Movie: Watchmen

[Assassin]

Another graphic novel turned movie, from the director of 300.

Official site (http://watchmenmovie.warnerbros.com/)

Trailer (http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/watchmen/)

Looks to be pretty awesome...at least animation wise it will not disappoint.

The trailer also contains one of the most badass lines i've ever heard.

The world look up and shout 'Save Us'...and i'll whisper 'No'

[Paulyboy]

This is gonna be a bad ass movie, you can tell visually. I never read the novel but this movie is gonna be good, I mean the creators of 300!

[itadakimasu]

When I saw the trailer for this friday before batman I thought it was the Avengers or something because I know people have been talking about them bringing together ironman, the hulk, etc... and i thought the one charactor was batman(lol) because of the DC comics logo and what not...

This was probably the 2nd most exciting trailer because Terminator : Salvation was #1 hands down

[Sapphire]

I saw the trailer for the first time and it looked really CGIey, which I typically don't like... but it still looks badass, so I totally want to see this.

I thought the girl looked like Xena. >_>

The music and trailer style remind me of an anime.. but I can't name it..

[Everon]

I wonder how many times I'm going to shake my head during this movie and think to myself, "he doesn't get it...he really doesn't get it"

The Watchmen comic took advantage of its medium and was never meant to be turned into a movie, let alone squeezed into a two and a half hour one (maybe a miniseries). Even if this was somehow doable, I don't think Snyder is the man for the job. 300 was a very atmospheric comic, which it fairly translatable. The Watchmen is complex as hell with intricate plot and long dialogs.

He'll turn it into pop bullshit. It'll be entertaining pop bullshit, but ultimately pop bullshit.

[rockmanj]

I don't know how i feel about them making watchmen into a film. Part of me is intrigued, and part of me is horrified at how much it could potentially suck.

[Assassin]

I was considering reading the novel...but maybe i should wait till after the movie. It seems like those who've read it aren't expecting the movie to be good, and i wouldn't want a biased opinion going in.

[Stitch]

Terrible trailer.

Did not get the point.

Movie will bomb.

[Assassin]

you're basing that on the fact that you didn't 'get' the trailer?

[Stitch]

Yeah.

If I don't get it, I'm guessing a lot of other people won't get it either because I'm smarter than average.

[Everon]

I was considering reading the novel...but maybe i should wait till after the movie. It seems like those who've read it aren't expecting the movie to be good, and i wouldn't want a biased opinion going in.

That'd be probably a good idea. Considering the length of the comic, they're going to be cutting a lot of stuff out.

[Sapphire]

It's a teaser, so they don't tell you anything.

Batman trailer was horrible IMO.

[Jessper]

If I don't get it, I'm guessing a lot of other people won't get it either because I'm smarter than average.

I'll take your word for it...

I'll bet that like every other movie that comes out the trailers will show more as we get closer, plus it has super heroes, people love super heroes.

[Assassin]

It's a teaser, so they don't tell you anything.


Exactly, the point is to tease you, not tell you what the movie is about....thats kinda what the actual movie is for.

[rockmanj]

no, read Watchmen now. You won't regret it

[Sapphire]

Linkz?

In existence? :D

They seem to be. (http://isohunt.com/download/44123650/Watchmen.torrent)

[Stitch]

My bad, guys.

Thanks for letting me know what a teaser's purpose is.

To rephrase my earlier post:

Terrible teaser.

Did not get teased at all. More like nonplussed.

Teaser bombed.

[fahoumh]

The movie visuals are pretty faithful to the books (which was an AMAZING series...if you haven't read it, consider yourself deprived). I hope it doesn't suck.

[python862]

For all factoid and MGS fans out there, Watchmen's creator just happens to be the American voice of Solid Snake, David Hayter. Relevance? None. Awesomeness? All.

Looked to be an interesting teaser. I'm definitely hyped.

[XanBcoo]

For all factoid and MGS fans out there, Watchmen's creator just happens to be the American voice of Solid Snake, David Hayter. Relevance? None. Awesomeness? All.
David Hayter wrote the screenplay. He's written for several movies.

Watchmen was written and created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

Anyway, I've never read the comic but I've been aware of the huge hype surrounding it for a few years. I think this is what will finally make me read it.

[python862]

I stand corrected. My source for info was apparently wrong.

[Abdula]

David Hayter wrote the screenplay. He's written for several movies.

Watchmen was written and created by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.

Anyway, I've never read the comic but I've been aware of the huge hype surrounding it for a few years. I think this is what will finally make me read it.
Sapphire already posted a link for it. She even made a thread. You should definitely check it out. Its a good read.

[XanBcoo]

I was unaware of that. Off I go, and thanks for the head's up.

[Munsu]

http://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSN1840756420080819?sp=true



Fox seeks to stop WB's "Watchmen" after court win

By Alex Dobuzinskis

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Twentieth Century Fox said on Monday it will seek an injunction to block release of the Warner Bros movie "Watchmen" after a Los Angeles court ruled a copyright lawsuit against Warner can go forward.

The movie about raffish, flawed superheroes -- which has already been shot -- is slated for release on March 6, said Warner Bros spokesman Scott Roe.

The highly anticipated film, with a budget believed to be about $120 million, is based on a 1980s DC Comics graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons.

In his decision released last week, Judge Gary Feess of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California wrote that Fox could hold some of the rights to the material, even if it did not hold all rights.

