Hello readers. Mr. Birdwell back again. Sorry it has been a while since I have posted a review. But since summer season is almost here, I’d figure why start off with a superhero movie. Today’s review will be about one of the most underrated in the genre. That movie is none other than “Watchmen.”
Based on the 1986 graphic novel, and directed by Zack Snyder, “Watchmen” takes place in an alternate 1985 New York City. The film stars Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Carla Cugino, and Matthew Goode. In the movie, America has won the war in Vietnam, and Richard Nixon is still President. When a former superhero is murdered, a group of former colleagues investigate an apparent conspiracy and uncover something much worse than anticipated.
I’ve been a fan of superhero movies for as long as I can remember. I’ve seen good ones, and plenty of bad ones. But lately, these kinds of movies have been taking a turn for the better. A lot of them have been taking the realistic approach. By being realistic, I mean it doesn’t feel like a live action cartoon. The heroes in general are put into real life situations. I think that is why people are starting to take them more seriously.
Where to start with a movie like this? The first is the casting. Usually in an ensemble cast like “Watchmen”, there is always at least one weak link. I couldn’t find a single weak link in the entire movie. Most reviewers talk about Rorschach as the best of the bunch, but to me, my favorites are Nite Owl II and The Comedian. I like The Comedian because he is somewhat of an antihero, but you can’t help but be enthralled in Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s performance. Patrick Wilson does a good job as Nite Owl II. I saw him as the straight man of the group. He was the one who tried to stay optimistic and not go over the edge in being a superhero.
The way this film is shot is done really well. It is not too bright, but not too dark. But director Zack Snyder sure knows how to visualize a good movie. The action scenes were in slow motion, but it works because you’re so enthralled in what is going on.
One absolute plus is the soundtrack. In my last review, I said that a soundtrack can make or break a movie. Well, this one makes it. Never in my life would I think I would hear the song “Unforgettable” used for a fight scene. Other songs used are Bob Dylan’s “The Times They are a Changing”, K.C. and the Sunshine Band’s “I’m Your Boogie Man”, Simon & Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence”, and Jimi Hendrix’s “The Watchtower”. If you love music from that era, this movie is for you.
There were some minor things that did bother me though. I thought in some scenes, the violence and graphicness went a little bit too far. Look for a scene that takes place in a prison kitchen. You will know what I am talking about. Also, I wished that the ending wasn’t changed from the original source material. Maybe it was a budget issue or something. But still, it felt a little weird not seeing the original ending.
So something else that needs to be addressed about this movie. I think it has gotten a lot of unnecessary hate. I think the reason is because “Watchmen” was the first big comic book movie to come out after “The Dark Knight”. Audiences were probably expecting another movie much like “The Dark Knight”. That took comic book movies to another level, and I guess audiences weren’t ready for a “Watchmen” type superhero movie.
Overall, I would still say “Watchmen” is an excellent movie. It is one that needs more attention. It does a great job of telling a story, while being a great visual experience. I’m going to give “Watchmen” a 4/5. If you have seen “Watchmen”, let me know what you thought. This is Mr. Birdwell saying, “Keep reading and watching. You’ll never know when you’ll find something remarkable.”