@@Eisenbison You can't really make such a movie without either dumb down it to a certain level or making at least a trilogy out of it. It was pretty good for what it was.
@@NoLiveking87 No no no no, you misunderstand me. I'm not talking about "dumbed down" as in "cut down" as in things that weren't included in the movie for time limitations. I'm talking about things that were *added in* to or changed in the movie that take away from it. I feel like there are a few small but crucial bits of added dialogue that make the whole thing feel dumber, the child-nappers changed dialogue removed all ambiguity from his guilt that made the original scene even more bleak, and those added kung fu sequences with Ozymandias vs Owl and Rorschach made me cringe internally. This movie gets a 7/10 for me. Pretty good, but could have been better.
"Never compromise, even in the face of Armageddon" Rorschach's last words to his bitter end. Truly an underrated and over hated movie in almost every sense.
My favourite line is the Comedian's to Doctor Manhattan after the victory in Vietnam: "You know if we'd lost here in Vietnam, I think it might've driven us crazy. Y'know, as a country." Which is pretty much what actually DID happen to the USA after they lost there in 1975.
@@antonysimpson6288 The TRULY disgusting thing is we DID NOT LOSE in Vietnam. The Tet Offensive was a complete and total failure for the NV and the VC. They lost huge amounts of men and material and accomplished virtually none of their goals of significance. As the results trickled in, there was increasing murmoring among the NV officers about how to approach surrendering while getting the best terms. THEN, how the American Merdia was presenting it to the American People started to trickle in, and they realized all they had to do was to hold on, and the merdia would hand them the win, because the American Merdia was a defacto Fifth Column out to destroy the American efforts. So they/we shamefully abandoned the South Vietnamese to decades of oppression and poverty. And the merdia did the exact same thing with/to Iraq. We defacto won that, but the merdia kept droning on and on with Nightly Death Counts -- which in the end would not have equaled that for a single major battle of WWI, WWII, or the US Civil War. And it should be noted how the Nightly Death Counts absolutely and utterly disappeared once Obama got into office. And so the Merdia got a second Vietnam, and the f*** with anyone who hoped we'd follow through on cleaning the place up -- because, FACT -- Regardless of whether the war should or should not have been started, once it was BEGUN, we owed it to the Iraqi people to follow through and help them re-stabilize the country. Instead, our evil merdia did everything possible to provide aid and succor to the opposition, to encourage them to keep fighting. I would not call for, but neither would I defend against, an effort to bring up the vast majority of "journalists" in the 2000s on War Crimes and Treason charges. These pond scum better hope there is no God, because otherwise it seems very reasonable to assert that they will be found wanting.
This movie was awesome. The story, the visual, the lack of cliche' villains and heroes (well, aside owl man), the music, the gore, everything. Perfection.
He was right. Superhero movies in the early 2000s were not as common as they are today. When the Watchmen comic was released, there had already been decades of typical superhero stories, making it an interesting twist to the comic book status quo. The same effect would have happened if Snyder would have waited a little longer to make the movie. Still, it is a great movie!
Even now it’s too early to release watchmen as cheesy and quippy movies still exist thanks to Disney. It will probably take at least 5 years for superhero movies to become the dark and grim story we saw in Logan watchmen and Snyder cut. Until then we have to live through joss whedon type shit. LANGUAGEEEE WHAT IS GAMORAAA
@@michaelsevilla7579 script, directing, pace, and a terrible ending. The music was good, but not enough to keep me or anyone else interested in the theater.
@@angelantayhua3096 While the watchmen probably had more depth in the original, the boys shares a very similar theme. It shows that absolute power corrupts absolutely and that having everything leds to extreme perversion.
Watchman was a beautifully crafted film that needs to be followed nowadays. Every single scene and detail in the movie had a purpose. Strong and gripping storyline. Great group of characters wonderfully acted by a great cast. We will probably never get movies like this again.
It's too bad more superhero movies didn't learn anything from this plot (never mind the graphics). DC and Marvel superheroes are juvenile. This movie is not.
It's great. Not to say one is equal to the other, but I unironically put it on the same level of Touch of Evil by Welles. I could make a bunch of caveats so cinephiles don't freak out at the grouping, but I was completely hooked by both opening sequences and found them uniquely engaging and artistic in their own separate but similar ways. Snyder's DOTD remake had a similarly gripping opening sequence that put him on my radar at the time I saw it. I've seen all his movies but I cant recall the opening or the ending to anything he's done after Watchmen. I remember laughing at Sucker Punch or thinking it was some kind of meta joke - it wasn't. Marvel/DC/etc makes a mockery of many talented people (e.g. Cate Shortland making Black Widow) but Zack fell off a cliff in slow motion and made half a dozen of the most embarrassing films on the way down. Truly a waste of talent.