Fox argues it acquired motion picture rights to the "Watchmen" graphic novel in the last 1980s, and that even though it relinquished certain rights to the material in 1991 it held onto the right to distribute the first movie.

"We will be asking the court to enforce Fox's copyright interests in "The Watchmen" and enjoin the release of the Warner Brothers film and any related 'Watchmen' media that violate our copyright interests in that property," said Fox spokesman Gregg Brilliant.

"The Watchmen" is directed by Zack Snyder, who made the 2007 hit movie "300." The film is based on edgy material and takes an unorthodox approach to the superhero movie by focusing on flawed antiheroes.

Scott Rowe, a spokesman for Warner Bros, said the ruling only means that the case will go forward.

"The judge did not opine at all on the merits, other than to conclude that Fox satisfied the pending requirements," Rowe said. "We respectfully disagree with Fox's position and do not believe they have any rights in and to this project."

Feess' ruling was issued on Wednesday, in response to Warner Bros' request to have the case dismissed. Warner Bros made the request after Fox sought an injunction against release of "Watchmen."

Fox filed its lawsuit against Warner Bros in February. Fox's accusations against its rival studio included copyright infringement, interference with contract and breach of contract.

DC Comics, the company behind the "Watchmen" graphic novel, is a subsidiary of Warner Bros, which is owned by Time Warner Inc. Fox is owned by News Corp

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Peter Henderson and Carol Bishopric)

[XanBcoo]

Dammit, Fox, this is why we can't have nice things :mad:.

[Munsu]

Well, Kevin Smith gives it two-thumbs up... that's good enough for me as I wait for the movie to come out. Let's just hope we get to see the uncut version sooner rather than later:


Kevin Smith says 'Watchmen' is astounding (insert 'but' here)
Aug 21, 2008, 08:06 AM | by Hollywood Insider

Categories: 'Watchmen', Movie Biz

--Written by Jeff Jensen

While comic book aficionados wonder if Warner Bros. will release its controversial superhero flick Watchmen as scheduled next March, one famous fan of the groundbreaking graphic novel says he’s seen Zack Snyder’s $100 million opus, and judging from his reaction, it appears all the fuss the film has stirred up is worth it.

Clerks helmer Kevin Smith (pictured) — who apparently was invited to see the film at Snyder’s invitation shortly after Comic-Con last month — has posted an unabashed rave for Watchmen over at MySpace: “I saw Watchmen. It’s f---ing astounding. The Non-Disclosure Agreement I signed prevents me from saying much, but I can spout the following with complete joygasmic enthusiasm: Snyder and Co. have pulled it off. Remember that feeling of watching Sin City on the big screen and being blown away by what a faithful translation of the source material it was, in terms of both content and visuals? Triple that, and you’ll come close to watching Watchmen.”

Of course, depending on how you felt about Sin City, Smith’s assessment may or may not strike you as impressive. So EW.com asked Smith — currently prepping his R-rated lewd laugher Zack and Miri Make A Porno for a Halloween premiere — to expand just a smidge: “My God, the flick is amazing.” Okay. And? “Anything more and I start getting phone calls.” Fair enough.

Smith’s gush might be encouraging for those who’ve long doubted that even a good film could be distilled out of Watchmen’s dense, complex story, let alone one that’s “f---ing astounding.” But there is still reason to worry: as EW reported in July, Snyder is currently endeavoring to trim a nearly three-hour version of Watchmen (which is believed to be the iteration Smith saw) down to two hours and 25 minutes, the studio’s desired running time, even though Snyder’s preference is that the movie be released as long as possible.


In the wake of Twentieth Century Fox’s lawsuit against Warner Bros. over Watchmen’s distribution rights — a complaint that seems to be valid, based on available court documents — some fans fret that Snyder might be asked to cut even more to improve its chances at being profitable. The angsty logic, expressed on a different geek hub message boards, goes like this: if Warner Bros. has to settle with Fox, or is forced to share revenue with Fox, the $100 million movie becomes even more expensive for Warner Bros. Sure, Watchmen might be great at 145 minutes, but if it’s good enough at a shorter length, which could generate an extra showing per screen, per day, that’s more money for the studio. (We tried to run that bit of thinking past Snyder himself, but he declined to comment.)

As Watchmengate — perhaps the priciest whoopsie! in Hollywood history — continues to obsess fans and bloggers, there’s been much speculation about how much money might be at stake here. The Hot Blog’s David Poland at moviecitynews.com theorizes that Warner Bros. might have to fork over $25 million to settle with Fox. Then again, Fox might get even more if it becomes a profit participant in the film, provided the movie does blockbuster business, and especially if Fox gets dealt in on after-theatrical revenues like DVDs. Indeed, Warner sources indicated to EW last month that the property’s above-average potential as an ancillary media cash cow was a big reason why Warner Bros. greenlit the picture. Already, the studio could milk Watchmen for at least three different DVDs: the already-announced The Black Freighter companion disc, an animated film based on the graphic novel’s comic-within-a-comic; the theatrical version of the film; and possibly a separate director’s cut that restores Snyder’s three-hour vision and integrates the Black Freighter story into Snyder’s narrative, a kind of “absolute edition” of Watchmen: the movie the director is very keen on making available to fans.

