC NOVEL), Watchmen revolves around an alternative 1980s in the United States. Being a superhero has become outlawed and the last stand of superheroes, also known as the Watchmen, have turned in their capes. Some of them have become public with their identity, while others have eased into being a regular citizen. And still, some lurk around the dark—being a vigilante.

The film kicks off with the murder of The Comedian, an original Minutemen (which is a group of superheroes prior to the Watchmen), who became part of the Watchmen and later, a government-hired mercenary. Rorschach, a masked vigilante with a knack of never showing his face, takes on the role of the detective to find out what is going on. His belief is that “someone’s knocking off costumed heroes,” and he intends to find out. As the investigation continues, Rorschach rekindles his relationships with older comrades of the Watchmen group, such as Nite Owl, a reminiscent of the Batman hero who becomes an everyday nobody; Doctor Manhattan, an actual superhero who is collaborates with Adrian Veidt aka Ozymandias to find an alternative energy source; and Silk Spectre (also known as Laurie Juspeczyk), a superhero-turned-nobody and a companion to Doctor Manhattan. With a twist in the plot, Rorschach gradually learns that the murder was a small part in a larger plan to end the society.

Running slightly long at just under three hours, Watchmen stays mostly true to its original novel. The opening sequence is truly a joy to see. Although it is around five minutes long, it explains the origins of the Minutemen while incorporating American history effectively to the lovely words of Bob Dylan. The film is visually stunning without losing its human tone. However, some of the characters of the film lack depth and history such as Nite Owl and Ozymandias. The viewers long to care for all the characters, so of course the viewers will love Rorschach, the twisted vigilante hero, out of all the Watchmen. His psyche and depth bring realness to the film that is often missing in superhero movies. He is loved because of his flaws and his longing for justice.

Even though Watchmen ultimately fails at becoming a great film (rumor has it that Zack Snyder has a director’s cut which runs about 10-20 min longer?), it succeeds as an adequate and eye-popping one.

The film features excruciatingly graphic violence, nudity, sexuality, and language. It is not for everyone and I certainly urge people not to watch the film if you are bothered by any of the things mentioned above.

Watch one of the many trailers here,

Comments (1)

Thebiusyu wrote on March 17, 2009

Title: ... I saw the movie it was okie..but it leave a few questions unanswered ... report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0