Members Reviews Voted Most Helpful
Watchmen review by Shatner's Bassoon
A courageous and faithful adaptation of a classic graphic novel.
(2) of (2) members found this review helpful.
For those who are fans of the original ‘Watchmen’ graphic novel you’ll be hard pushed not to enjoy this film. Not only has Zack Snyder managed to transfer the iconic novel into a credible film, it’s arguably the most faithful adaptation of any Alan Moore graphic novel to date. There are minor differences between the novel and the film, the comic book within a comic book idea is dropped, a couple of small sub-plots are missing, a couple of minor characters are omitted and a few key scenes are slightly different, though even Watchmen purists will find it hard to object to these changes. The biggest deviation from the novel is the ending; without spoiling it, the cause of the ending is significantly different, though the actual outcome is the same, though within the context of the film I actually preferred the new ending over the novels original ending.
For those who haven’t read the graphic novel, this is very different kind of superhero film. It’s almost like a mix of a traditional superhero film like ‘Spiderman’ and ‘The Dark Knight’ and a dark violent film noir like ‘Sin City’, though at the same time completely unique in its own right. The basic plot of the film is based around an alternative view of history in which superheroes have become an accepted part of life. The superheroes have varying degrees of powers, some age normally as humans and retire while others have extended life spans; some are glorified vigilantes while others have true superpowers. After the assassination of JFK, Nixon is elected president and enlists the help of superheroes in bringing the Vietnam war to a swift end in favour of an American victory. Set in 1985 the world now perpetually exists in a cold war crisis against the Soviet Union where nuclear war is a continual threat. And after a repeal of presidential term limits Nixon is elected for a third term in office, where he promptly outlaws masked superheroes branding them as vigilantes. After a superhero named ‘The Comedian’ is murdered a plot emerges that someone is trying to eliminate and discredit past a present members of the Watchmen. Led by the masked vigilante Rorschach a remaining few set out to prevent their own destruction while at the time uncovering a far more sinister plot. If you’re expecting an easy to follow popcorn flick, you’re going to be disappointed. The story is slow paced complex and feels every minute of its 2 hour 40 minute running time. The film is also fully deserving of its 18 certificate, it’s violent, gory and very much aimed at an adult audience. Overall, ‘Watchmen’ isn’t a perfect film and proof that a good book doesn’t necessarily transfer into good film, though you have to admire Zack Snyder’s adaptation of a novel which many, including legendary director Terry Gilliam and writer Alan Moore deemed as unfilmable, and if you’re looking for a superhero film with depth, character, great special effects then this is well worth renting.
|
|
Watchmen review by AC
The underbelly of superheroes
(1) of (1) members found this review helpful.
I read the graphic novel years ago and was looking forward to seeing this in Blu Ray.
The film itself is intriguing. I'd love to say it's beautiful film, but the pervading mood of darkness and decay is all consuming.
It's a long film (it's a long story so what do you expect) but well delivered. I just wish that the disk had played properly.
|
|
|
Recent Reviews of Watchmen by our members
Watchmen review by TB
Comix movie for big kids
(0) of (0) members found this review helpful.
A stunning comic book adaptation but strictly for adults. Super heroes for the real world age. Misses a bit of fizzto make it a truly great movie byt is enjoyable and realistic
|
|
Watchmen review by JD
Special effects don't make a film
(0) of (2) members found this review helpful.
Some good special effects. I wasn't keen on the swarm of ants on the face look. Quite distracting initially and then after 10 minutes quite annoying. Lots of superhero effects, but these are so frequently seen that there should be a good plot, suspense, action and drama beyond that. There isn't.
|
|
Watchmen review by SA
Graphic Novels
(0) of (2) members found this review helpful.
Saw the trailers and read the reviews and thought this would be a great film. However I bitterly disappointed with the pace and constant flashbacks.
This is a great attempt to adapt a graphic novel, but areas of the novel should have stayed in the novel, thus making the film about 45 minutes too long.
Maybe shorter and in a more graphic novel style (such as the Frank Miller adaptations) would have made this film more watchable.
|
|
|
All Other Members Reviews
Watchmen review by Jawbreaker
Hit and Miss
(0) of (2) members found this review helpful.
This is an ambitious movie, that expands into sizeable proportions. Unlike many of the comic and graphical inspired films of late, Watchmen features character development and backstory. Snyder has tried to cram everything into the script, with mixed results. I did enjoy following the main characters and the original setting, which was refreshing compared to many generic releases nowadays. As a fan, Synder it seems was too emotionally attached to the Watchmen, but as a viewer some material should have been removed. This is a huge beast of a film, with a longer directors cut also available.
|
|
|
To rent Watchmen just join the Cinema Paradiso DVD rental service today and get a free DVD rental trial.