Regardless, even Kevin Smith believes that no matter how the Warner Bros./Fox flap resolves itself, fans will be able to see Watchmen on March 6, 2009. “Nah,” Smith tells EW.com. “There's no way that situation doesn't get ironed out.”
http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2008/08/watchmen-update.html

[XanBcoo]

Dave Gibbons speaks at a convention about the Watchmen movie (http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1745088858?bclid=1745180913&bctid=1745137178)

He seems to be really enthusiastic about it. Damn I need to read this thing before the movie comes out.

[rockmanj]

Has anyone heard the news about the ending? Like, I don't want to spoil, but its significantly changed from the books, but according to a lot of people, still makes sense in the spirit of the movie. I guess, if you know the ending of the books, they were pretty ridiculous, yet still shocking. I guess we'll find out next summer.

[Sapphire]

This is the greatest movie I have ever seen. Everyone go see this in the theatre.

[Raven]

Kevin Smith was right, fucking astounding. Epic, amazing, it was everything I'd hoped it would be.

[XanBcoo]

After seeing Sapphire's facebook status update that she, in fact, saw this movie, I decided to go out and see it myself.

Having not read the comic didn't bother me one bit. This was a pretty damn great. There's something that bugged me about the last 20 minutes or so, but I still haven't quite figured out what. I guess I just didn't buy into the certainty of world peace that would merit the sacrifice Ozymandias made. Gonna have to mull that one over.

Every character was interesting. Dr. Manhattan really made the movie for me. He was such a great character. And holy shit Rorschach is brilliant. I think I loved him without his mask on even more.

Edit: That was the bluest penis I've ever seen.

[Sapphire]

Every grimey, dirty and morally questionable part of this movie made it great. There was just the perfect blend of intelligent conflict, ruthless killing, and superhero sex (haha). The plot was complex and the characters were well developed.

Everyone had a different view of the world and we got to see their personalities clash and yet it was easy to sympathize with each one. And I love it when most of the characters have something deep and insightful to say about life. It's probably the main reason I watch anime. I freaking LOVE Rorschach, from his poetic bashing of the filth of society to his near psychopathic rage and total kickassness in jail. When his mask is on it's like his motion is as fluid and calculated as his speech. When it isn't he's rough and sexy tough and someone you do NOT wanna anger. Manhattan's performance was amazing as well, and I was rather satisfied by the way things turned out because it wasn't exactly the typical hollywood ending. But maybe what I like most of all was the chronicle of the "heroes" throughout the years; how they changed, what they'd become.

I'm surprised you could just up and get a ticket Xan! I had to buy mine 5 hours in advance.

AHHH. I'm totally buying the DVD so I can watch the monster 3 and a half hour version.

[Assertn]

Indeed....the movie was dope...and Dr. Manhattan added a great philosophical dimension to the story. Only complaints were that I found a few questionable details pertaining to Dr. Manhattan..particularly his ability to observe the 4th dimension.

[darkshadow]

Saw this yesterday, Rorsach is such a boss, "You guys don't understand, I'm not locked in here with you, you are locked in here with me!".
Pure gold :D.

[Killa-Eyez]

Yeas, this movie was AWESOME! Didn't know jackshit about the storyline in the novel, but the story was indeed not your average hollywood type. It added so much more, Rorschach being exterminated in the end, and he was my fav! Choppie-chop, Grice! :D
Dr. Manhatten was such an blue emo douche. I'm just glad he wore panties back in Nam. There was like a 12 yr old girl sitting next to me. A what, 10 min. sex scene? So uncomfortable...

[Sapphire]

Hahahah okay sexophobe.

Someone behind me laughed when Rorschach died. I nearly turned around and slapped them.

[Killa-Eyez]

You should've, and then some.

Well yes, I'm not at ease when I watch a scene like that and see a 12 yr old watching it the same way I do, straight face and all. I felt like putting a hand in front of her vision...

[Ryllharu]

I read the book a few months before it came out, loved it, and really enjoyed the movie too. Saw it tonight (yesterday?) in IMAX. I missed the really in-depth backstories that the comic provided just a little bit, but enough material from each were blended in nicely.

I had just one problem with the ending. Not the primary changes made that all the internet seemed to be complaining about, I thought that major change was wonderfully weaved in.

[movie-only spoilers]



My issue was the fact that Nite Owl was outside to see Rorsharch die. Dan's behavior is so completely different during those events in the comic. The movie really redeemed his character and tried to make him more of the "comic book" hero. The novel and movie both showed all the Watchmen to be flawed in many ways, but the way this was done took out a lot of the contrast between Nite Owl and Rorsharch's characters. He went from a character I love to hate for his complicity to the plan, to someone who is more of agreeable as a "wholly good" character. In the novel ( I won't spoil ) he's far more concerned about something else than Rorsharch's clash with Manhattan.

I also wish they had gone for a little more time in a dead silence when Veidt said that he did it 35 minutes ago. Just to let it sink in.


[spoilers]

Aside from that slightest of flaws, I loved the movie.

I do wonder about its mass appeal if you didn't read the novel first. I thought some of the pacing was a little harder to follow if you didn't know what was going to happen.

[Killa-Eyez]

Well, I didn't get The Comedian stuff, other then him being a sadistic bastard with bad humor and knew of some stuff he shouldn't have and got killed for it. Didn't really have any signifcant part to me other then being the girls dad. Maybe I missed stuff, it was 3 hours or something...

[Sapphire]

Wait what, how was Night Owl really?

