Dark and Dangerous (Watchmen (DVD))

Member Name: tallpete33

Product:	Watchmen (DVD)
Date:	12/07/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well shot and acted

Disadvantages: Plot meanders at times

went to see this film as a Watchmen virgin, but being well aware of the book and it's iconic cover from a mis-spent youth lurking around Forbidden Planet in London's Denmark St (is it still there ?). Anyway, I digress but mainly as I'm struggling to start this difficult but important review. Firstly, I'm unsure as to whether I "enjoyed" this movie. I greatly appreciated the fantastic production, effects, acting and in-depth story but it is hard to say whether the cinematic experience was an entirely entertaining one.

What I did like was the characters. Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays the cigar chomping Comedian with aplomb. He is bad, brutish and for a comedian, well just not that funny! Crudup has the detached air of the brilliant scientist; transformed into the all-powerful and all-knowing "being" that is Dr Manhattan by a tragic accident in his nuclear research lab. Patrick Wilson and Malin Akerman aka Nite Owl and Silk Spectre are the most human of the bunch whereas Matthew Goode as Ozymanias looks every inch the well-groomed caped crusader. For me though, Jackie Earle Haley steals the show as the masked, hat and coat wearing Rorschach (Raw-shack). The soldier that cannot live without a war, he single handedly drags his masked friends out of retirement and back into the fray on learning of the Comedian's sudden death. His size belies his strength and courage and he oozes violence and malice from every pore.

Set in President Nixon's America, the cold war is at its coldest with Russia and the US pointing their missiles at each other, the alert is at DefCon 1 and the doomsday clock is at 5 minutes to midnight. Most of the motley crew of super heroes have swapped masked life for normal life, part ostracized by a paranoid government and public. Only Dr Manhattan was allowed to use his powers but working for the government whilst Adrian Veidt (Ozymandias) who went public too, became an immensely successful entrepreneur - the head of the sinister Veidt Industries. The plot twists and turns as the tenacious Rorschach hunts for his friend's killer, finding himself framed and incarcerated for his troubles. Rejected by Dr Manhattan, the beautiful Silk Spectre turns to Nite Owl for support and dusting off their old craft, they team up to liberate Rorschach and assist him on his mission. A single murder is at the heart of a massive conspiracy and the trust between old friends breaks down before the grand finale.

This film captures the era perfectly, anyone who grew up in those days will remember that often nuclear war seemed "when" rather than "if", the paranoia and fear is tangible and portrayed excellently here. Being of that age, I could relate to this film more than my 17 (oops, 18) year old viewing companion who was not too impressed. The soundtrack (Hendrix, Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel and a too early Nena) rocks but could also be described as unimaginative.

To summarize, I respect Watchmen as a superb movie achievement and may be buying the book to fill in any gaps, but for a popcorn munching night out it could leave casual film-goers a bit non-plussed. Watchmen fans will watch and love.

(reviewed on amazon also)

Summary: Faithful reproduction but a bit too long