Who Watches The Watchmen?

I had seen the movie in theaters months ago but for some reason I haven’t posted a review yet. But now that the DVD is out, I need to fill this out.

Who watches the watchmen?

At least I did. I was adamant on not passing on this one. I have passed Iron man on theaters before and when I finally saw it months later, I was sorry I didn’t see it on the big screen. You see, a good movie is best seen on the wide screen, with all the walls bombarding you with the sounds that come along with it.

And of course, the popcorn.

The movie started off on flashbacks on the world fed up with vigilantism and the superheroes who were working for the government. It was set on a parallel American history where the US have extended Nixon’s term, the Vietnam war was won by help from the superheroes especially Dr. Manhattan.

Except from Dr. Manhattan whose powers were brought about by a nuclear accident, none have superpowers. The physics doctor's accident apparently turned him into a member of the Vegas-based Blueman Group with huge quantum super powers he can technically bend light, matter and space. He was breaking any known and imaginable laws of physics Einstein would have been shamed.

A guy who turned out to be The Comedian, a former superhero still employed by the government, was murdered in his home. That sets off a motion for another semi-retired superhero named Rorschart to suspect that someone is out to destroy the rest of the surviving superheroes.


I love that the story tries to project a sense of realism by superimposing parallel history on it and by proposing pretty much an idea that superheroes don't need superpowers (except of course in the case of Dr. Manhattan). It also shows the danger of such superheroes acting on their own without oversight and a limit on other areas such as rules of engagement, and legal liabilities.

I love the collage at the start of the movie where it shows flashbacks on the happy days of these superheroes. It made me think of the fond memories of college or high school. When you and your friends act and think of nothing but the pleasure of each others company and doing something together that you truly enjoy.

Quite obviously, except for the opening collage, the tight leathers, the retro vibe and some voyeuristic scenes, I still find the story dragging and the movie as a whole, boring.