Review: Watchmen

Watchmen

3 blood-stained smiley face badges out of 5

I figure the people that see this movie probably fall into three categories. Fans of the 1986 graphic novel; someone who knew someone that is a fan of the graphic novel, and is going to see it because they heard how good the graphic novel was; and, the everyday movie-goer who wants to see a kick ass action movie. I fall into the second category. So, going into this movie, I had my own expectations. Knowing that the raw material that the director has to work with has as much substance as Watchmen -- it's kind of hard to not go into this film with some expectation. Now, falling into that second category, I find myself a little on-the-fence about Watchmen. It's a very ambitious film. Unfortunately, director Zack Snyder has a hard-on for action, more so than a script's emotional and mythological depth.

Set in an alternate and dismal 1985, Nixon is in his fifth term and the United States and the Soviets are on the brink of nuclear warfare. The Watchmen are a (mostly) second generation group of vigilante crime fighters. The ever subversive Rorschach has become überparanoid after the killing of one of their own -- the Comedian. In his crusades to unmask and bring justice to his killer, he and the presently dormant Watchmen unravel a sinister plot that goes deeper than any of them could have imagined.

Jackie Earle Haley is dynamite as Watchmen's axis: Rorschach. He gives the story the fervor it needs to stay afloat in a sea of potential camp. Even through his mask of ever-changing inkblot formations, you still feel his intensity as much as you do with it off -- yes, you see him without the mask on. The story of his childhood is enough to make the most hardened person cringe. Growing up with a neglecting, prostitute mother that wishes he was never born. He's left on his own from the beginning. You sense his anger and resentment when he responds to the death of his mother, at the hands of her own pimp, with one word: "Good." Haley immersed himself into his role -- being a fan of the original novel -- and it pays off.

Not to be forgotten, Billy Crudup is a driving force in this movie's emotional resonance as Dr. Manhattan. Unfortunately, at times his craft and his talent are overshadowed by his impressive co-star. Penis aside, Crudup brings a lot of emotional depth into a character that's, ironically, losing touch with humanity. Much of that is to be seen in his straining relationship with his live-in lover Silk Specte II.

Matthew Goode is just that: good as Ozymandias (Adrian Veidt). The quote-unquote smartest man in the world and Watchmen action figure entrepreneur. His scenes are dense, unfortunately few and far between. You never really get the chance to connect with him. Patrick Wilson holds his own pretty well as Nite Owl II (Dan Dreiberg). A walking "nice guys finish last" story. He's a great actor, but he has a role that gives us nothing to gravitate towards. He's just... there. We then have probably the main reason why post-pubescent boys will see this movie, Malin Ackerman as Silk Spectre II (Laurie Juspaczyk). Ackerman (as most would remember as Freak Show's inordinately hot wife Liane, in Harold & Kumar) is just void of the acting talent that one would need to bring any contributions to the film. Although, she is colossally hot, and yes, you see boobs! Unfortunately, they are contained within the films most awkward, pandering scene, in which her and Nite Owl II are getting it on in his hover cruiser "Archie," with Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" as the soundtrack. Give me a break.

I expected Snyder to completely lose sight of what made this graphic novel stand above all others, but he didn't -- at least not completely. I think he might have gotten a little too ambitious for his ability, as a director. The movie is still enjoyable though. If I can give Snyder credit for anything, it's that he can direct these frenetically-paced action sequences with grace and ease. He does well with the story and the impact the characters' inner turmoil bring to the story, but he still has a lot of room for improvement. There are a few throw-aways in this film, but I say: If you don't know Jackie Earle Haley or Billy Crudup yet, get to know them.

As a movie goer with no prior knowledge of Watchmen, I felt suprisingly fulfilled. So, now the question is: Who watches the Watchmen? I will... kinda.