Movie Review: Watchmen, R
2 ½ out of 5 stars
Laura Dosanjh
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Alan Moore’s seminal graphic novel “Watchmen” recently made its blockbuster debut after several failed attempts to translate the book to movie format. The director originally slated for the position, Terry Gilliam, said that this novel was unfilmable, and after seeing the movie, I’m inclined to agree.
“Watchmen” is set in an alternate 1985, where a group of heroes have retired from action due to protests against vigilantism. Amidst rising tensions between the
Director Zack Snyder of “300” fame elected to stick closely to the original text, something that didn’t always translate well to the big screen. Much of the dialogue felt a little disjointed and insufficient, a result of too-faithful adherence to a comic book script.
But beyond the dilapidated dialogue lies a much more serious problem: a failure to translate the feel and meaning of the novel. “Watchmen” is a complicated commentary on heroism and asks a very lofty question about whether or not a true good guy/bad guy dichotomy can really exist. It pushes the boundaries of traditional black and white issues typically omitted from graphic novels and superhero stories. It is also a social commentary, and it forces its readers to accept an unacceptable solution to an untenable situation, while at the same time scorning that very same solution.
The movie adaptation falls flat on every issue of depth, and what results is a somewhat mindless action flick. As a mindless action flick, however, it excels in formulaic fashion. Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) is a killer fighter, taking out a mass of opponents in true kick-ass style. The Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman) is smoking hot in a skin tight latex outfit, and the nerdy Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson) gets the coolest gizmos and the girl. Of course, he only gets her after she’s been cast aside by the resident immortal, all-powerful, indestructible Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup). Admirably, Dr. Manhattan also fits the cliché role of having been transformed into his superhuman state by a science accident. And finally, the token pretty boy, rich and blonde, Ozymandias (Matthew Goode). Sadly, Goode was greatly overwhelmed by this role, and he failed to make this character as dangerous and powerful as he should be.
The movie exhibits some nice special effects, though it fell far short of my expectations in light of recent advances. I must also admit that there was entirely too much flaccid blue penis as Dr. Manhattan completely abandoned his humanity and therefore his need to wear clothing for the majority of the movie.
In all, this movie is a huge disappointment to anyone who has ever read a comic book. I would recommend it only to fans of action films sans plot.