They said this movie couldn't be made, it was said that no one would be able to adapt Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ comic book to silver screen.
But Zack Snyder made it happen.
The film is set in an alternative 1985 where Nixon is in his fifth term as president, and superheroes are as common as celebrities.
But due to the Keene Act of 1977, superheroes are outlawed and illegal, except [Edward Blake/The Comedian] and [Jon Osterman/Dr. Manhatten] who work for government.
The Comedian is beaten to pulp by hooded man and is tossed out of a window. Rorschach(spelled Roar-Shock) who is ex-vigilante (played byJackie Earle Haley) decides to investigate the murder of Edward Blake. He suspects someone is killing off costumed heroes.
Thus begins the tale full of deception, rape, violence, one-liners,and saving the world.
The alternative New York depicted in this movie captures the visual look depicted in the comics.
And as many fans of this comic series have said, this movie captures some shots so well that they seem straight out of the comics. And more importantly the characters from the original comics have also been retained as it is.
And if you loved the character of The Joker by Heath Ledger, who deserved the Oscar, then you will love even more, Jackie Earle Haley who essayed the role of Rorschach. A die-hard Watchmen Comic series fan proclaimed "Every line he utters and every action he performs embodies Walter Kovacs". A class act indeed.
Jeffery Dean Morgan as The comedian showed his star power. He is shown as a wise-cracking badass but nothing is overdone.
Billy Crudup as Dr. Manhattan was just perfect. It seems as if nobody else could do it.
And his so called partner Nite Owl II/Dan Dreiberg, is played by Patrick Wilson, a man who seems born for this role.He seems to me as the only “true” hero something like Bruce Wayne.
Dr. Manhattan doesn’t care too much anyone, and so mostly his expression is that of attentive boredom, which seem correct. Crudup clearly understood the difference between Jon Osterman and Dr. Manhattan - which is why we is why we feel sensitivity towards him.
And lets talk about the remainging two characters Matthew Goode [Adrian Veidt/Ozymandias] and Malin Akerman [Laurie Juspeczyk/Silk Spectre II]. Veidt did a good job, but lacked something I can't place my finger on, still it was on a par with the others.
Malin Akerman as (Laurie Juspeczyk/Silk Spectre II) is a different animal altogether. She seems the weakest of the bunch. She’s not bad, but she’s sort of unimposing. Still she looks the part and gets better as the film goes on. And her mother's role is played by Carla Gugino, who is Sally Jupiter/Silk Spectre I. She has done an astounding job as she has portrayed a believable sexuality and pin-up lifestyle.
So, it all seems perfect, well nearly.
First of all what goes against this movie, is that it is not a household comic book name, like Batman is. So not many people are interested to watch it.
And this movie being an adult movie, kids are off the list.
And since the characters are not known it requires concentration to deduce who is who. Of course the credits roll did a good job, having background info helps.
And for a movie which is longer than typical hollywood movies, this movie is well paced and doesn't slack at all.
Still at times it feels some scenes could have been extended.
All in all an action packed movie, with dark flourishes that transport you to an alternate reality.
Miss it, if you want, but this is surely going to be a cult classic.And I am waiting to lay my hands on its Director's Cut version. Oh Yes! I want to watch it again!
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