And some lovely commentary on costumed vigilantes suffering real world problems like getting your cape stuck in a revolving door.. or getting locked up for being a fruit loop.
@@Basti444Ever it's so well done. The depth of writing and screenplay is genuinely great. Even things like a cop saying Rorschach stinks as they pull off his mask just add that depth to "believability" of an unbelievable world. Just because a film is fantasy it shouldn't disregard factual things completely. It's a nice touch. I mean take Bales batman for example. They don't show lots of suits that he swaps out.. so perhaps it's the same suit he always wears.. rolls around in dirt in, sweats in in large amounts, bleeds in, maybe even a couple of times had to piss in or worse.. all that mixed in with some getting set on fire and soaked through in rain and waterfall and sewers. Yeah his suit would be buzzing.. no wonder the bats hang around... Always insects to eat.. maybe one scene of Alfred trying to clean it and get the stench out dousing it in old spice or something would have been a gem.
I'll never forget one reviewer's take... "This is a movie where; Bat-man can't get it up, Super-man doesn't care, & the villain wants to save the world!" Perfect summary right there...
@@mr.vargas5648 He is the villain from a storytelling perspective. This is a fact, since people we follow (the "heroes") all work to take him down. He is the main antagonist. . This is a tragic story about disappointment and all characters are deeply flawed. They are all morally grey.
This film holds a special place in my heart... when this released I was going through a divorce... I was handed papers that things were final and I had to start gearing up for a custody battle... at the time I was contemplating all kinds of horrible reactions I went for a drive... passed by a theater on the otherside of town got a ticket and sat by myself and watched the watchmen... left the film with a different attitude called my ex and came to a reasonable solution... my daughter turned 18 the other day my ex and I are friendly to this day... and to think the things and actions I was considering could've sent me down a truly different path. Random I know.
The cinematography and visuals of Watchmen is one of the best I've ever seen. Love the use of the alternative reality universe as well. It's exactly how it should be done, with informative details and thought provicative narratives. It's a really, really good movie and in my opinion perhaps THE best superhero movie around.
@@universpro7741 looking back it's one of the films I probably played most of over the years even if just for background ambience and occasional attention. The soundtrack/audio ambience is good and the dialogue solid for what is essentially cartoon subject material.
I think Watchmen was a masterpiece. Zack Snyder does justice to dark comic books, but he be does dirty by traditional DC characters. In trying to recreate the grittiness of The Dark Knight trilogy, and keeping his regular 300 and Watchmen style of directing in mind, he basically just made emo versions of the Justice League members. Bruce Timm & Paul Dini created the most faithful and amazing adaptation of the Justice League ever made. The team that did for DC comics with the first DCAU, what the MCU did for Marvel Comics, should have been in charge of the DCEU.
John Doe and this is my problem with him. Also every time I watch his films it’s almost as if he’s trying so hard to make this over stretched massive EPIC of a film. Yet it just loses itself vastly. BVS had watchmen written all over it, except it was much more uninspiring, half assed writting, story and such dumb development.
So glad to see this get the love it deserves. the world simply wasnt ready for this kind of superhero film in 2009. if it came out in 2019? we would be praising it ...
We saw the 2019 version. It was a watered down shitshow that was a limited series on a streaming service. 2009 was the perfect time to make it. If released as is, but today, you'd have a queue of absolute herberts demanding cancellation because it's too dark and they feel attacked (having never seen it).
@@timdurganweird victimhood mentality. The Batman (2022) was dark and very well-received. As was Joker. And Logan was pretty dark/violent and is widely regarded as one of the best superhero films ever made. Watchmen would've absolutely been more successful now than it was then. Back then all anyone wanted out of their superhero movies was mindless action and special effects. The MCU has induced burnout on that kind of superhero content and lowered the standards so much that Watchmen is a masterpiece by comparison.
@@Zack-vi7isthose three films you just listed weren’t very good. At all. Pretentious swill inflated in their respective scores by critics who were either paid off or had a socio-political agenda in doing so. Snyder’s Director’s Cut of “Watchmen” blew said films outta the water imho
I actually think the film has a better ending than the comic. Fake aliens just felt way our of place since it’s supposed to be somewhat realistic except for dr manhattan. The film framing dr manhattan makes way more sense considering the world is questioning if manhattan is on our side
I disagree. Aliens were a popular subject around the era that Watchmen was set. I can't remember who said it but it was stated that a greater alien threat could be the only thing that unites Russia and the US, which is why Ozymandias used a fake alien to prevent the war. The genetically engineered creature was also suppose to have sent psychic shockwaves too, which implies that in the world of Watchmen Dr Manhattan isn't the only anomaly. Which is what you would expect from a movie that encompasses multiple superhero types. But all of that was cut away from the movie just to make it "realistic."
