Watchmen ~~~~

Let me begin by saying that this film totally overwhelmed me. In a good way.

Having not read the graphic novel, by the 'genius' Alan Moore, but knowing a little about the general idea - a society slowly turning against their super-heroes in an alternative universe to our own - I was intrigued to find out what all the hype was about.

It's a rough and ready, violent world where those in the masks and tights do their best to uphold some sense of order in a crumbling society. Unfortunately, the world is changing. Through clever editing and evocative flash-backs we are introduced to the original gang of heroes which included, amongst others, the lovely Silk Spectre, The Comedian, Mothman, Silhouette, Dr. Manhattan, Hooded Justice and Night Owl. We come to understand that many of the original Watchmen retired, eventually replaced by new men and women carrying on their character's mantles. Those, who themselves more recently gave up the job, included Silk Spectre II (daughter of former mentioned No. I) and Night Owl (the replacement.) Having left their alter-egos behind, a seemingly tragic event suddenly brings them together. The Comedian is murdered.

We are enveloped within this dark world with the help of Rorschach, a shady character, whose hidden face conceals a rage within. Through his film-noirish journal entry narration, we discover that things are not what they seem. Things are changing and a baddie must be punished.

I really don't want to give any of the story away. It is so beautifully revealed that to do so would be a great shame indeed. What I will say is that the cast is superb (no really big names and better for it (did you see 'The Spirit earlier this year? Shame on you, too)) as are the costumes, sound and direction. It really is a tight little film especially considering no one thought a success could be made in a live-action version of the now almost biblically revered graphic novel. The only down points were that some of the ageing make-up was a bit dodgy (ok for DVD?), it contained more graphic violence and sex than I had anticipated (but I'm a big girl now) and it ran over a little, just 20 minutes or so.

Rorschach was a superbly observed ultra-violent sadist yet, by the end of the film, the most sympathetic of all the characters. Both Silk Spectre I and II were gorgeous, kick-ass female super heroes gladly accepted within the fold to boost the otherwise pathetically female hero stable. Dr. Manhattan was, well blue and hung like a proverbial - the director of photography/special effects team were certainly able to frame a shot well, if you know what I mean?! And thank the casting stars for choosing such a lovely fella to play Night Owl II. Geek-chic is so in right now.

There are parts of the original story which, I have been informed, are not present in the film version. No matter, it all seemed to make perfect sense by the end and I was incredibly impressed with how it all came together regardless of the rather pedestrian ending. The feel and the look of the film was pretty wonderful - very noir, very 'this is how graphic novel films should look'.

I wasn't totally sold on the time/travel/space shifting of Dr. Manhattan or on his riddle-me-this type jibberings on how the future looks like its going to pan out, but I decided to let that ride. I wasn't too keen on the visit to Mars. Nevertheless, it all made sense in the end.

I was expecting this to be a bit hookie really but following on in the vein of 'V for Vendetta' (which I loved), I can now openly admit that, from a film viewer's point of view, I really do like (what others have interpreted to be) Alan Moore's scribblings. I am even considering borrowing some of his works from my fella's bookshelves... but I'll never give up the film!

Miss this, miss out on what could possibly one of 2009's better films.