[XanBcoo]

Well, I didn't get The Comedian stuff, other then him being a sadistic bastard with bad humor and knew of some stuff he shouldn't have and got killed for it. Didn't really have any signifcant part to me other then being the girls dad. Maybe I missed stuff, it was 3 hours or something...
I thought The Comedian was a really good character. He wasn't so much sadistic as he was completely amoral. I seem to recall them explaining early on that he was a "parody" of humanity, in that he saw the world for what it was and decided to just sit back and laugh, having a grand old time doing whatever the hell he wanted, because in the end it wouldn't matter. He was killed because he was working for the government, and Nixon asked him to look into Ozymandias' actions and he eventually learned about what was going to happen.


Dr. Manhatten was such an blue emo douche
I was surprised at how douchey Dr. Manhattan came off as well. Douchey from the human perspective, at least. When I went in I only knew a little bit about the characters, so I knew he was "Godlike" and just kind of assumed he would have this very moral quality about him. In reality he just ascended far beyond any human comprehension and had trouble relating to the people he once loved. That's why he left his former girlfriend, because she really was getting old and he couldn't make himself care. Ozymandias' plan made sense to him, but as he said, he neither condemned nor condoned it.

I want to see this movie again. I've also got to borrow the comic from a friend of mine. I'm interested to see what changes were made.

[Ryllharu]

Wait what, how was Night Owl really?

I'll keep this hidden in case anyone wants to read the comic and find out for themselves.

[ Instead of being inwardly horrified at what he knew Manhattan was going to have to do, he was completely aloof to that whole situation and with Laurie (silk spectre II) they agree with Veidt that it will save the world and go off and make out or have sex in an atrium somewhere. Manhattan kills Rorschach, but through the pure logic of the situation.

It makes it come off that for how much friendship and camaraderie that Nite Owl and Rorschach had, even considered each other the closest things to friends they had, Nite Owl doesn't give a shit about anything but Laurie. He just accepts the situation and selfishly is glad that she is alive and his. I don't even think the two of them know about his death until later.

Then they change their identities and that's the end of that. ]

The film ends up really showing what kinds of different heroes there are, and that's why I love the characters.

(My interpretations)

- Manhattan is cold pure logic. Things are either worth doing, or not. As he begins to care less and less, becoming less of a wrathful God and more of a aloof God, he begins to see things only on an even larger scale. Hence, he was quick to agree that Veidt's plan is worth leaving as is for peace.

- The Comedian gives no false pretenses. He likes to kill, he likes to maim, and he'll do whatever it takes to be on the right side. That's why he starts working for the government, to focus that need for carnage. It still means he's doing "good," by perserving his country and what he cherishes about it, but he does have a heart deep down. Mass murder is out the question to him, he likes to keep things face to face, even if he loses control a couple times.

- Nite Owl is just playing hero. He's got all the toys, a secret identity, and he likes it. But he doesn't need it the same way some of the others do. When it all comes down to it, he's a little bit of a coward. Real problems are too much to think about. He can't stick to his principles and it stops being a game. Maybe he even realises that it has been just a game. Deep down, he's a "good" guy, knows where he wants things to be, but he won't go all the way to support those principles, he'll just run away.

- Ozymandias is the pinnacle of genius. He sees something wrong in the world, and vows to fix it. No matter the cost. He borders the line between villain and hero and only remains a "hero" because he does genuinely wants the greater good for humanity. Maybe he does want to lead all of mankind under his thumb, so he remains in the grey area. He accepts the price of everything he's done, but as long as it helps, he'll do it. It's almost a zealous approach to being good, like a knight who murders mauraders, even after they surrender, just in case they might come back to murder a village.

- Laurie (Silk Spectre II) is just in it because she was told to. Maybe she likes it, maybe she's selfish too. Her mother was certainly only in it for the fame. She's more like a hero who wants out. Being forced into a situation, they do their work reluctantly, maybe even start to like it a little. But they still want stability, still want out. Is it a very misogynistic view? Probably.

- Rorschach desribes himself at the end the best. "Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon." He only believes in absolute justice. There is those on his side (or close enough) and there are the scum. Like Comedian, it doesn't matter how he does it, what side of the law he is on, there is a line unerringly drawn in the sand where Rorschach's "Justice" is. Murder is murder and doing that deserves killing. He will step over the line that the law can't in order to serve that law. But unlike Veidt, he will only go so far over that line. Like Comedian, face to face. He always puts himself into the thick of danger. He knows he's not perfect, but he gives everyone a fair shake. Eye for an eye, no pre-emptive strikes.

[Killa-Eyez]

I thought The Comedian was a really good character. He wasn't so much sadistic as he was completely amoral. I seem to recall them explaining early on that he was a "parody" of humanity, in that he saw the world for what it was and decided to just sit back and laugh, having a grand old time doing whatever the hell he wanted, because in the end it wouldn't matter. He was killed because he was working for the government, and Nixon asked him to look into Ozymandias' actions and he eventually learned about what was going to happen.


Yeah, you're right. I guess I'm just bummed he died in the beginning.
Thanks XB for explaining a little, I remember now. You too, Ryllharu.

[itadakimasu]

I didn't read the watchmen books... and I think I really went into the movie w\ my expectations way too high.

I was mostly under-whelmed. I thought the story was pretty slow to develop... the fight scenes were pretty good. The opening of the movie had me pretty pumped, but as the movie went on I just wasn't really satisfied.

