Watchmen

Watchmen (Kilzer's first movie review on the blog)

I saw Watchmen tonight. Let me say first, that I have not read the graphic novel(even though it is regarded as one of the best of all time, and I intend to buy it at work tomorrow...) and I didn't know much about the plot line. So going into it, I had little expectations. I was pleasantly surprised...

This movie really felt like you were watching a comic book. Not a cheesy comic book movie like George Cloony's Batman...but like a well written comic story that was actually turned into a movie. Now, I am a HUGE fan of Iron Man as well as the first 2 X-Men films. I think they were created with a "good" comic book feel. But I do believe that Watchmen was a more "direct" translation.

The characters were developed, but not overdeveloped. I was able to get a good sense for each character's life, history and purpose. By the middle of the film, I defiently cared about each person and their own personal struggle.

The fight scenes were great too. Not overdone or campy, but the right amount of close up action, mixed in with some slow-mo shots too. Other great action was the love scene between two characters....I won't give up the details of that!

One of the things I love most about super hero movies, is the point in the film where the hero suddenly realizes that he/she is capable of achieving great things, and then becomes an active participant. No longer someone who doubts themselves. Examples from some of my favorites:

Unbreakable - The scene where David calls up Mr. Glass on the phone and asks him what to do...Mr. Glass says"go where the people are". David goes to the train station and steps in to find his destiny...awesome.

V for Vendetta - When Evey is released from the "prison" and is set free by "V". She goes outside into the rain to realize she is reborn, and actually has a meaningful purpose.

Iron Man - The scene where Tony is repairing the armor. Pepper tells Tony that he is going to get himself killed and he needs to stop. He tells her that there is "no benefits. no art showing. there is only the next mission." Spoken like a man who realizes what he has to do.

The reason I write about these scenes, is that Watchmen has smiliar scenes/realizations too. Except these heroes are more of the fallen type. They have to remember what made them great and somehow dig down deep inside to regain the confidnece to do the job. I won't ruin it by giving away what happens, but there are fine moments.

Oh, there is plenty of violence, sex, nudity and cursing too. If that's not your cup of tea, then stay away! Otherwise, enjoy Watchmen. I certainly did.