Post your review, or a link to your favorite, below. Here are five from voices that matter to me: Robert Davis Steven D. Greydanus Russ Breimeier Andrew O’Hehir Roger Ebert Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Andrew O'Hehir Robert Davis Roger Ebert Russ Breimeier Steven Greydanus Watchmen Related U2's Best Performance in 2009 So Far...A Concert Stage With No Backdrop
Drew McWeeny’s review is the best I’ve seen, and the one I’ve found that follows what I thought about the film.
I’ll have a review up later today, hopefully.
Hey Jeffrey,
My reviews been up on IESB.net for about a week:
http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_ezine&task=read&page=2&category=21&article=6384
I’m surprised how the studios are giving early screenings for our geek community waaaay before the mainstream media. We’re already getting ready for Star Trek and Wolverine early!
And it’s up: http://cinexcellence.com/2009/03/06/watchmen/
I second Stephen’s endorsement of McWeeny’s (what an unfortunate name) review, and therefore the film as well. Though I can see why someone else might be less enthusiastic. It’s definitely not for everyone.
Definitely my best movie experience since LotR:RotK.
I’ve been anticipating WATCHMEN like crazy, and I was more or less satisfied with the film adaptation, largely because I’m such a fan of the graphic novel. As it’s often been called, it’s the CITIZEN KANE of the genre, one that toys with what the medium allows in its storytelling. In this way, WATCHMEN was always somewhat “unadaptable” in the sense that it could never do for film what it did for comic books, but that’s not to say they couldn’t make a very good film out of it.
Zack Snyder’s film adaptation is what everybody’s talking about, and frankly, the critical disagreement over it is merited. WATCHMEN is a bizarre piece of cinema, both brilliant and frustrating; WATCHMEN is enchantingly beautiful one moment and then decidedly immature the next. But overall, I can’t help but look on with admiration on this piece of cinema. Zack Snyder has produced a truly stunning piece of film which occasionally hits a bump, but is always audacious and interesting. It’s certainly well worth seeing. There’s really nothing else like it.
I agree–McWeeney and Ebert’s thoughts align very closely to mine. It’s definitely a divisive movie–I think those who have read the book several times and memorized it will never be pleased, while the average moviegoer expecting another “Dark Knight” or “Spider-man” will be shocked, appalled and disturbed. I think it works best for those who are open to being challenged and who have read the graphic novel one or two times. I loved it, didn’t mind the changes and think that it’s a flawed masterpiece.
Saw it this weekend. It was brilliant.
It helps to go in knowing what it is NOT about. It is not a Batman or Spiderman. It is not Sin City. It is not even entirely nihilistic (though it is dark).
I saw an exploration of what it means to be a hero… the limits, the valour, the ideals behind each man and woman all pushing against each other in a messy and beautifully balance. It invites us to explore ourselves.
I personally loved the film, even though I can admit it’s not perfect. But Jeff, did you see the Neptune WATCHMEN marquee? “BYO Squid”!
Rorschach was an especially well developed as a character; i hope the actor that played his role is nominated for some kind of an award (when that season comes around again)