I had read a review that maybe they were trying to cram way too much story into the 2-2.5 hour film.

im giving it a 6/10.

plus sides : Don't think i'll see it,but the star trek trailer had me slightly intrigued. Also, very excited about Terminator : Salvation. that 3 minutes had me more excited than any point during watchmen.

[Ryllharu]

You had previews? My IMAX showing just sort of..started. Even The Dark Knight in IMAX had a preview...Watchmen.

All I heard were negative reviews going into the movie, and I was adequately impressed. It was just exactly what I expected. Neither perfect, nor terrible. I went out mostly satisfied. It's not a superhero movie, and it's not an action movie. It is a deconstructionist character study disguised as both an action and superhero title. Well, the novel is anyway.

I was a little bothered by how many reviewers were comparing it to 300. Considering how high-minded, lofty, and elitist most reviewers are about art house films, most of them took an incredibly shallow look at this film.

[lilphatboi88]

I watched this movie the wednesday it came out. UW had a free private screening.

Anyways, loved Dr. Manhattan. I just don't understand how Veidt was so much more superior than everyone else.

I think the producers were at crossroads because 1, if they developed Ozmandias' character, the public can figure out that he killed the Comedian. With that said, who really out there would have been able to take Comedian in a fist to fist combat.

And how was Ozmandias able to block off Dr. Manhattan's "look into the future?"

[Ryllharu]

And how was Ozmandias able to block off Dr. Manhattan's "look into the future?""2 Billion Dollars into tachyon research..." - Veidt.

Manhattan mentioned to Laurie that tachyons (being particles that travel backward in time...) would interfere with his universal look at what we childishly call time, his words, because they are going in the opposite direction...blah blah blah. Laurie cut him off around this point.

Just like in Star Trek with the deflector dish, tachyons can do anything.

[Pandadice]

well, i saw this movie today.

I was simply amazed by it. it was such a great and entertaining movie. I haven't read the graphic novel.

I had only heard good things about it before i watched it, but I was anticipating pretty much a cliche superhero movie. I was expecting it to be like Fantastic 4 or something, and I was even worried that I had only had 4 hours of sleep before going and seeing it.

but no, it definitely was nothing like your generic superhero movie.. this was on a completely different level. well worth watching. and even though I had such little sleep I didn't even get tired at all during it.

Though the movie was like 2.5 hours, I hardly noticed, and I definitely didn't care. it was captivating throughout the entire thing, and I never thought "when is this gonna be over?" once during it. (which I actually did with Dark Knight about 3 times before it really ended...)

It had such awesome music too. Though I'll never watch Shrek with Alleluia the same way again.

[Assertn]

Dr. Manhatten was such an blue emo douche.
You're a blue emo douche.
Dr. Manhattan's philosophical explorations were my favorite parts of the movie.

Edit: Also, Dr. Manhattan's the man. The last things he does in the movie is blows up Night Owl's friend, makes out with Night Owl's girl, then goes off to a distant galaxy to create new life. Badass.

[Killa-Eyez]

You're a blue emo douche.
Dr. Manhattan's philosophical explorations were my favorite parts of the movie.

Edit: Also, Dr. Manhattan's the man. The last things he does in the movie is blows up Night Owl's friend, makes out with Night Owl's girl, then goes off to a distant galaxy to create new life. Badass.

Maybe his actions were badass, but the way he presented himself made him look like a 14 y/o with daddy issues. Come on, people gettin' cancer? Where's his reasoning? Boohoo, I can't stimulate you, boohoo. And his voice, my god! The guy's got creepy written all over himself. I think the comedian was more badass then he'll ever be. And what was with the frontal nudity? Sorry, but he is a blue emo douche.

Edit: My fav. is Rorschach. Now he's badass!

[Ryllharu]

Come on, people gettin' cancer? Where's his reasoning?
I think you might have missed the point on this one. People getting cancer from being near or even associating with Manhattan was a huge commentary on super powers in general. The idea that superheroes should and probably do always have the lingering thought that their powers might inadvertently hurt those they love or even those they save.

Might Superman get distracted and crush the people he saves with his strength? Did the Goblin really kill her by throwing her off or did Spiderman snap Gwen Stacy's neck when he caught her with a web? Is there a possibility that the Human Torch might burn an apartment or girlfriend to ashes while having a nightmare?

If the powers are something like radioactivity, then the fear is only greater because of the lack of obvious effects until it is too late. This is kind of material usually used in origin stories about supervillains who lash out in their grief.

[Killa-Eyez]

I see yours. But my point is, that he simply believed it like that, without further investigating it, being a scientist and all. And after seeing his ex like that he almost immediately moved to mars. Running away from our problems, aye? Sorry, he gets no respect. He's still a blue emo douche.

[fahoumh]

I finally watched it on Saturday and I couldn't help but compare the movie to the book the entire way through. I left a little disappointed, to be honest...especially how they changed Veidt's "master plan". Snyder's directorial style didn't really fit Moore's writing style, IMO. Still though, I realize that the movie would have been at least 5 hours if they wanted to fit everything in and it was probably the best he could have done given the restrictions of the medium.

[Assertn]

Maybe his actions were badass, but the way he presented himself made him look like a 14 y/o with daddy issues. Come on, people gettin' cancer? Where's his reasoning? Boohoo, I can't stimulate you, boohoo. And his voice, my god! The guy's got creepy written all over himself. I think the comedian was more badass then he'll ever be. And what was with the frontal nudity? Sorry, but he is a blue emo douche
Dude, are you that guy that just throws the word emo around without even knowing what it means? How could someone detached from human emotion be an emo? Seriously?