It makes zero sense. Dr. Manhattan is an American, he fought in Vietnam, he was created by American experiments. In the real world he would be a political talking point constantly and anything he did would be blamed on America. The whole point of the alien ending is that it’s an outside threat that unites Earth together. The alien squid is pretty ridiculous but they could have easily just changed it to UFOs or something.
Wow you were 4 hrs ahead of me but I was going to mention that same scene. I didn't get it at the time. It seemed so STUPID! Now I get it. He's JUST THAT STUBBORN! Unfortunately, we see all too many people just like Rorschach every day. Only it's ironic that it's people refusing to wear a mask rather than a person who screams in rage and terror because someone yanked it off.
@@SilverSpoonRiche You do realize that Rorschach was the most ethical character in the movie, right? He had an absolute moral code and he would not falter. He kept getting knocked down in that ending scene, and he just kept getting up, dusting off, and putting his hat back on, and moving forward. "No compromise, even in the face of Armageddon." The truth and justice mattered more to him than anything.
Same here. Had never seen or heard about him before and was thoroughly impressed. I was really hoping he would eventually play the role of Carnage, if a movie about him was ever made but it seems he's aged/changed quite a bit since Watchmen.
Somehow i feel a series like The Boys wouldn't exist today if there wasn't a Watchmen. Very different plotlines.. but the dark maturity of a world full of superheroes are right in line.
@@A.G.P.115 Alan Moore hates himself and his own work... why would he like an adaptation? Better off just paying his opinion on the subject very little mind.
My friends hated it more than me. I read the graphic novel and really liked how complex it and the movie was. My friends... just kept complaining about how much on-screen "giant blue man penis" they had to sit through. I mean, yeah, I would prefer that they give the dude the loincloth for more scenes, but the story was great.
I loved this movie when it came out and still love it. Dark, gritty and morally ambiguous juxtaposed to the conventional "ra-ra save-the-day" superhero trope is awesome. I do feel that Moore, as is his habit as a writer, forces his characters into situations and resolutions that aren't always the most convincing. I'm not entirely sold that Ozy's solution was the only reasonable one, but I'm also not entirely convinced that the events that preceded this "inevitable Armageddon" would have actually resulted in said Armageddon, especially with the decades of God-powers of Dr Manhattan in play.
"Killing Millions!" "To save Billions, a necessary Crime." Dude, I can't. That whole Movie is absolute. This is just one of many, many, MANY parts that makes the Movie to my Absolute Favorite Piece, with Donnie darko.
Check out under the silver lake if you havent already and liked donnie darko. Gave me some of the same vibes. Its got polarizing reviews but i very much enjoyed it.
It was brilliant. In no way, shape or form could they have improved anything about their portrayal of Dr Manhattan, especially the voice. A booming or mighty voice wouldn't have suited such a distant and apathetic deity
@@Uxoriouswidow I think the biggest mistakes were removing the fake alien squid, because a major point of the comic was that the false peace via fake alien threat was unlikely to last, and changing the end scene with Dr. Manhattan and Rorschach by adding in Nite Owl.
@@hariman7727, I disagree. Framing Dr Manhattan for the mass murder while omitting the aliens altogether was the right choice. Dr Manhattan _becoming_ the inhuman alien made the story more self contained.
@@fuferito but KNOWING the threat is there, and being able to talk to the threat? That changes the reaction from "Aliums are out theres! We must all defend the world together!" to "Oh NO! Superman hates us all... why are there cults showing up worshipping him? And why are some people trying to rebel?! And where is he because we'd like to negotiate with him?!" People can complain that genetic engineering was developed once and will be developed again, but that was one of the points of the comic. The peace Ozymandias created is false, and it's all going to fall apart. "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings. Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair."
@@IncredibleMet Took it as a given that I was speaking in the context of the 2009 movie which this video is referring to, but no, I never bothered to watch the TV show.
@@IncredibleMet The TV show has different issues. It deviates a lot from the spirit of Moore, if anything it wants to stay current with the P.C. era and brings racism to the forefront. Don't get me wrong, it was good (amazing at times, but falls flat in the final episode), but it didn't feel like Moore's Watchmen. Snyder's version on the other hand gets 9 things out of 10 spot on.
