As the Watchmen reviews continue to roll in, I’ve now read a lengthy, somewhat spoilery, very geeky review by my friend and fellow journalist, Jenna Busch. Jenna looks at the movie as one of those big fans of the book, and is not exactly thrilled. Her review winds up very mixed:
The graphic novel was all about the story, not the action, and Snyder is an action man. Action was certainly there and really overdone… It made the rest of the film suffer. And for all that, I didn’t hate it. In fact, I’m pretty sure I liked it. I was just disappointed. I’m absolutely seeing it again, but disappointed nonetheless.
She does also offer an interesting tidbit near the beginning:
If you’ve never read WATCHMEN, I’m recommending you wait until after you’ve seen the film. Everyone I’ve spoken to who saw the film as WATCHMEN virgins loved it. And believe me, that was not at all what I was expecting to hear.
Now, even with the 1 million new copies of Watchmen that were printed last year, and the nearly constant top-of-Amazon status it has held, DC, Warner Bros, (and of course, Fox) are obviously hoping that more than a million or 2 people head out to the theaters and see the film. That means the grand majority will be “Watchmen virgins.” Click on through to read on, but be reminded that there are spoilers in the full review (though most of those will be very familiar to anyone who has read the book).
For two one-line reviews of the movie, here are tweets from Rich Johnston and Rob Liefeld:
Rich Johnston: In other news Watchmen is rather lovely.
Rob Liefeld: homigosh……WATCHMEN is freaking brilliant! More please……this movie is an absolute monster. Run, don’t walk..
So there you go.
February 28th, 2009 at 2:31 am
Whether they like it or hate it, every comic book fan is going to see this movie. Plus, its light on continuity so that’ll appeal to non-comic fans. I don’t think fox or DC are going to be disappointed when it comes to profits.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:48 am
“Watchman” was the worst movie I have seen since the atrosity “The Marine”. I have never read any of the comic books, had never seen anything about it, so I went in with an open mind. I love comic book movies, and have enjoyed atleast 95% of all of them that I have seen. This movie left a real bad taste in my mouth. I got to see the movie for free on a sneek preview at a local theatre, and at the conclusion, I wanted my money back. The movie was too long, very confusing and had completely unnecessary scenes. The movie had tons of potential of being a better movie. Instead of trying to cram so much into one very long confusing movie, they could have made it into 3 more entertaining and enjoyable movie. The commercials made the movie appear to be similar to “X-men”, “League of Extraordinary Gentleman”, “Batman” and other superhero movies; but this crossed the lines that did not need to be crossed and broke the most common of super hero movie rules: 1. You imply death, you don’t actually show it. 2. No foul language. 3. No sex/nudity, it is ok to imply and hint, but you do not show it, (the seen of the possibly rape and one superhero beating up a female superhero and then starting to rape her was unnecessary). Do not waste your money or 3 hours on this movie, if you must see it, wait till you can rent it for $1 on the Redbox.
March 7th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
because Duke so loves movies like “X-men”, “League of Extraordinary Gentleman”, and “Batman”, i wouldn’t imagine he’d get Watchmen. It’s meant to be what would ACTUALLY happen if superheroes existed in the real world. In the real world (which is not rated PG-13) people die, use foul language, get naked, and have sex. and in the real world, you have to be a tiny bit off your rocker, or at least have some personal issues (like Nite Owl) to dress up in a costume, wear a mask, and beat up criminals in public.
i saw the film and its brilliant. i’ll admit i had a few disappointments, mainly with acting from the Silk Spectres and some of the people in smaller roles, but i loved it and am REALLY looking forward to the directors cut. i highly recommend it. but for newcomers please keep in mind that it is not an action film (though it is a violent one). it’s a very intense drama that explores the psyche of people who would actually dress up and fight crime. don’t expect lots of explosions and punches and kicks. but expect the explosions and punches and kicks that ARE there to be AWESOME!
i loved it. 3 and a half out of 4 stars. i’m sure the directors cut will be 4 solid stars. i hope you enjoy it.