[Killa-Eyez]

Dude, are you that guy that just throws the word emo around without even knowing what it means? How could someone detached from human emotion be an emo? Seriously?

Not knowing how to please the bitch, running scared to mars cause his ex got cancer, while on mars getting somehow convinced that miracles do exist, hesitating to kill Rorschach... He is either the one, or the other. To me it all seemed like a front, so yeah, he's an emo douche. Full of his self saying he's detached and all, but doing the other. His so-called logic didn't seem logical to me. But whateva, this is kinda ruining the thread so let's agree to disagree.

[XanBcoo]

Not knowing how to please the bitch
I watched the movie assuming that Dr. Manhattan wasn't necessarily detached from human emotion, but rather was in the process of that detachment. In his heart he still wanted to make Laurie happy, but only because he knew it was a good thing to do, and not because he truly cared about her. Perhaps the movie missed that dynamic.

He still held on to pieces of his old life, which is why he might have felt saddened by killing Rorshach, but in the end humans meant nothing more to him than termites did, so he buggered off to Mars/other galaxies.

[Stitch]

I said from the beginning that this movie would suck.

I just didn't anticipate how much it would suck.

I'm still a prophet regardless.

[itadakimasu]

I just think the way it was marketed, if you've never heard of watchmen you're like... cool, looks like this is going to be an epic movie..

I don't think I've seen a good movie yet this year. still patiently waiting for Terminator to dazzle me or fail me horribly.

[Dark Dragon]

I said from the beginning that this movie would suck.

I just didn't anticipate how much it would suck.

I'm still a prophet regardless.

You seem to be the only person in this thread who think this movie "suck". If you're going to make a statement like that, elaborate on why you didn't like it instead of making your opinion sound like facts.

I personally don't think it's as brilliant as some people are making it out to be, but it's certainly a step up from the usual Hollywood tripe.


@Ryllharu

It's rather interesting to see how our view of the characters differ.I came away with the impression that all of the main superhero except Rorschach are either naive or pretentious.

Dr. Manhattan: The image i got from him is "A wimp who suddenly obtain an immense amount of power". I really think that he believe himself to be god deep down. He started to believe that he is superior to human beings and that is why he started to care less and less. The comedian pointed out best that he truly doesn't give a shit about all of these creature that he view as beneath him. There are many things that he is capable of doing but is simply content with viewing the world through a veil of logic while enjoying his god status.

The Comedian: I found it funny that the term "true face of humanity" was used and how he chose to become a parody of it. It's almost that he was oblivious to the fact that human can be both good and evil. He chose to view only the negative and then claim that is the "true face" of all human. He give the impression of a douche who doesn't have a very strong moral and used "the world is evil" as an excuse for his actions. I do agree that he probably has a heart or some shred of conscience deep down that prevent him from going with Ozymandias plans.

Ozymandias: The smartest man in the world, and he knows it. His attempt to fool Dr. Manhattan almost seem like an attempt to show his genius. He certainly seem to fit the role of a puppeteer to enjoy seeing the puppets follows his whims. His desire to help the world certainly doesn't seem like a facade but that is not always certain.

Night Owl: Your typical follower who is incapable of doing anything by himself. He is obviously head over heel for Laurie, but piss his pants at the thought of Dr. Manhattan wrath, yet he also wasn't strong enough to resist her when she came onto him. Every action he takes was initiated by someone else (Laurie, Rorschach).

Silk Spectre: She seem rather insecure, probably due to the strain relationship with her mother and the less than stellar childhood. She seem like the type of person who couldn't stand being alone and needs some sort of support. In this manner, i suppose Night Owl and her are perfect for each other.

Rorschach: I pretty much agree with every point you've made about him. His attitude is "The justice of the world is not my justice" and proceed as necessary despite any harm that might befall him. Out of all of the "Heroes" in this movie he probably come closest to the idea of a genuine superhero ideal of self sacrifice and do what is right despite all odds.

[Ryllharu]

While I may disagree on a few points, those are good, valid interpretations.

This is what I like about novels, films, comics, or short stories where a lot of the final characterization is determined by the interpretations of the audience on an individual basis. It's how I usually consider something a "great" work if this sort of thing shows up. Given the exact same material, two people come off with completely different descriptions of what kind of character someone is.

The film wasn't perfect, but this part of it was carried over from the graphic novel very well.

The more I think about it and from what you said, the more I like the casting for Ozymandias. He was the perfect pretentious asshole genius. From the way Matthew Goode held his posture to the he spoke oozed pretentiousness.

[Stitch]

This movie was marketed like a cheap whore because it failed at being a good movie.

I know for a fact that many people went to see this movie only because it was directed by Zack Snyder, "the director who brought you 300."

I know for a fact that many more had not even read the comic book -- oops, I mean "graphic novel" -- before watching this movie, and many more than that will definitely not read the graphic novel after watching it.

Approximately 50%, if not more, of all the violence is already shown in the trailers and related marketing material. People who expected more from the director of 300 were instead presented with the most formulaic sequence of "character development" seen in the history of cinema yet, not to mention that they were dull anyway.

The CGI wasn't even that great. I've seen Wii games with better graphics.

I am glad that for once a movie deserves its failure to meet ticket sales expectations, if not fail financially altogether...