@@IncredibleMet The T.V. show has nothing to do with the original movie and graphic novel. I read the Graphic novel years before the movie was made and I was truly amazed the way they stayed so true to the original novel. They did a great job with trying to imitate the art in the novel.
@@TheMoviesCult I happened to LOVE the tv show. I hate SJW shit being forced but this didn't feel like that to me.. It wasn't snyder style i'll agree to that but i thought the show was incredible.. Hope they convince them to do a second season.. I loved every episode
Loved the novel and loved the movie, which captured both the look and the vibe of the novel far better than I thought possible. As a piece of entertainment, it's flawed because it is complicated and has a lot of necessary exposition. As a work of art, it is a masterpiece.
I never read the novel, but to me the movie wasn't complicated to watch. Sure it has several stories going on at the same time, but it was told in a meaningful way, that slowly revealed the larger story near the end. I know it's not a movie for everyone, and that's perfectly fair, but for what it tried to be, it was to me a masterpiece.
I like how you distinguish between entertainment and artistry. That’s a nuanced way of looking at movies that I think should be in every conversation about serious movies
Even the most depressing comics tend to retain the glimmer of hope and idealism that superhero comics started out with. Just look at The Dark Knight Returns, which in my mind tells a more profound and allegorically relevant story than Watchmen, since it not only refutes Watchmen's premise, but it openly embraces the idea of a Superhero. Superhero's are flawed human beings, yes, but would you rather have a flawed human trying to better society, or no one at all while society around you decays and becomes morally bankrupt? The Dark Knight Returns doesn't leave you with the ultimate decision, it's bold enough to answer it for you and say "yes, it is better to have superheroes." This is why modern reviewers and "journalists" give The Dark Knight Returns negative reviews and put it on lists of "overrated" comics while putting Watchmen on a pedestal. They don't like the arguments TDKR gives for why it's morally imperative to have central figures to look up to, because it inspires humanity as a whole to do better, even if those characters themselves have personal demons they still haven't overcome. Watchmen on the other-hand downplays the good heroes do as "superficial" and equates them as being part of the "iron foot of the government" while TDKR deliberately places Batman still as a vigilante and has Superman as the iron foot of the government, where Batman represents the people and Superman as the government, which ironically enough, it took the representation of the people to fix Gotham's problems, while the representation of the government had all the power in the world but was per-occupied with international politics.
Yup, didn't do well financially and EVERY PERSON I KNEW that was looking forward to this movie (including me) disliked it massively. I saw it as a dark, preachy, illogical, boredom-fest.
From India, I remember WATCHMEN. I learnt that it was based on a famous graphic novel which I had never read. I like the movie because it was a very good contrarian to the superhero trope. And it was highly philosophical. Many of my colleagues did not understand it because as you have said, they expected a do- gooder superhero movie [which is every Indian movie that you know]. I later read the novel and I found that the movie was far more understood & relatable because all the superheroes had human foibles, contrasting the standard tropes of superhero comics. DR. MANHATTAN vs SUPERMAN, NIGHTOWL VS BATMAN, OZYMANDIAS VS IRONMAN. The only human was RORSCHACH & THE COMEDIAN, both of whom were the only CHARACTERS that stuck in your mind as well as all my friends. DR.MANHATTAN, also is a critique of GOD himself.
I believe the story is a losly retold story of the watchers from the Bible. The whole story was in the book of Enoch, which was removed from the cannons by Rome .
I was the second group, NEVER heard of Watchmen, went in expecting a regular superhero movie and was BLOWN AWAY!! THIS, next to the Dark Knight trilogy is the BEST Superhero movie EVER!! I wish they made prequels or movies about every single hero on their own as I would definitely watch them
"I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with me!!" - So many good lines in this movie. VERY underrated. EDIT: Holy shit! The drinker loved my comment!
I think this was one of the best films ever made and the best superhero film ever. People disliked it because that was the golden age of the romantic comedy. It didn't sit right with people.
I found Matthew Goode absolutely hypnotic as Ozymandias. Jackie Earl Haley was definitely the other standout as Rohrshach. God, he nailed that character.
Matthew Goode was completely miscast. In the comic, Adrien Veidt was smart, athletic, good looking, funny, chiseled jaw line - he looked the all American Hero - which made the twist genuinely surprising. In the film, Matthew Goode looks and speaks creepy and is clearly a bad guy from his very first scene. Every other character, especially Rorschach, is pretty spot on - but a the film is let down badly by the spoiled twist.
