Movie Review: Watchmen

* Warning: May contain movie spoilers.

I wriggled in my cinema seat for the umpteenth time, trying my best to find a more comfortable position. It wasn't the seat that was making me restless, however, it was the movie we've chosen for the night.

Watchmen is originally a 12-issue comic published by DC Comics back in the mid-80s. What makes the superheroes in Watchmen different from other comic superheroes is the fact that they are not superheroes at all, in many aspects. When we hear 'superhero', we usually think of characters like Superman with his alien powers or Batman with his strong sense of justice. The Watchmen characters, however, are a deconstruction of the superhero concept, proving that underneath their masks, they are still humans with their anxieties, disorders and destructive tendencies.

Since I have never read the comic version, I am unable to say whether the movie did justice to its origins. But I can say that I find Watchmen similar to Sin City the movie. The narration style is interesting as the narrator changes every so often, providing insight into the thoughts and stories of the main characters. The editing style comprises of numerous flashbacks to the point I couldn't tell whether it was the past or the present. In my friend's opinion, he described the cinematography as 'staying true to the comic-story-style.'

Honestly, I don't quite like the movie. While I like how the plot dives into the horrors of the human minds and actions, especially the twistedness of the Comedian (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan), it was just too slow with too many twists and turns to make it enjoyable in one seating. I find myself wishing I could pause it and watch the ending later.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="170" caption="Comedian's Trademark Badge"][/caption]

Speaking of the Comedian, Edward Blake (the real identity of the masked man) is far from a humourous man, his view on the world majorly distorted from the Watchmen's goals. The Comedian is part of the original Watchmen team formed in the 1940s and reformed 20 years later with new members. The original and new team members are either arrested, dead, murdered or forced into retirement when a ruling against masked vigilantes came out. However, the murder of the Comedian forced Rorschach, a.k.a. Walter Kovacs (played by Jackie Earle Haley), to seek out the rest of his team.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Rorschach"][/caption]

I never did understand how those ink splotches on Rorschach's mask moves around. Is it a play on your imagination or does it really moves on its own? In my opinion, Rorschach is the most memorable hero in the movie and he has the best lines so pay attention to what he says and try not to let his gravelly voice grate on your nerves like it did to me. His story is one of the best and it should be because he is the main narrator for the movie.

The only one who has actual powers is Dr Manhattan, a.k.a. Jon Osterman (acted by Billy Crudup), the totally blue, totally naked bald man with diminishing human emotions. There's a mild sex scene featuring him that is quite funny so keep a look out for it. Also, look for the constantly blurred private part, which just pulls your attention to it whenever there's a full body shot of him. :D

Since we're on the sex issue, the building romance between two other main characters, Silk Spectre II (Laurie Juspeczyk, acted by Malin Akerman) and Night Owl II (Dan Dreiberg, played by Patrick Wilson) is one that is expected, and annoying. Annoying because they just couldn't keep their hands off each other. There were so many unnecessary scenes involving their relationship and after about 3 scenes of them, I couldn't help but lift my hands up in frustration. Yes, they want each other, they lust for each other, we get it, move on with the plot. :x

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="The Original Watchmen in the movie"][/caption]

For those seeking action, don't worry, the violence and gore is on a high scale, so yes, you will get your kicks out of the bloody scenes. Oh, yes, action  and fighting scenes are abundant as well, especially the prison chapter. All in all, you can say Watchmen is filled with dark humour and insights into the distorted side of the human nature but is well-balanced with the goodness and unexpected kindness of humanity. The ending will throw you into a loop as you see how evil needed to be done to the innocents for the good of the world. But seriously, and I rarely say this, don't watch it in the cinema. It's too long, complicated and the censorship can drive you nuts at times.

What attracted me most about the movie was its soundtrack. Since it's set in the 1980s, the songs used are kind of like evergreen music and oldies your parents listen to, which contrast greatly with the fast-beat, hyper, rock-like music they used for the action scenes.

By the way, since Watchmen is set in New York City, you will see the World Trade Centers intact in a few city scenes. Those who have lost loved ones during September 11 is advised to keep an open mind when watching this film.

As usual, here are the goofs some viewers found while watching the movie. This time, I think it's okay if you want to read the goofs first as the movie is not what I would say a must-see.

Best line from the movie that my friend and I love to quote is by Rorschach:

"You people don't understand. I'm not locked in here with you, you're locked in here with me!"