Watchmen

[Asha]

I saw it last night in the only cinema in our little town. I haven't read the novel yet (I'll be sure to get it now), so my experience was based solely on the film.

Two phrases came to me as the credits rolled: First, "Wow, that blew my mind". Second, "But, it was also a total mind-*#!".

I had skimmed one review previously, about how The Watchmen shows superheroes as flawed with human failings and that this concept is not as revolutionary or as fresh now (after the Dark Knight and Incredibles), as it was when the novel first came out. But I was still taken aback by the depth of this portrayal. Like DJTommyK, I, too, found the alternate history sequence leading up to 1985 very moving with its accompanying soundtrack.

One thing, though, this movie is definitely a strong R, and I don't think meant for young kids. A little boy, maybe about 6, was sitting behind me in a row by himself, just in front of his parents. He was very confused during the brutally violent opening battle involving The Comedian. He kept asking his parents out loud, what was going on, why was he doing that and who was the good guy or bad guy. Though, he got quiet after awhile, they still eventually lifted him up out of his seat and left with him. I think this was definitely the right decision, as I myself winced and was disturbed by several scenes in the movie. (I'm not saying the scenes were gratuitous, though, as they had a definite sobering impact, at least on me, and I felt they were related to the movie's overall theme).

As for the film's being too long, I did not get that impression. In fact, I was so engrossed in what was going on, and with trying to come to terms with it even on an emotional level, that I was surprised how late it was when I left the theatre. Though the film did have a lot going on, I also wasn’t lost or confused by the plot twists and turns, but I did have to pay close attention not to be (especially every time Dr. Manhattan shared his experience of time and memory with Laurie Jupiter).

In short, The Watchmen is one film I would definitely like to see again, especially if I can find it showing at an IMAX theatre. And, I look forward to reading the graphic novel soon, too.