Amber and I went to Denver this weekend to catch up with the rest of civilization, and one of our main goals was to go see the movie Watchmen.
I had known about the graphic novel for some time but had not actually taken the time to read it until a couple weeks ago. I thought it was pretty good, if not a little disturbing, and it was an interesting take on the super hero genre.
So here is my review: It was really good!
There was a huge uproar from the fans of the graphic novel when the project was announced, most of them whined that there was no way Watchmen could be made into a movie. I would have to disagree, the movie is as close to the comic as it could be. To anyone who says otherwise I would ask you to double-check the size of your ego because you might be a pretentious snot. I do not hold Alan Moore up on a pedestal, nor should you.
Yes, he delivered an extremely complex criticism of human nature and Cold War hero worship…but you know what also does that, The Simpsons…so get over your inflated self-importance and enjoy the movie.
Oh yeah, as for the ending, the psychic space squid would have been way to complex and incredibly stupid to translate onto the big screen, so quit crying.
My only real complaint is that the movie didn’t do a very good job with Rorschach, people in the theatre were laughing at his lines…seriously, and what is even worse, I think people that are uninitiated with the story will think that he was supposed to be the good guy.
Of all of the comic book adaptation movies that have come out in the past years I feel like Watchmen got it right most often, which is amazing considering the source material.
i really enjoyed it also but i hadn’t read any of the comic beforehand so the story was new to me. i had read somewhere that the movie did portray Rorschach as a good guy conversely to the comic book. how was he different in the comic? also, i’m going to make my patients call me “Dr. Manhappenin’”.
also, i was impressed by how positive your post was and wasn’t sure if you had gone soft on me or not… until i got to your pretentious snot comment. that’s the brother i know and love!
I loved your post, but there was no mention of Bea in it. How’s the old girl doing? By the way we haven’t seen Watchmen yet, but we did manage to see Barefoot in the Park. I recomended it for Rachel and Travis, but I don’t know if they should waste their time. Ofcourse it is a classic.
Great review, aaron! I still haven’t seen the movie, but I am planning on going soon. I really loved the graphic novel. It was depressing and weird, but I thought it was brilliant. Americans want their heroes to be perfect, but things are not black and white… humans are complex and often bad even when they try to do good…
Anyhoo, I agree with you about how the movie changed the ending. I don’t think mainstream peeps would go for the giant squid. You have to be a really die-hard comic book person to go for the alternative dimension alien stuff.
Also, did you know that there is going to be an animated version of the “Tales of the Black Freighter” comic within the comic included on the DVD?
I read today that there is going to be a MacGuyver movie coming out.
After SNL’s spoof, I don’t think I can watch any more MacGuyver.
Will max go and see it?
i had first watch for breakfast today.
I liked your take on the movie and pretty similar to my own.
I had never read the comic, but knew the basics of the story and how it’s the Ulysses/Moby Dick/(insert timeless literary classic) of the comic world.
It does seem like a lot of casual viewers have made Rorschach the “good guy” and some sort of triumph of a conservative/libertarian point of view. As opposed to Veidt/Ozmandias who is supposed to an example of evil “liberal” social engineering.
As I’ve always understood it, Rorschach is supposed viewed as a sadistic sociopath “nutcase.”
Adam, that has nothing to do with Aaron’s post about Watchmen. What are you thinking? No one cares whether you had First Watch or not.
Hey Libby! What are you doing tonight? I have a test tomorrow. Boo!
it’s so nice out today!!!
don’t forget guys! subway’s $5 ANY footlong promotion is going on right now!
can we go to first watch when we’re in town? maybe on the friday (april 3).
I had Panera today
i’m drinking coffee with milk this morning. it is tasty!
Yes, let’s go to First Watch and drink some coffee without milk. Adam I am sure you will not be able to make First Watch, because you will be studying.