I Make Late Movie Review-Watchmen

Who watches the Watchmen? Not many Americans, apparently, considering this uber-hyped graphic novel adaptation underperformed at the box-office. But DVD's given this flick a second chance-and seeing as this fierce, fiery epic is one of the year's very best, you should too. The plot is a doozy-Rorschach's (Jackie Earle Haley) hunt to find out who's knocking off costumed heroes in an alternate-reality-1980's NYC introduces at least a dozen main characters, spawns a wide web of subplots, and tackles Big Issues ranging from democratic reform to homosexuality. If that last sentence gave you a headache, never fear-while Watchmen rewards deep thinkers with a challenging, brilliant story line (originally dreamed up by temperamental genius Alan Moore), it also succeeds as a compulsively watchable whodunit with plenty of A-grade whoopass gas in the tank. Credit Zack Snyder for this coup de cinema-he's mercilessly whittled down the sprawling novel to its bare necessities, making this a movie perfectly accessible to the average moviegoer, but not neglecting to add a dash or two of fan-friendly, geektastic detail along the way. His previous films have been monuments to his impeccable eye for acting talent, and Watchmen continues the trend-the ensemble cast is across-the-board excellent, turning in commendable performances of great depth and daring. Extra kudos to Billy Crudup, who, along with CGI magicians, miraculously turns his Dr. Manhattan-a giant blue ball of atomic energy with eyes-into the story's most emotionally resonant character. Snyder has also finally found the perfect balance of pop-art glimmer and real-life grain with which to paint this universe-it bursts with invention without ever looking storyboarded. The story-which says just as much about the state of mankind as the state of Supermankind-has been shepherded with great care to the screen by a talented team of screenwriters, cinematographers, musicians (both the brilliantly selected licensed songs and Tyler Bates electro-fueled score fit impeccably), set designers, caterers, you name it. They built the foundation of this world. But you couldn't truly get lost in it without characters you care about-and care you do. It's a tad too long and occasionally overdone, but would you prefer perfect boredom or a flawed miracle? Think about it. A.