@@azursmile But the all-American guy that's actually the villain it's already a cliché in itself. It was like a lose-lose situation so they went with the creepy guy.
@@azursmile Interesting how you felt creeped-out by the movie's Ozy from the jump. I somehow didn't get any creep or sinister vibes, so his unmasking as the Big Bad was all the more surprising.
@@azursmile I saw him as a play on the intellectual stereotype - Fit, perhaps, but somewhat effeminate and overly theoretical as opposed to the Comedian's hypermasculine persona. The fact that his solution was so brutal and seemingly out of touch with humanity made his casting a lot more apt to me.
Glorious film, visually beautiful, strong character development, complex but compelling story, awesome action, thought provoking... what is there not to like 🤷🏻♂️
I loved this film. Gonna watch it again because of your review reminds me how underated it was. It was dark gritty and had essence of film noir. Different and thought provoking which was great. But I like Jeffrey dean Morgan more so now as an actor so definitely worth a rewatch.
Rorschach's death is still one of the best i have ever seen. The pure Emotion on his Face and the rage consuming him, screaming at Dr. Manhattan to do it and therefore standing by his convictions to the bitter end is sublime.
I so completely agree. That part always is burned in my memory as something so incredibly honorable and full of integrity and simultaneously horrific and a tragic waste...exactly what the story wants you to feel the contrast and polarity of...
Jackie Earle Haley is the perfect comic character casting, right up alongside Heath Ledger's Joker and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. Although I have to give props to Jeffrey Dean Morgan's pitch-perfect portrayal of the Comedian AND Carla Gugino as the original Silk Spectre, in every decade of her arc.
The comic did most of the heavy lifting; BUT, it was a stroke of fucking genius for the movie to have his blood and guts form one last Rorschach Blot in the snow!
This is my favorite film of all time (the Director’s Cut, that is.) I’m glad there’s countless individuals of like-mindedness who’re also fans of this cinematic masterpiece. You guys keep on rockin’!
I keep rewatching it...the extended version. The painted comic book look and lighting is masterful and the batman "knock off" is better than the real thing:)) Masterpiece!
@@dubjon5134 the moment you see the easter eggs in the opening scene, with the original Owl man saving Thomas and Martha Wayne when they leave the Gotham Opera, preventing the birth of Batman in this universe.
As someone who would probably be called a filthy degenerate by Rorschach, he's my favourite character besides Dr.Manhatten. Because despite his flaws and hatred for the general public he still has a moral code and will do what he needs to do to protect the weak
Enjoyed this film, had a lot going for it. I really wish we got a solo Rorschach film. Like a prequel. You’d see how he starts, how he evolves, his team ups with Owlman. And then how after he finds the missing girl, he changes and becomes ruthless. Leading upto events before, Watchmen. There would be a ton of stories and encounters he could have. The actor who played Rorschach is maybe too old now, so it’s a shame.
I think there exist comics but Alan Moore, being Moore, has generally disavowed them. Moore actually didn't shit all over this film like he'd shat over other adaptations, which is telling.
Did anyone else notice how Matthew Goode, who plays Adrian Veidt in the movie, gives him a perfect American accent during public interviews, but a slight (very slight) German accent when he's amongst friends?
Holy shit I've watched this movie dozens of times but never caught that. Heard it immediately when I started replaying scenes in my head. Yet another reason for a rewatch
Together with The Babadook, Watchmen is one of my favorite movies over the last 15-20 years... No heroes, no villains, just different ideals. This movie teaches u a lot about mankind and society.
Whatever you think of his style, I think it's hard to argue that ZS doesn't have a deep appreciation and understanding for the source material and tries his best to do it justice. He digs deep into the themes, which I love. That is way more than can be said for just about anyone else cranking out super movies these days, particularly the create-by-committee production lines.
