Category — Film

It’s rare that I bother to see a movie while it’s still in theatres, and even rarer that I go to a movie while there’s still a buzz and a crowd to speak of.  The last movie I remember seeing within a week of opening night was Snakes on a Plane, and as with everything surrounding that movie, my enthusiasm was at least a little bit ironic.  So when I lined up (LINED up!) to see Watchmen and it was still fresh enough in the theatres to attract cosplaying geeks dressed up like Rorschach, it was an occasion! (and before anyone asks, it was far too cold for anyone sane to attempt a Dr. Manhattan ‘costume’)

I could attempt to review the movie outside of the context of the book, but what would be the point?  This film will only stick in the minds of those who’ve read and loved the original; as a film it doesn’t stand so strongly on its own merits that casual moviegoers will tumble head-over-heels into Watchmen fandom.  The movie certainly has its high points, and does some things very very well, but overall it had the feeling of being stuck in the middle, as if the producers were caught between replicating the book in its every detail and appealing to casual movie-goers.  I didn’t hate it, and I didn’t love it.  A few moments gave me the fanboy shivers, and others had me wondering if the scene director was attempting a parody.  Keep reading for a more in-depth assessment of the movie’s faults and triumph’s.

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