Watchmen

Eric's Review: 73

Director: Zach Snyder
Run Time: 163 min
Rating: R

Overall Enjoyment: 7

"Watchmen" has gained a lot of hype from not only its advertising campaign, but from folks across the Internet that have hailed the rated "R" super hero film something that far surpasses "The Dark Knight" as the "Citizen Kane" of the genre. These allegations are a bit far fetched. Although this is a very interesting take on the super hero film genre, it feels a little overly convoluted and melodramatic for a story featuring characters that look like comic book rejects. Nevertheless, I do applaud the dramatic and thematic spirit of the film despite its confusing story filled with more themes and ideas than even the 163 minute running time will allow. Having never read the graphic novel, I may be at a disadvantage although it was a shocking and enjoyable ride while it lasted.


Acting: 6

Overacting is often key in comic book - or in this case graphic novel - inspired films, but "Watchmen" takes this to an extreme. Obviously some characters are more expressive than others, but the fantastic (in the literal sense) style in which these characters are portrayed harm what realism the film still tries to convey. It's rough when the computer generated blue man (Dr. Manhattan) is the best actor.


Cinematography: 9

I felt that the cinematography of the the film was outstanding. The special effects of the film help to create a very stylized and ambient alternate 1985 on the verge of nuclear holocaust. Many of the unique shots in the film are contrived via special effects, yet is done in dynamic fashion that is refreshing to the genre.


Writing: 7

The dialogue in the film ranges from cheesy to pretentious dramatically and very quickly. As I was watching the film, I had a hard time deciding if I liked what I was hearing or not. The film draws a fine line between a somewhat realistic alternative world and a completely fantastical universe. The dialogue follows suit. At times the philosophical dialogue about human nature and the importance of life is well contrived, but then there are silly lines that throw the film off base. Maybe its just my bias of stupid looking Batman wannabe costumes.


Plot: 7

Being new to the story I was very confused. I appreciated the fresh perspective on superheros (although only one of them actually has a super power as far as I can tell) and the mature tone the whole film revolves around. You see a lot of blood and there actually is quite a bit of sexual content including nudity in the film. However, I think what makes "Watchmen" so different from other super hero films is exactly what harms its story: it was based on a graphic novel. In this way, the filmmakers are adapting an existing story as if it was a book instead of a comic book series where only a few story elements need to be inserted and can be pieced together from different points in the series. This is an adaptation of one complete story. The problem therein lies in the fact that the film attempts to introduce and develop several characters - which it does an excellent job of - as well as convey several ideas, themes, and other philosophical theologies. It all seems like too much even though the film flirts around 3 hours in length. It is overbearing for newcomers to the story and leaves you questioning if you like the film because you don't fully understand it.


Soundtrack: 8

In order to convience audiences that this is supposed to be 1985, popular music from the time period is inserted into various scenes. I thought it was an interesting choice on the part of the filmmakers as the music is often used to juxtapose the action that is happening on screen. I even caught the "Apocalypse Now" reference as "Flight of the Valkyries" is played when helicopters fly over a Vietnam landscape. Likewise, we see "President Nixon" - in 1985 strangely enough - in the war room that looks awfully a lot like Kubrick's war room in "Dr. Strangelove." Regardless, the soundtrack is used in a way that contrasts with the images on the screen to create an interesting harmony.


Special Effects: 9

The special effects of the film are very well done. This definitely looks like a 2009 film and could be placed in the summer movie category. Although we don't see our super heroes engage in a whole lot of combat, we do see a wide variety of visual effects that make this a film that is certainly a treat to see on the big screen. Apocalyptic doom never looked so good.


Editing: 8

I did not notice the editing of the film which means it was well done. The best editors are the ones that you don't notice what they do. I felt that one scene in particular was well done as we see two of the heroes fighting foes while another is being attacked by the media. Interesting cross-cutting and flow in editing.


Sound Design: 7

I did not see where the sound design of this film as anything out of the ordinary. Everything seemed to be pretty much as to be expected.


Climax: 5

To be honest, the end and resolution of the film was a bit of a let down. Without giving anything away I would say that I do not feel that everything was satisfactorily resolved. It seems like there was a big build up for an ending that is par at best and could have been more explicit in what the film was trying to say given its philosophical themes. Of course, a few twists keep it exciting, I just was looking for more.

Movie - 73