A Look Back at Watchmen (2009)

 NOTE!: For This Review I Watched The Director's Cut, As Supposed To The Theatrical Cut. So I'm Reviewing The Director's Cut, Not The Theatrical One.

That's right, in preparation for the animated movie, I'm not stopping at just the comics.

Watchmen is comic book movie based on the acclaimed comic miniseries of the same name. It was produced by DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Legendary Pictures, Lawrence Gordon/Lloyd Levin Productions, and Cruel and Unusual Films and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Watchmen is written by David Hayter and Alex Tse and directed by Zack Snyder.

• Negatives

I've got nothing.

• Mix

My only slight problem stems from the pacing. While not as long as The Ultimate Cut, I'll give my thoughts on that cut later, there's still time when things are going pretty slow. While other times things are going just right with no complaints.

• Positives

One positive goes to the performances. The cast did a tremendous job with their characters, and I feel nobody was out of place. I especially want to praise Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach. The guy just embodied the character.

Then there's the special effects. It's amazing how this movie is over ten years old, and the effects to this day still look incredible. I've seen this movie and all three of its different cuts numerous times, and I'm still blown away by the effects.

I'd also like to praise the action. Love him or hate him, you can't deny that Zack Snyder always cranks out amazing action scenes. The opening fight scene alone, is a top notch fight scene. I even got a kick out of Dan and Laurie's fight with random muggers. Even if that scene makes me clench my arm afterwards. Just watch that fight and you'll see what I mean.

The last thing I'll praise is the story. First, I'll admit Snyder and co. did miss some parts were the comic satirizes superheroes. However, I give them credit for making sure the story primarily focuses on character and the mystery surrounding the death of one of their teammates. Also, I don't care how many of you come after, but I'm thankful we didn't get the squid. I'm sorry folks, but you can go on and on about how Alan Moore used it to satirize the Cold War, but you're not changing my mind.

While not perfect, I really liked this movie. Mainly the director's cut since that has a lot more substance than the theatrical cut.

My final rating is, Good.

My Thoughts on The Ultimate Cut

Now the only difference to focus on when it comes to comparing the Ultimate Cut and the Director's Cut is that the animated adaptation of The Black Freighter is included in The Ultimate Cut, but not the Director's Cut.

I'm not a fan of the Ultimate Cut. Sure, by including The Black Freighter, you do get a movie even more closer to the original source material. However, much like the comic itself, by switching to The Black Freighter story, the main storyline feels like it's being put on pause.

But hey, if you're a hardcore fan of Watchmen, then by all means, watch The Ultimate Cut.

All done here. Come back on Thursday, Aug 1st, for my A Look Back at review of, Batman: The Animated Series. Until then, enjoy the rest of your day.