Set in an alternate era of 1985 during which America was helmed by President Nixon(Robert Wisden) and under the watchful eyes of costumed heroes, the story begins with the death of a hero – the harsh, brutal, and amoral Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). His death is being investigated by the outlawed vigilante named Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) who wore a white mask with ink blots that constantly shape shifts. From there, the story progresses with four other main characters: the elegantly bluish but celestial Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup), the righteous Night Owl II (Patrick Wilson), the viciously sexy Silk Spectre II (Malin Akerman), and the extremely intelligent but swift Ozymandias (Matthew Goode). As the story unravels, the plot embarks on a long but gut-wrenchingly entertaining ride.
The film sprinkles the face of cruelty and violence in a very disturbing but meaningful way. Not for the faint hearted or those who are pregnant, there are scenes where you’d feel the pain of broken bones or sawed limbs. Cruelty is a recurring theme and with this movie, one may wonder if such a thing is required for the greater good at face of annihilation.
Unlike many redundant and mundane superhero movies (i.e. Ghost Rider, the horrendously craptastic Fantastic 4* movies), this one gets you to question the virtues and moralities of societies – if you choose to care of course.
While the performance of the entire cast is above average (but not great), the special effects are ridiculously cartoonish, especially for today’s standards. However, the bluish radiance of Dr. Manhattan’s naked body and the gushing of reddish fluids are seamlessly rendered.
Zack Snyder has concocted a film worthy of praise, despite its little flaws. It can be hard to consider this movie laudable because of its unusual illustration of themes. Yet it is because of its themes that separate this movie from the typical heroes versus villains
7.5/10 FRUIT!
*I can't believe Rise of the Silver Surfer was our first movie, Rus. What was I thinking?!
Hey Zaid! I can't believe you have your own blog too! : ) That's a pretty nice review, although I think you were a bit too kind: as a fan of the comic, I think without prior familiarity with the story the movie seems very haphazard and choppy - hopefully the Director's Cut will remedy this.
ReplyDeleteHey Ivan! Thank you for your honest comment. I decided to use this blog just for writing practice. Plus, this is a new abode for my upcoming Photoshop-manips. About the movie, I never read the Watchmen comic, so I didn't know what to expect. When I saw it, I was so entertained from start to finish that I didn't want it to finish. I have to agree on the movie being a little choppy but that was a minor flaw to make the movie any less enjoyable. Nonetheless, I do think that a Director's Cut would make this a better movie.
ReplyDeletestop blogging and start making friends
ReplyDeleteI have too many friends.
ReplyDeleteSays the kid who comes to blogs just to tell people that. Envy much?
ReplyDeleteHi Zaid its Keno....Im going to have to agree with Ivan. However I am going to be more critical.....I think the movie was s***!!!I hated it. Good blog by the way ;)
ReplyDeleteZaid, I thought the movie was thought provoking. I too did not read the comic. However, that made it better for me to watch since I didnt have any extra expectations. I did wanted a little more action but maybe that wouldve made it too much like the other superhero movies. Having said that, I did enjoy the bullet time effects. Finally, I enjoyed the movie....good enough for me. I agree with you 7.5/10
ReplyDeleteNik Hariz,
ReplyDeleteYou are referring to Johnmikes100?
Keno,
Thanks for your honest comment. I do like it when people are direct and not ambiguous. How was it sh17 to you?
Nik Azlan,
Thanks for your comment. Glad that you enjoyed the show. And more action would deteriorate this movie.