Okay, I tried to write a review last night, but it was too fresh in my mind.
Now, having slept on it, I can finally pass the ultimate judgment call.
************************SPOILERS*****************************8
Watchmen is quite simply put an audaciously brilliant film. It works, and its a film I really had no problem sitting through. I was never uncomfortable, the scenes play themselves out like they should, sure, there could be plenty of trimming in places, but after thinking about it, the pacing really does add to this films appeal.
The year is 1985, and is an alternate 1985, so things have happened differently since the introduction of Dr. Manhattan, a humble scientist who is the result of a physics type energy experiment. The film starts with the ultimate death of the comedian. Sort of a Wolverine type, but much more sadistic. There scene where The Comedian and Dr. Manhattan are in the Vietnamese Bar will surely remain in the memory banks for a while. Rorschach, a seriously rough detective of sorts, and the probably my favorite character, starts to look for the murderer, believing it to be the start of a vendetta against the 'masks'. These guys don't have any special powers, other than the power of cinema, which enables the worlds smartest man; who is also probably the fastest and the richest Ozymandias, to also be a kick arse fighter. Rorschach has got some killer moves, his ability to break thumbs comes to fore and sexy Silk Spectre II kicks some crims. The way I saw the central plot of the film, it really is about Nite Owl. He's older, retired, and looks forward to his thursday night drinks with Nite Owl I, his predesessor. The actor reminds me of Craig T Nelson in a way, he's kind of like the Batman of the group. The film is ultimatley about the Nite Owl in my book. His relationships with Silk Spectre and his old partner Rorschach, and the place he finds himself in years after the 'Watchmen' have been dissolved.
Rorschach continues on his quest to uncover The Comedians killer, and the film starts to delve back into the past, showing the 'Minutemen' from the forties and fifties and their demise. It shows the United States in a parallel 1985, and the history leading up to it, which is actually quite brilliantly done. The film flows effortlessly between scenes, past and present, and we are introduced to the characters, then to the world they inhabit, and the doomsday clock constantly getting closer to midnight. I wont delve into the plot anymore, other than to say that it is probably the darkest, most brutally violent (Im talking multiple bone snaps, horrific deaths, burnings, multiple meat cleaver to the head, crushings, exploding people, a boiling oil face melt and if youve never seen a mans arms cut off by a grinder, you're about to) superhero film ever made.
The cinematography is stunning, the use of extreme close ups and slow motion isnt new, but its well done. It's kind music video in parts, but the tunes are good and the action is smart. The acting is solid, all the characters play their parts with distinction. Well cast and well written, however superhero movie corny, makes great use of the satire of the parallel to the cold war and Nixons fifth term.
You may want to see 'He's just not that into you', but if you want some bang for your buck go see Watchmen. For me its a much better film than 'The Dark Knight', but not quite as good as 'Benjamin Button'
8.5 out 10.
