Film Review #20

Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon.

                After reading the graphic novel Watchmen a few years ago I finally sat down and watched the film adaptation. Zach Snyder directs a huge cast that includes Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, and Jeffery Dean Morgan. Visually, this film is a masterpiece to watch. The special effects are absolutely flawless. The characters are incredibly memorable and display a great amount of depth. Simply put, Watchmen is dark and ever-engrossing.

                The plot of the film is riveting. The year is 1985 and masked crime fighting has been banned from the United States. Richard Nixon is president and the Cold War is looming over America like never before. The threat of nuclear war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union is rising. The only thing halting an attack is the all-powerful Dr. Manhattan; the only real superhero in the world whose powers are godlike. Outside of these events, the vigilante Rorschach is investigating the deaths of former masked crime fighters that belonged to the group the Watchmen. As the murder mystery evolves Rorschach inevitably encounters his former masked colleagues. Together the masked crime fighters quickly find out that the murders are connected to a plot that is bigger than all of them. The fate of the world will hang in the balance.

                Watchmen is packed with key roles. I will do my best to keep this segment short. Jackie Earle Haley plays the masked vigilante Rorschach. In my opinion, Haley’s performance is the highlight of the film. He perfectly conveys what Rorschach is; a hunted man, who is uncompromising, scarred, dedicated, and above all sincere. Patrick Wilson is perfect as Night Owl. The audience firmly believes that his character is weary, insecure, and conflicted with the state of the world. Billy Crudup should be applauded for his role as Dr. Manhattan. Crudup does a wonderful job of playing a character that is unable to empathize with the human race and larger than life; Dr. Manhattan is the only true superhero of the bunch and his powers are all-encompassing.  Malin Akerman is vital to the entire film because she is Dr. Manhattan’s significant other Silk Spectre. She is convincing as a girlfriend who is fed up with Dr. Manhattan’s inability to no longer indentify with the human race… or with her for that matter. And last but certainly not least is Matthew Goode as Adrian Veidt. Goode plays Veidt to a tee. He is the perfect blend of sophistication, attractiveness, and suspicion.  My expectations were more than fulfilled by every actor.

Snyder directs an ensemble cast

Narration is performed by Jackie Earle Haley throughout Watchmen. He provides the background for so much that is happening and is essential. I can’t imagine a better way to sum up what is occurring. Hayley’s voice enhances the dark tone of the film tenfold. Special effects, costume, and make-up are integral to this film. Without these three things this film would not be possible. Period! The music of the film is amazing and perfectly placed. 70s and 80s popular music is prevalent in the film and provides a great touch for enhancing the themes of the film. The film’s intro is a prime example.

If I could only give my audience one reason for going to see this movie I would say, “Go because this is a great movie. You will be left in awe at times.” Watchmen is not your run of the mill PG-13 comic book movie. It’s a dark and gritty R-rated tale of what could happen when everything goes wrong. The themes brought up are endless. Murder, war, love, sex, conspiracy, insecurity, friendship, and so much more are highlighted. Not to mention, visually the film is a true work of art.

8.5 out of 10