[UChessmaster]

I didn`t liked the movie and because the world revolves around me the movie HAS to be bad and everyone who disagrees with me is wrong, can`t wait for transformers 2 i bet it`ll have more explosions and shit.

Fixed, you`re welcome.

[Stitch]

I'd rather watch Funny Games again than watch Watchmen again.

Now that's saying something.

[Killa-Eyez]

Thanks for the heads up.

[Dansetsu]

This movie was the bain of my existence of 2008/09 existence in the theaters. It was horrible. Especially compared to the comic.

[Kagemane_no_Jutsu]

I liked it... as good as the comic? No. I thought they portrayed the char's pretty well... but when youre trying to fit an entire mini series of char development into 2 and a half hours, obviously it wasn't meant to be. but the studios were too big-a pussys to make one, and leave room for a sequel. ending still sucked. rorshach you my boy

[Stitch]

Haha, yeah, right. People were already walking out of the theatres before the movie reached its halfway point. (Those cocks apparently never heard of an intermission. Yes, it's that long. Longer than an Indian movie with an hour worth of music videos, even.) Why would they watch any sequel?

See, the thing is that Watchmen was last week's flavor for just one weekend. Nobody talks about it. Deep down they know it was retarded. Exactly what kind of character development is it to have Rorschach be this hardcore badass wannabe and suddenly out of nowhere have him start crying at the end like a little emo bitch about how he just wants to die? These Watchmen are supposed to have this fraternity thing going on and that blue Manhattan guy just snaps his finger and blows Rorshach's ass up like it's just another day at the ranch? Puta, por favor.

[darkshadow]

Intermission? In a theater? Some places still do that? o_O

[XanBcoo]

Exactly what kind of character development is it to have Rorschach be this hardcore badass wannabe and suddenly out of nowhere have him start crying at the end like a little emo bitch about how he just wants to die? These Watchmen are supposed to have this fraternity thing going on and that blue Manhattan guy just snaps his finger and blows Rorshach's ass up like it's just another day at the ranch? Puta, por favor.
I was waiting for you to say something retarded like this to confirm for me that your opinion was misaken and that I could void it.

Thank you for delivering.

[Stitch]

I deliver in ways this movie couldn't.

You're welcome.

[Dark Dragon]

Geez, let it go.

So he didn't like the movie, big deal.

You guys are making serious responses to someone who is obviously not going to change his opinion no matter what and is just responding for the sake of pissing people off. This would usually be refers to as "feeding the troll", i suggest to just drop it before this thread is filled with more nonsense.

[gos27]

is this a must see ?

[UChessmaster]

In my opinion? no, read the comic instead. Is not a BAD movie but the comic... well... it`s just better...

[gos27]

k, thanks for info ...

[Penner]

Just watched it for the first time last night, Directors Cut 720p bluray version... it was pretty good i must say, im a sucker for voilence and fighting and those parts in this movie did not dissapoint.

Manhattan was alright, Rorschach was badass, but my fav was The Comedian, sure he was a douche but i really dig the actor ever since i saw him as daddy Winchester in Supernatural.

Also, Lolol blue penis. Just had to say it ;P

[Stitch]

gos27, do you like faux intellectual movies? Watchmen would be perfect for you in that case. You can then talk about how the movie really benefited from being three hours long.

[Dark Dragon]

gos27, do you like faux intellectual movies? Watchmen would be perfect for you in that case. You can then talk about how the movie really benefited from being three hours long.

It's been months since anyone bothered with this thread. Stop trying to troll more by bringing up an old argument.

So you didn't like the movie because of blah blah blah.

How about you stop spending so much time in this thread trying to piss off people that actually like it and go discuss things about a movie that you'd actually like?

[Animeniax]

Finally saw this movie and it was freaking awesome!!! I never read the Watchmen graphic novel/comic, as I was never a big DC comic fan. I expected a super hero movie of sorts, but the Rorschach line from the commercials was a giveaway, "The world look up and shout 'Save Us'...and i'll whisper 'No'".

I love the "aged superheroes coming out of retirement" story. If you could do these amazing things and not live the normal "8-to-5, family of 5, work until your 65, mortgage, retirement in Florida" kind of life, how could you ever give that up? It was like the Incredibles, but with human faces to the dilemma.

I think calling Dr. Manhattan "emo" is ridiculous, though I think the entire "emo" subculture is ridiculous, as well as our characterization of the subculture. Dr. Manhattan reminds me of the Beyonder from Marvel comics. He had the power to do anything, the power of a god. He got bored with that power because anything was possible and therefore no longer held the significance it would for a mere mortal, and humanity's petty squabbles were meaningless to him so he moved on to other things in the universe. Can you imagine that kind of possibility? Of course not, otherwise you wouldn't be calling him an "emo".

Also, anyone comparing the movie to the book is yelling at the moon. Books will always be better than their film versions. Better not to judge this movie on how it stacks up to the book, but how well it does on its own at telling a story and making us care.

[UChessmaster]

A) Please tell me you saw the 3 hours extended version. I did some days ago, and it felt so much more awsome than the last time i saw it.

B) Read the comics, do yourself a favor.

C) SOME (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0773262/) movies are better than it`s book version... just saying (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/)... :p

[darkshadow]

You can "watch" the comic as well, with the 5 hour full motion comic version released on blu-ray ;)

[Animeniax]

A) Please tell me you saw the 3 hours extended version. I did some days ago, and it felt so much more awsome than the last time i saw it.

