"Watchmen" Pleases the Eye, the Brain, and this Fanboy

Let me just start with a brief explanation: I love the graphic novel, "Watchmen." I personally believe it is one of the best books in general I have ever read. Therefore, it is very difficult for me to review the film adaptation without some bias. I admit, the film is quite flawed, but both the critic and the fan inside me find "Watchmen" a thrilling, visually stunning, and mentally stimulating adventure. The plot of the film, much like everything else, is almost identical to the 1986 original Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons graphic novel. Several heroes exist in an alternate reality during the 1980s in which Nixon is still the President, the U.S. wins the Vietnam War, and the Cold War is getting frightening close to becoming World War III. The only hero with actual superpowers is Dr. Manhattan, a scientist-turned-weapon after a shocking lab accident. He is the only thing keeping the world from blowing itself up, but he finds himself apathetic to the human race since he's basically God on Earth. The other heroes, such as Nite Owl II, Silk Spectre II and Rorschach, each have their own issues and demons to confront while coping with a world on the brink of destruction.

When the graphic novel was first released, it was a brilliant and unique work on paranoia, communism, and the nuclear age. Nowadays, communism and its ensuing paranoia have been replaced by terrorism; therefore, the film's ties to communism and the Cold War don't quite have the same effect. The movie, though, does maintain several other intriguing plot commentaries, especially on human nature and the twisted mythology of the superhero, that still compel and fascinate the audience's mind. Plus, during a time when so many movies refuse to extend themselves beyond a two word plot (for example, "Overweight Security" or "Vengeful Dad"), it is nice to see a film try to do something more. For that, "Watchmen" gets major points.

In addition, the visuals are spectacular. Supposed "visionary" director Zach Snyder, who has created a legacy of taking other people's creations (George Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" and Frank Miller's "300") and turning them into new generation entertainment, has a fantastic eye for detail and luscious visuals. The graphic novel was filled with breathtaking imagery, such as a crystal fortress on Mars and the always-changing face of Rorschach, and Snyder is able to take those images and make them equally as unique and beautiful on screen.

Snyder also has a great skill for creating intense and brutal action, which was put on display in "300" and now here. The fights and action sequences here are almost ballets of bloody punches, gruesome wounds, and excessive slow motion. They are thrilling to watch, but sensitive viewers, don't be fooled by the seemingly playful costumes and bright colors: This is a horrifyingly dark movie. Anyone and everyone can be killed. You know the cinematic rule that kids cannot be killed in movies? "Watchmen" breaks that rule. Twice. With glee.

For all of the good "Watchmen" delivers, there is also a good amount of bad. The storytelling organization and style can be confusing to those unfamiliar with the graphic novel and disheveled for most everyone. This is most prominent during a funeral sequence in which the audience is witnessing a funeral, and then dragged around to several other characters and back stories before returning to the solemn funeral proceedings. In a novel, chapters and re-reads allow for jumpy character arches to flow better, but in a movie such as "Watchmen," the tone and rhythm can get thrown off.

The performances also range from great to miserable. Jackie Earle Haley, who was previously nominated for an Oscar in "Little Children," does a marvelous job as the psychopathic anti-hero Rorschach, and Billy Crudup manages to find subtle emotion in the disconnected Dr. Manhattan. Patrick Wilson and Jeffrey Dean Morgan do fine in their particular roles, and Matthew Goode delivers a good performance but is unfortunately miscast as the smartest man in the world, Ozymandias.

On the miserable side, though, is Malin Akerman as Silk Spectre II. Some of her lines, such as her response to being teleported to Mars, are laughable, and her wooden performance doesn't help. Unfortunately, since her love story with Nite Owl II gets a good amount of screen time, expect to see a lot of her lack of emotion and chemistry.

All negatives aside, though, "Watchmen" is a step above everything else that has come out this year in theatres. The film manages to be more interesting visually and mentally than most of the sanitized garbage that comes out of Hollywood these days. Fanboys, such as myself, will enjoy seeing their beloved graphic novel moving on the big screen, and everyone else will enjoy the ruthless carnage, striking visuals, and compelling plot. Perfect? Absolutely not. A good way to pass three hours during the miserable weather and bland cinematic offerings of late winter? A great big slow motion yes.

Editor's Note: Matthew Mueller, the brother of St. Norbert student and former News Editor Alyssa Mueller, is a permanent columnist for the St. Norbert Times.