@@byucatch22Alan Moore is a left wing anarchist, who worked on several characters with Steve Ditko. Moore noticed Ditko having a more Randian objetivistic right wing political slant in his writing (objectivism is the stance that certain people are more exceptional than others and should be above certain laws or rules, such people should act for their own happiness), basically he wrote vigilante characters who thought they were above the law and thought it was their right to enforce their own brand of justice. Moore, being left wing, disliked this heavily and wrote Watchmen as sort of a dark satire, on the characters he and Ditko wrote, the book being an attack on Randian objectivism, and superhero vigilante philosophy itself. Therefore, in the book, the characters are treated as more heavily unprofessional, limited in their abilities, and are written more ridiculously. The violence they carry out is meant to be seen as horrifying , not glorified in awe. Then we have Snyder, a man who clearly has a love for Frank Miller comics, and therefore more adores that vigilante philosophy. His views almost contrast Moore's entirely. Therefore, he glorifies characters meant to be parodied. Rorschach, originally written as this fascist racist extremist who actually looked up to the comedian, was now written as Batman, and fans see him as a true representation of mortality and justice. The gory horrifying scenes are now slow mo and badass. The comedian's death was quick and pathetic in comics, now is shown as a badass's last stand. He genuinely does not understand the philosophies of any of the characters properly. I can somewhat understand where Moore comes from in his complete dissociation from the film
wow, that's are really great explanation. I appreciate the insight. I'm not familiar with The Watchmen so I wasn't aware of these things. I was going more off Snyder's adaptation of Man of Steel and 300. Your explanation makes sense.@@arcanewarrior863
@@allasian452 right, by "no real credit" I was trying to imply that they do get some small amount of credit for making a good choice, if not for coming up with the words. I only knew it was from the Bible because I'd heard it several times in popular media, and so looked up where it came from. Actually, with a lot of common English expressions, we're quoting from the Bible, Shakespeare, or the Book of Common Prayer, often without being aware of it
@@allasian452 It's paraphrasing a verse from Ecclesiastes. Something like: "Both the fool and the wise man die the same" Edit: Ecclesiastes 2:16 " . . . And how does a wise man die? As the fool"
I think it does an admirable job of adapting a pretty hard work to adapt. In my opinion it captures the essence of the work in a similar way that Peter Jackson did with The Lord of th Rings.
This film is a classic it’s one that will just get better the older it becomes. I didn’t understand any hate it got and i would die on the hill defending it.
Sam R People hate it just because its Zack Snyder. It was a great movie that showed real superheroes. People wanted perfect moral heroes with a happy ending.
Idiot fandom that complains that they’re favorite parts from the series wasn’t in the movie and idiotic critics that say it was too close to the source material. The basis of anyone who doesn’t like Zack Snyder movies (et al. Sucker Punch)
It was an adaptation of probs the greatest graphic novel, and tried to be too similar to the novel in areas and tried to be different in others, but ended up failing at a lot of them, the movie wasn’t bad but it was boring at some points and just wasn’t as good as the novel but still is an enjoyable experience
"If you give a man the powers of a God, what happens to his humanity?" Never have I heard something that asks whether superheroes are a good idea or not, asked so succinctly.
I’ve always thought about it. Most human beingsare far too flawed to possess super human powers. I could only buy Clark Kent (Kal-El from Krypton) an alien raised in bucolic rural Kansas as an idealized All-American caricature ... Or maybe Wonder Woman, raised in isolation from the rest of corrupt humanity. Otherwise, everyone else is a psychopath.
I thought it was successful when it first came out. I was 14 and I remember the theater being packed. I didn’t think people hated it so much, Watchmen was ahead of its time.
I'll argue it would be this one: The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the whores and politicians will look up and shout "Save us!"... and I'll look down, and whisper "No." The Pagliachi joke was brilliantly executed aswell.
I personally really liked Comedian and smiley references to him throughout the film. Somewhere in the movie was a line that said that Comedian understood the true nature of humanity and instead of trying to fight it, he became a parody of this human nature. It's fcng powerful, and, I guess, this is what these smiley things all along the movie were meant for. I watched both versions of this movie several times and it kind of felt like the story actually was about Comedian, or, let's say, the story felt like it was told from his point of view or his sense of morality. He died in the very beginning of the movie, but his spirit will live in the world till there aren't humans left at all. And the best thing that you can do about our bitter nature is just to turn it into a big sad savage unfunny fcng joke. Anyway, this movie and the first season of the true detective are ones of the few things that i'm willing to rewatch at almost any point of my life and every time I will feel something for them, and, guess, will feel something for me and humanity in general, too. So, that already pretty much means something
Didn’t know there was a graphic novel of this when I first saw it. One of the greatest superhero films ever made. Have watched this film numerous times and still love everything about it. The choice of having the Bob Dylan song “The Times they are a changing” playing over the opening montage and credits is brilliant. Perfectly cast film. Rorschach’s line in jail where he says “I’m not locked in here with you, you’re locked in here with me!” Is one of my favorite lines of the movie.
Well, Ozymandias IS supposed to be the smartest guy in the world, so you wouldn't expect him to do something that would ruin his plan like a James Bond villain would.
Really amazing work they did in that. The broad strokes of the first generation of watchmen matched with a song that seems like it was written just for that part in the movie. I don't think anyone could have done a better job condensing that much material into one bob Dylan song.
