We just got back from seeing what is supposed to be a “visionary” interpretation of Watchmen, which is a graphic novel that turned the comic book reader world on it’s head with it’s symbolic references to a deteriorating society and super heroes that are as weak as humans in some ways, and as vulnerable, even physically, as humans are, as well as prone to the same personality disorders.  This was unheard of up until the comic book was written back in the eighties, and people really liked the idea who were into the comic book universe.

The same guy who is responsible for “300″ is also responsible for Watchmen.  If you go see it, be prepared to sit still for almost three hours.  It’s not a movie for people who aren’t patient, and also not for someone who doens’t really care for comic book or superhero sorts of movies, which seems to be in the minority these days with the main stream getting in on the action as well.

Watchmen is actually a good movie though.  It’s got a great, little known but very talented cast that you feel for and instantly feel a sort of familiarity with, and it’s got some really interesting filming techniques, such as the way the “blue guy” Dr. Manhattan is filmed, who is Billy Crudup.  By the way, you’re going to see a lot of nakedness in this movie, and a lot of his blue member, so be prepared guys, it’s actually pretty funny.  Dr. Manhattan is one of the most interesting character, he is a mortal man turned essentially immortal by a particle physics accident where he is essentially disintegrated and reformed, only to come back as a manipulator of objects and humans, and an almost godly wisdom and knowledge of things only a “god” would know.

The other most interesting character who is brought to life by another little known actor is Rorschach, who wears his inkblot mask (which by the way is never explained, I wish it was though because it has you wondering from the beginning).  All heroes are human though, but seem to possess a sort of superhuman strength, or at least be trained fighters, reminding me of the type of fighting in Wanted, where it’s still just people, it’s just super quick and trained people who can fight like superhumans.

Watchmen is essentially set in the eighties, where a fictional fifth term has Nixon still as president, and the cold war between the US and Russia is still heated.  However, the US has Dr. manhattan on it’s side, who is basically a universal nuclear weapon in and of himself.  Masked superheroes, who were once heralded as vigilantes who helped fight crime and restore justice, have been outlawed by the Nixon administration, and wearing a mask was now deemed a punishable offense, and so this is how the Watchmen disbanded originally.

The story of them getting back together ensues, which is initiated by the murder of one of their fellow watchmen, the Comedian, who is played brilliantly by Jeffrey Dean Morgan as a ruthless sociopath.   Rorschach begins his search for the murderer, and through this they unwind their back stories and tell the story of the coming armageddon.  I liked this movie, however I think it could have gotten the job done in a little less time, as it did seem to drag in some parts.  All in all, it’s a good story and is well acted and directed.