When I first checked out the 2009 film "Watchmen" many years ago, I didn't think very much of the movie. After all, I never read the limited DC Comics series by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. I felt lost in the action of the film. Researching films dealing with the DC Universe, Zack Snyder's name came up and I noticed that he had directed "Watchmen." My past experience also kept me from watching the recent television series. I must not have been in the proper frame of mind for a thought-provoking flick because I decided to try and watch it again the other day and I absolutely loved the movie! I guess this is proof that some things deserve a second chance! And I still haven't read the graphic novel.
It was fun to realize that I was experiencing an alternate reality. especially when Richard Nixon was elected President of the United States for a third term. The film was very dark and most definitely deserved its R-rating, so eat your heart out Deadpool (just kidding - I love those movies as well). The film depicts a time when superheroes and vigilantes were outlawed. Fortunately, Rorschach didn't get the memo! Rorschach was a member of the Vietnam-era band of superheroes known as The Watchmen. Joining him on this team were Silk Spectre II, Doctor Manhattan, Ozymandias, Nite Owl II and The Comedian. The Comedian was also a former member of The Minutemen, who were formed in 1939 to fight crime.
Portrayed brilliantly by Jack Earle Haley as if every day was a bad one, Rorschach kept his mask on while everyone else seemed to have retired. Doctor Manhattan and The Comedian were now employed as government agents. Rorschach, aka Walter Kovacs, worked tirelessly trying to crack the case of The Comedian's murder. A pre-Negan Jeffrey Dean Morgan gave a superb performance as Edward Blake, whose murder it took to reveal to Rorschach that he was The Comedian. The Comedian was basically a bastard who didn't have any respect for women or the public that he was protecting. I am trying not to give away too much in case someone wants to check out the film. I would be curious as to what others thought of the movie.
There is plenty happening within the storyline. One hero is framed for making others ill, while another is framed for murder. A love relationship between two heroes falls apart, while another hero is there to pick up the pieces. Although he is in CGI mode, one hero spends a good part of the film naked. And if that's not enough, another hero finds out that they have been working with their father! All of this ends up bringing two of our heroes out of retirement, despite Nixon's ban. I plan on re-watching the movie again in the near future because I have a feeling that I missed some cool tidbits that were hidden beneath the surface of the plot. Also starring in the film was Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Patrick Wilson and Matt Frewer. If you are looking for your ordinary superhero film, this isn't it. However, if you are looking for an interesting and innovative one, check it out!
