Puntabulous

Watchmen – Review

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So we had a TV Group field trip to go see Watchmen on Friday night. Most everyone had read the graphic novel, but I idiotically didn’t make the time. I kept telling myself that I was going to, and that I had to hurry up because time was running out, but I never did. Boo. Because I think the movie would have been a million times better had I read the book beforehand. As it was, I just couldn’t get that into the movie. It was obvious that it stayed very true (mostly) to the original book and in that sense, the movie was made for fans rather than casual viewers. I know this because I wasn’t creaming my pants at the right parts like everyone else in the theater. But the visuals were stunning, and the music (mostly folk rock) was all excellent. I enjoyed watching it, but it was very obvious that I was watching a movie, rather than getting sucked into the story. But it has renewed my interest in reading the graphic novel, so all you comic aficionados will be glad to hear that I’ll be doing that right away.

MOVIES, REVIEWS | Craig | March 8, 2009 9:59 am

17 Comments

By Enrico, March 8, 2009 @ 10:37 am

I want to see this. But only because Patrick Wilson is in it.
By Chris D., March 8, 2009 @ 11:22 am

Folk rock! Wow. I had zero interest in this movie, but a folk rock score interests me. I will have to remember to check it out on DVD.
By Ryan, March 8, 2009 @ 11:34 am

I probably would have saw this last night if my friend had told me that he was going to LA instead of hanging out like we planned.
By adam, March 8, 2009 @ 12:40 pm

They’ve also animated the comic — it’s really cool to watch!
By Nicole, March 8, 2009 @ 1:10 pm

I really want to see this one, but I haven’t read the graphic novels either…
By Tam, March 8, 2009 @ 1:35 pm

Thanks to John I have read the graphic novels, just finished them. I enjoyed it but didn’t “love” it. It was rather angsty and emo for me, the trailer for the movie however made it look appealing. I was going to drag my daughter with me but I think she would be lost and she had a birthday party today so I got dumped. Not sure I’ll go or not. Its a long time to spend sitting if I’m not going to “love” it.
By GoKitty, March 8, 2009 @ 1:57 pm

I saw this on friday and it was “okay”. I can definately see how someone who doesnt know the comic might get lost in the story, especially the beginning. I think if the audience went in there looking for an superhero movie, or even an action movie, they would leave disappointed. But the fight scenes it did have were well done especially towards the end. I don’t think I’ll go see it again at the movie, as I usually do with movies I love, but I will be buying the DVD when it comes out.
By GoKitty, March 8, 2009 @ 1:58 pm

I hate when my avatar doesn’t show up.
By FDot, March 8, 2009 @ 7:10 pm

I actually enjoyed Watchmen. I ended up going in with slightly lowered expectations, because I really disliked the graphic novel. Maybe that contributed to it. It was just a pleasant 3 hour experience, probably won’t remember much of it a month from now, but good enough for $9.00
By Polt, March 8, 2009 @ 8:43 pm

Hmm, I seem to be in the minority here, but I loved it. Rated it an A- on my blog. But then I AM a comic book geek…been collecting them for 32 years and I remember buying the individual issues of The Watchmen as they came out and HATED having to wait a WHOLE month to get the next one.

I imagine a non-comic-book geek trying to enjoy this movie might analogous to me trying to enjoy a chick flick. Or lesbian porn.

HUGS…
By Alex, March 9, 2009 @ 8:15 am

I thought it was ok, not great but not horrible. Then again, I’m one of the few comic geeks who doesn’t worship Watchmen : hugs Polt :. It was pretty faithful, and surprisingly I didn’t mind the new ending. However, I found some of the music choices pretty silly and the whole over the top fighting scenes kinda turned me off too. Niteowl did have a nice ass though so all is forgiven.p:
By Richard Eggert, March 9, 2009 @ 9:10 am

Since I havent read the actual graphic novel, I cant say how well this movie is comparable to the original. Considering the storyline I feel it as a superb flop. The characters neither had strong roles to play. I had gone to the theaters expecting some good action, but got discouraged. And over that I wasted my $20 towards the tickets!
By GoKitty, March 9, 2009 @ 10:58 am

I will say Jamie Earle Haley as Rorshach was GREAT. I didnt realize at the time that it was the guy who played Kelly from the Bad News Bears movies and Moocher from Breaking Away.
By Rob, March 9, 2009 @ 2:49 pm

You forgot to mention the best part! Dr. Manhattans delectable penis!
By Craig, March 9, 2009 @ 3:03 pm

GoKitty: I enjoyed the fight scenes also. Bloody and fun! And you’re right. Rorshach was great.

Alex: I agree about Night Owl’s ass!

Rob: It was quite impressive!
By coffee, March 14, 2009 @ 6:40 pm

Rorschach was a really well developed as a character, that guy rocked