Worth Giving it a Watch (Watchmen (DVD))

Member Name: DMSharman

Product:	Watchmen (DVD)
Date:	04/08/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Epic story with a few surprises, intelligent superhero film, well-developed characters

Disadvantages: Drags a little in the second half, maybe too much pretension at times

O.K, I will start out by saying I am not a graphic novel enthusiast, although I have glanced through the one from which this film is adapted. I am neither a superhero movie fan, lots seeming vapid and lacking on characterisation, and in many cases plot. However, I in no way hated this film. I was somewhat surprised, as hate, or at least dislike seemed to have been the reaction of many press critics. Although scanning the reviews on dooyoo seems to contradict this, which I am pleased about. I can only attribute negative reaction to a fierce loyalty to the source material, and the author Alan Moore as the film taken objectively is, in my opinion, one of the better releases of the year so far.

The plot, for those not familiar to the graphic novel, centres around a group of superheroes known as the Watchmen. A disparate bunch, it is explained that they began life as a militia-like organisation in 1940. There mission is to protect the peace. As the years go by however, original members grow old and are replaced, or tragedy, disorder and immorality falls upon them. The majority of the story occurs in the 1980s. Due to the intervention of certain Watchmen, the U.S easily won the Vietnam War, allowing Nixon to retain and capitalize on his power, doing away with Presidential term limits. The Watchmen have now been effectively outlawed by Nixon, following massive backlash towards them from the general public. The U.S and the Soviet Union are at each others throats and war seems inevitable. Unlike other superhero narratives, the Watchmen are ageing, redundant, full of bitter rage, and some morally dubious. Then one of their number is killed and the hunt is on......

The main appeal of the film for me was the way that the idea of the superhero is cleverly toyed with. Ideas explored include the meditation on what a hero does after they have had their moment and the best years are behind them, and how would one cope with the pressures implicit in such a high-profile position. One of the original Watchmen even goes so far as to right a tell-all book! Essentially, the film assumes a more realistic tone than others in the genre and supposes its protagonists are normal human beings with the exception of having "hero status". Strangely, the abilities of the Watchmen are never really explained, some seem to exhibit powers or supernatural ability, while others merely a proficiency in battering people. One character, Dr. Manhattan has truly great power caused by a scientific mishap, and his abilities are truly explained. This presents the opportunity to tread the familiar path of the hero origin story, which was a personal highlight of the film for me, being treated with a sense of growing disaster and heart-rending regret.

Other themes explored involve thought being given to what the perception of the public would be to such a group of vigilantes, and the growing disdain and fear that ensues. Although this has been covered by other hero franchises, most recently in "The Dark Knight", the idea that the heroes in question probably warrant this response is an original one, or at least it is to me. Many of the central characters seem corrupted by their positions of power, or at least coldly indifferent for much of the time. Others feel a sincere need for justice but their methods leave a lot to be desired. Ultimately this gritty and cynical depiction of the characters goes to reinforce the major message of the film, the human race will always find a reason to be at war, and are we really worth saving by anyone?

True, it is a sprawling and long film and no, the plot is not clear-cut 100% of the time, however I found it enthralling, and considering the length it was impressive that I didn't check my watch during the film. From the opening montage that shows the decline of the Watchmen to the sounds of Bob Dylan's "The Times They are a Changing" I was hooked in. Although this doesn't excuse the cover murdering Dylan's "Desolation Row" at the end of the film. Apart from this however, the music throughout the rest of the movie was a highlight, with lots of 60s classics used effectively.

The look of the film is dark and urban, with effects used well and the cinematography at a decent standard. It is easily on a par with other similar genre titles when it comes to the visuals. The direction isn't bad, especially as I am no fan of Zack Snyder, and I believe it to be pretty faithful to the book. There are also a couple of stand-out performances by Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (looking eerily like Robert Downey Jr.) as The Comedian. These are two of the more complex and conflicted characters in the film and are admirably portrayed. The cast is pretty light on star names, with maybe the exception of Billy Crudup, but this is definitely to its credit, with the ensemble as a whole being very capable.

In terms of flaws, it has to be said that the sex scene in the middle is pretty ridiculous and doesn't mesh well with the rest of the movie. Also some of the scenes, namely those on Mars, seem to drag a little. This is at the point where it all gets a bit metaphysical and worthy, but I guess any film wanting to discuss the merits of the human race could be prone to this. This is turn produces a few moments of somewhat clunky and mawkish dialogue. Some very violent moments will probably rule out more people from wanting to watch this, and so it is definitely not a film for everyone. As I said at the start of this review though, I believe it to be a very good effort and a definite must-see for any fan of superhero movies. It certainly makes you think a little, as well as giving you the standard octane fun with a darker twist.

Summary: Refreshing superhero flick set in a dystopian nightmare