Watchmen

In Zack Snyder’s (300, Dawn of the Dead) film adaption of the ‘unfilmable’ graphic novel Watchmen (Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons), retired superheroes reunite when one of their own is found murdered during a alternative 1985 that has the Nixon led Americans and Russians on the brink of war. While attempting to solve the murder before another one of ‘the watchmen’ is killed, the superheroes discover an even greater diabolical plot that would change the fate of the world.

Before I say anything about the film, let me point out that I have read the graphic novel. That being said, I liked the movie, but I can’t see anyone who hasn’t read the novel enjoying it. Adapting the novel was said to be so difficult because the story was so extensive and detailed. As a result much was cut, which why I think newcomers to Watchmen would be confused. Personally though, I think seeing the scenes from the comics realized in live action is why I liked it and we all knew that Snyder would do a descent job of being loyal to the original medium. Dr. Manhattan was well done, as well as the modernizing of the costumes. Snyder, however, does not bring much new imagination to the story. He did change the ending, which I was in favor of, because I didn’t care for the original space squid destroying the world ending. The film is successful because it does it make me appreciate the original much more. I encourage everyone to read it and then maybe see the movie. Be warned though, if you’re expecting a family-friendly spider-man type story, you won’t get it.