When you think of a Zack Snyder film, you see a total feast of eye-candy. And like his previous film "300", this is another spectacular visual feast. But unlike "300", Snyder's new movie is a true masterpiece. "The Dark Knight" took superhero movies to a new level. And now with "Watchmen", the level was raised even higher. Both films are similar in being sophisticated but more importantly similar in its impact. Based on one of the most important graphic novels in American history, "Watchmen" is a movie experience that is hard to forget.
The Watchmen don't have superpowers, with the exception of one team member. Dr. Manhattan is a naked blue man who was once a human named Jon Osterman. When he turned into his new form accidentally, he was equipped with a whole set of powers. People even compared him to GOD with his ability to see the future and his own past. But other than him, the watchmen don't really have powers. They are still in normal superhero attire, though. Masks, capes, latex, boots, and gloves. You name it. But ultimately, they are actually in search of themselves in this so-called corrupt world that we live in. So are they really saving the world? Edward "The Comedian" Blake said it the best, "We're really saving the humans from themselves."
The year is 1985 and Nixon is elected for the fourth time. The Watchmen are simply a washed-up group of vigilantes who believe that they, as a whole, are over and done. Then all of sudden one of the Watchmen, "The Comedian", is found murdered, thrown out his apartment through a window. The remaining, believing member of the group Rorschach, who wears a mask that changes design, plans to find out who murdered his teammate. And to make it worse, there are rumors floating around that someone plans to start a nuclear war. Rorschach wonders if someone is out to kill all the remaining Watchmen so they won't keep the war from happening. Who is planning all this? Who killed Edward "The Comedian" Blake? Do the other Watchmen along with Dr. Manhattan think they can stop this war from ever launching? You will have to watch to find out these answers.
All in all, Zack Snyder's take on the hugely popular graphic novel is terrific. The art design, cinematography, and script are all unique and brilliant. The opening montage of credits is one of the best i have seen. The score is top-notch and really adds to the whole feel to the movie. If you think Zack Snyder went all-out in terms of graphic violence in "300", think again. "Watchmen" is right up there. Truly an experience that must be had more than once. One of the year's best.
Rating: 4 out of 4