B) Read the comics, do yourself a favor.

C) SOME (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0773262/) movies are better than it`s book version... just saying (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/)... :p
The one I saw was about 2hrs 35 minutes long, the DVD release of the movie. I didn't know there was an extended version out when I rented the movie.

I'm looking into getting the graphic novel. It's $12 on Amazon.com.

Actually I remember now, but Forrest Gump the movie was much better than the book. I'm sure there are others too, so I stand corrected.

[Sapphire]

I think it's better to watch the movie first, because most of the people who have read the novel before watching the movie seem to be less satisfied with the movie..

..maybe reading the novel at this point will seem like an enlightening experience. :)

[XanBcoo]

I think it's better to watch the movie first, because most of the people who have read the novel before watching the movie seem to be less satisfied with the movie..

..maybe reading the novel at this point will seem like an enlightening experience. :)
Confirming this. I read the comic after I saw the movie and appreciated it even more.

I actually watched the Director's Cut this weekend, with all the extra footage and whatnot. Some of it was really worthwhile and some of it was dumb.

Depicting what happened to Hollis Mason - great. Should have been left in the theatrical cut

"Mommy, is that man Jesus?" - Fucking retarded.

[Animeniax]

I'm trying to figure out, but what super powers do most of the Watchmen possess? From the movie, it seems they all have some super-human strength, speed, and they all know martial arts. Other than that, only Dr. Manhattan has any real super powers. And maybe the moth guy who went to the insane asylum can fly.

And what's the significance of Rorschach's face mask changes? Is that a special ability of some kind?

[Ryllharu]

I'm trying to figure out, but what super powers do most of the Watchmen possess?

And what's the significance of Rorschach's face mask changes? Is that a special ability of some kind?
They don't.

That was kind of the point. The graphic novel was written as a sort of reaction to superhero archetypes. They are all normal people with normal limitations, that either have neat gadgets (Nite Owl II), lots of guns (Comedian), martial arts training (Laurie and Viedt), or are just plain determined (Rorschach). All except for one.

Dr. Manhattan. He is what would happen in a real world if superpowers existed. They would be exploited by the powers that be for war and agendas, but still be more or less a god. It sets them apart from humanity, and slowly drives them away.
(Well, Viedt is a genius too, but that's within normal limits)

Now the movie on the other hand...made it look like Nite Owl and Laurie had super strength with all the exploding limbs on the street gang. That's not in the comic book. They just stab them with their own weapons, mabye fracture a few arms, and break some noses, but it isn't as over the top as the movie makes it seem. Viedt is pretty athletic though, he smacked that assassin into the fountain pretty hard, but he knocks the guy only a few feet in the book, not the 5-10 feet the movie shows. The movie exaggerated the fights quite a bit.


As for Rorschach's mask, they skip it in the theatrical release of the film and I don't know about the extended cut, but he cuts it out of a special order dress that was rejected because the customer thought the dress was ugly. It's a special fabric with two different fluids floating between the layers of latex. It's "heat and pressure sensitive" (Chapter 6, page 10), so it reacts to his breathing, expressions, and physical states (moods, exertion, etc.)

[UChessmaster]

And maybe the moth guy who went to the insane asylum can fly.


Nop, the only super power he had was alcoholism wich caused him mental illness.

[Animeniax]

Nop, the only super power he had was alcoholism wich caused him mental illness.
Yes but he had wings on his costume. Are you saying they were nonfunctional? I'd find that hard to believe that a superhero would have nonfunctional elements to his costume.

[animus]

Now the movie on the other hand...made it look like Nite Owl and Laurie had super strength with all the exploding limbs on the street gang. That's not in the comic book. They just stab them with their own weapons, mabye fracture a few arms, and break some noses, but it isn't as over the top as the movie makes it seem. Viedt is pretty athletic though, he smacked that assassin into the fountain pretty hard, but he knocks the guy only a few feet in the book, not the 5-10 feet the movie shows. The movie exaggerated the fights quite a bit.



I thought Ozymandias was at least enhanced by technology or something. Was the death of the comedian at the beginning exaggerated in the movie too? In the movie they commented on how strong the glass was (the one that the comedian was thrown out of).

[XanBcoo]

I thought Ozymandias was at least enhanced by technology or something. Was the death of the comedian at the beginning exaggerated in the movie too? In the movie they commented on how strong the glass was (the one that the comedian was thrown out of).
Yeah, in the comic the entire fight isn't shown. You just see a flashback here and there as the police investigate the scene. The movie drags it out and adds in the super-brick-breaking-strength.

That was one of the movies worst flaws. The "superheroes" were too super. Definitely confused a few friends of mine, and probably turned a lot of people off of the movie. All expecting the next Iron Man or Hulk and just getting a dingy little fight in a back alley.

[UChessmaster]

Yes but he had wings on his costume. Are you saying they were nonfunctional? I'd find that hard to believe that a superhero would have nonfunctional elements to his costume.

I beleive most if not all of the minutemen were suposed to look corny, and technically, night owl II`s cape is a wing, him resembling an owl and all.


I thought Ozymandias was at least enhanced by technology or something. Was the death of the comedian at the beginning exaggerated in the movie too? In the movie they commented on how strong the glass was (the one that the comedian was thrown out of).

Yeah, they just show him being bitchslaped in some parts, but the glass part is the same if i remember correctly.