This movie was a masterpiece. A breath of fresh air compared to what Disney is doing with Marvel and the MCU. It’s dark, grounded, and thought provoking.
Watchmen represents everything fans expected of the MCU and DCCU - a real exploration of characters, stories, and ideas that have been loved by generations; questions surrounding what it means to be both "super" and "human." We don't get movies like this anymore, because the people making movies don't want to give them to us. They don't want us to think - they want us to follow the narrative they've laid down, and in that scenario, thought is the enemy. It's kind of interesting to note that, much like in Watchmen, one of the first things to get killed off in our culture was comedy. Now THERE'S something to think about. #wakeupfromwoke
When you see the shots, as here, with their sound removed, and out of context, it becomes much easier to see how beautiful they are. It is a good film, uncommonly faithful to the source material. It looks superb, and the story overall is near enough the same as the book. The ending is significantly different, but to do the one in the comic would have taken longer, and probably been less convincing so I accept it. The main difference I disliked was the way the film made the heroes more powerful than normal humans, and showed them winning fights with contemptuous ease.
Fun fact Watchmen actually takes place in an alternative DC Universe where the old Night Owl saves Thomas & Martha Wayne in that alley. So Bruce never becomes Batman 👍
As far as comic adaptation, 9/10, so far ahead of other comic based movies. The extended directed cut is absolutely worth a watch all the way through and is a piece of meaningful story telling. I love it because it's a good story and it takes the time it needs to tell it, almost a little "Das Boot" .Most movies are just "economical", basic-entertaining-quick batta bim batta boom.
@Carl Hopf I hadn't heard that song in so long (at least 30 years), I literally just had to Google it (because I never even knew the title or who played it) and see if it really did have a guitar riff (I guess most songs do--at least those that feature guitar). Sure enough, there *was* a guitar riff. Thanks for steering be back to the source material!
The biggest problem with this movie was in choosing to use an explosion that used the same energy as Ozymandius was using in his public power stations. At that point, Rorschach didn't even need to send his journal to the papers...
Rorschach is the best, but the others are really solid as well. Gotta hand it to Adrian, his plan made sense and was well executed. It's nice to see a competent villain in a movie "cough, cough sequel trilogy".
It's October 1987 I am naming my pet rat Rorschach due to the black and white pattern on her fur and her disposition towards anyone that puts their fingers in her cage.
Watchmen, Brandon Lee’s The Crow and Sin City are some of my favorite graphic novel movies. Only thing this movie was missing, was an ‘inter-dimensional’ tentacle monster. Haven’t read the comic book for Watchmen in decades, but I’m fairly certain that there was a monster… Or, I’m tripping again. Another movie that encapsulates it’s homage to graphic novels (or, in this case manga) is the film Kung-Fu Hustle, it feels like an anime or over the top manga, and I feel it’s an overlooked masterpiece.
The movie "Watchmen" is a great movie. It portrays what would really happen if there were superheroes and made me realize I wouldn't be a superhero even if I had Dr Manhattans powers because humans are hypocritical and unappreciative.
"Tells a story" That's something Watchmen does that a lot of comic book films don't do. Not in a trilogy, not in 22 films, but in one film with multiple character introductions. We're still getting Batman and Spider-Man origin rebooted origin stores and this gave us so much content.
I always wonder how lord of the rings would be made today. "First we need the Aragorn origin movie, then the Frodo origin movie, maybe a Marry and Pippin Spinoff before we do the Gandalf Prequel... and that is just the fellowship of the ring"
I never thought this movie was widely perceived as bad. Dr. Manhatten and Rorschach were always so very fascinating to me all through my childhood. I have art of Rorschach in my room because I think he's so fuckin cool.
"He's not particularly big or physically strong. He's not super smart and he doesn't have any powers or gadgets. He's just a tough, tenacious little bastard, ready and willing to take on guys twice his size without any fear or hesitation, ready to fight dirty and use any advantage he can find." This is a great way to describe Rorschach. And this is why despite his flaws I like this character.
I have a friend like that. At one point he bought one of the nastiest biker and hoe bars in South Jersey. I think he had it 9 years. Some of his stories are epic! For a 5'9" guy to never backdown says something. He never hired a bouncer either. He enjoyed the work too much to delegate it out.
