Watchmen

USA 2009, 162 minutes
Dir. Zack Snyder
Rating: [R16]
Genres: Science Fiction, Action/Adventure

Feat. Billy Crudup, Malin Akerman, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle Haley, Matthew Goode, Patrick Wilson

Aroview: Spectacular - although flawed - live action adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel, focused around a group of retired super-heroes who don their costumes once more to uncover an apocalyptic plot.

Dir. Synder (300) does his best in tackling the complex, political source material of Moore's novel, and although he is as slavishly faithful as he can be within the 'restrictions' of 162 minutes, there is an emotional hollowness in this which can only be attributed to over-egging the pudding; dozens of interweaving storylines and characters are ultimately shortchanged in order to include them all. If Snyder doesn't manage to film the 'unfilmable', then, viewed simply as an entry into the superhero genre it's still a grand ride, with spectacular CGI visuals, terrific performances (particularly from Earle Haley as unnerving vigilante Rorschach) and bloody, freewheeling violence. Just don't expect anything too philosophical behind its mask.

Member Reviews

Average rating (Good Enough). Showing 1-2 of 2 member reviews.

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3 stars (Good Enough) While a faithful film rendition of the Moore/Gibbons masterpiece graphic novel, with sleek visuals and one of the most impressive opening credit sequences in recent memory, Snyder's Watchmen somehow loses much of its character, essence, and oomph. ~Tom H
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2 stars (Good Try) It did not hold my attention at all times but it was one of those films that did have some watchable bits scattered throughout aided by some good special effects. ~Tubbs