Watchmen

The film is based on the limited edition of DC Comics which was published during the late 80s. A re-written American history. Nixon is elected US President for the third term. Americans win in Vietnam. It’s the height of Cold War and there’s nuclear threat from the Soviets.

Enter the Watchmen – A disbanded team of superheroes. Members: Blue-giant Dr Manhattan (Billy Crudup), night owl Dan (Patrick Wilson), masked Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley), The Comedian (Jeffrey Morgan) and sexy Silk (Malin Akerman).

The film opens with the murder of The Comedian. Former teammate Rorschach sets out to solve the case and seeks the help of other ex-heroes. However, Silk and Dan are busy with their own problems. In the meantime, Ozymandias (Matthew Goode), the brainiest of the group, has gone into hiding, having made billions from merchandising himself, while Dr Manhattan, the most powerful too is on self exile to Mars.

Can they prevent a war between nations now and save the world? As Rorschach puts the pieces together in The Comedian’s death, the plot thickens with love, hate, memories of harassment, old secrets, and comradeship and human sacrifices.

Though the film somehow unravels the twist and turns quite well it fails to generate enough heat to catch a fire.

The soap-opera style tones down each segment into a kind of individual plot.

Despite the endless narration, flashbacks and dark look, the film has technical finesse. The special effects and reflected light effects on the nude (all time) Dr Manhattan’s appearance is a classic touch making him look majestic and non-provocative.

Some disappointments for fans of director Zack Snyder as well. This film no doubt has his expressionist action sequences in the form of raw violence and stylistic moves but there aren’t simply enough fights.

Considering the theme being saving humankind from total annihilation, it’s rather strange as to why there are too many graphic shots involving blood and flesh.

‘Watchmen’ is not for all, especially children. It contains heavy dose of blood, sex and nudity. Fit only for mature consumption.
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Watchmen
English (A)
Cast: Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Morgan, Malin Akerman
Director: Zack Snyder