The obligatory "Watchmen" review

Yes, I am a nerd. Yes, I went and saw "Watchmen" the night it came out. And Yes, I thought it was a good movie.

Now, I've read/watched tons of reviews about the flick... some from just movie critics, some from nerd critics who like movies and comics, and I've perused a few from the die-hard Watchmen purists who either didn't want to see their beloved comic become a movie or just didn't like the fact that so much of the novel was changed/left out of the theatrical release. Honestly, I can understand everyone's point of view.

And now, because I occasionally like to jump on the bandwagon, here is my take.

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"Watchmen", one of the most celebrated graphic novels of all time, jumps off the page and on to the big screen in a flurry of special effects and hype. Directed by Zach Snyder, the same guy who directed "300", Watchmen tells the story of retired superheros in an alternate 1985. The rag-tag bunch are attempting to solve the murder of one of their fellow retired masked crime fighters, the ironically named 'Comedian', who is thrown out the window of his New York apartment.

The heroes bear similarities to other well-known comic book identities, but each is also given a specific ideal of crime-fighting and life in general.

Now, I'm going to stop there about plot and just go into why I liked the movie. The following quote is what I told my brother who asked me what I thought

" Here's how I'll describe Watchmen: It was a good movie-goers movie. Definitely has all the stuff you want in a movie, and even though it is over 2-and-a-half hours long, it's worth the money you spend.

A word of caution... you may not enjoy the end if you haven't read the comic (or, in my case, read the cliff notes about the comic). However, if you like action, adventure, fight scenes, back stories, comedy (sometimes blatant and sometimes more underhanded), sex, rock and roll, mystery, special effects and a few twists here and there, then you will LOVE this movie."

Now, that was pretty much an hour after seeing the movie. After a little more reflection, and seeing what other people thought, I will add an addendum or two to my advice.

Firstly, some of the music used in the movie is out of place. When you see the movie, I'm sure you'll see what I mean. I can understand why some of the songs are chosen, but they just seem to clash with the feel of the film.

Second, I definitely think you should know about the story AND the ending before you see the movie. I went in knowing what was going to happen... or at least an idea. I kind of wish I had read the novel (and I definitely will soon thanks to watching the movie). But if you go in completely unknowing, I think you'll be dissappointed. Just go to wikipedia and read the graphic novel's plot synopsis to get the gist.

Finally, this movie is one of the best movie-going experiences I've had in a long time. I finally felt like I got my money's worth. The last time I felt that way was for "The Dark Knight". But this movie is WAY different and was slightly more engaging.

I say more engaging because I'm a big fan of back story. I liked the first Spider-Man, Batman Begins and Iron Man because they are origin stories. If done right, those are some of the best stories you can tell. I'm a sucker for a good backstory, and Watchmen is full of those. Plus, Watchmen isn't set-up for sequels, which is unique for a super hero movie. (Now, that isn't to say they couldn't make a pre-quel, but I don't think that's necessary. We don't need to delve any deeper into the characters. Plus, there's only one graphic novel... so there's nothing else to refer to.)

In any event, if you like comic book movies, you should see Watchmen.

Also, if you're anything like me, you'll think that Rorschach is the baddest mother fucker EVER!

"Heard joke once. Man goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says 'Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up.' Man bursts into tears. Says 'But, doctor...I am Pagliacci.' Good joke. Everybody laugh. Roll on snare drum. Curtains."

In context, that bit is hilarious.

~Nate-O