When I saw the movie and they first showed his face, I was certain I had seen him in something before… and then it dawned on me, He played the third friend in the movie “Breaking Away” the movie that gave Dennis Quaid his first big break. I hadn’t seen him in anything after that movie…
@@christopherpardell4418 Freaked me out when I saw his face, because I said , "Wait a minute , that is Kelly from "The Bad News Bears". "Christ I'm old" LOL
Yeah that scene stuck with me. I really liked Rorschach, but I understood his completely unyeilding determination to never compromise, even in the face of death, meant only two possible outcomes. He dies and his character remains intact, or he compromises and stops being relevant. I wanted Dr. Manhattan to compromise...but what happens when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object? The unmovable object cannot survive.
When I read the comic, I audibly yelled, "NO!" when I realized what was about to happen. Rorschach was far and above my favorite character, and I was so torn when he died, but it fit the narrative so perfectly.
@@Toasty667 Rorschach cant surrender. That is the point. Manhattan did and it could be argued based on how his character was portrayed, that it gave him the excuse and justification to abandon earth. But i am with Rorschach. They should have exposed Ozymandias...
Dr. Manhattan didn’t have to kill Rorschach. He could’ve did the same thing for him as he did for Ozymandias in the HBO series. He’s a literal god. Outside of that it’s still my favorite comic book based movie.
Rorschach would’ve probably been driven to insanity in his psychopathic (yet morally just) pursuit of justice if he was permanently imprisoned on a terraformed moon of Jupiter. Rorschach doesn’t seem the type to commit suicide, but I do believe he’d die from despair…
This movie is in my all time fave list alongside (in no particular order) 5th element, alien, district 9, fellowship of the ring, cool runnings and empire strikes back.
AnnaDraconida I never knew there was a directors cut. I liked the theatrical cut, which I stumbled on looking for something to watch in a share house (along with my flat mates collection of asian chicks porn). I’ll have to check it out.
Two things really stood out for me in this movie. The intro montage co-opted so many classic news scenes from the 20th Century it really brought home this is an alternate universe. And, of course, the casting of Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the Comedian. Sheer perfection. Two roles that you just can't imagine anybody else playing them.
I have probably watched this movie about a dozen times, and your post is the first time I have ever honestly put the name of Jefferey Dean Morgan to the role, I'm not saying that I didn't know it was JDM, I'm saying that JDM is such a good actor that his role outshines him as an actor.
I gotta imagine that was his line producer back in the day that should get the credit given how garbage the casting of ben affleck and jesse eisenberg was.
I read the graphic novel before i saw this film and tbh it was a solid take on such an in depth storyline. Cast was solid, acting was great and effects and costumes were bang on. Never could understand the hate from this.
@@nufosmatic pretty much have to agree with the other member here. Buy the graphic novel and just take a full day to kick back and read. One of the best stories told by DC
The Dr Manhattan sequence - the birth of a god - was the central gem of the movie; You could feel the absolute power AND the absolute loneliness. A faultless masterpiece.
I loved the visuals in the film, they just ruined the main payoff in the story, the irony was eliminated. In the end of the book Rorschach mailed his notes from his investigation to a reporter, revealing the alien species was created by ozymandus. Thwarting his plan of forced unity against one evil that wasn’t even real. In the movie Rorschach sent his investigation notes to a reporter that the attack by dr. Manhattan was fake doesn’t change the fact that the dr could still destroy everything in a wink. So Rorshash’s whole story line became a shrug of the shoulders. And you don’t get the payoff in the book of ruining ozymandus’s plan after rorschash’s already dead.
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Could you review any of the Ninja terminator/Ninja dragon movies?.
I just watched it a month ago, for the fifth time. Compared to what we get today, it is worth being re-released.
What do you mean ,was it really that bad. Watchmen is amazing and screen played by solid snake and Guyver himself David Hayter
Do a review of Fight Club next please
Not a single advert in a 17 minute long video - yet another reason why I love Drinker
I didn't realize there were people who disliked this film.
I like it, but it seems almost everyone is a movie critic nowadays
I thought it was a very flawed adaptation of the source material, dumbed down in several regards.
@@Eisenbison You can't really make such a movie without either dumb down it to a certain level or making at least a trilogy out of it. It was pretty good for what it was.
@@NoLiveking87 No no no no, you misunderstand me. I'm not talking about "dumbed down" as in "cut down" as in things that weren't included in the movie for time limitations.
I'm talking about things that were *added in* to or changed in the movie that take away from it. I feel like there are a few small but crucial bits of added dialogue that make the whole thing feel dumber, the child-nappers changed dialogue removed all ambiguity from his guilt that made the original scene even more bleak, and those added kung fu sequences with Ozymandias vs Owl and Rorschach made me cringe internally.
This movie gets a 7/10 for me. Pretty good, but could have been better.
I'm not into gay porn.
Best line ever: “I’m not locked in here with you, you’re locked in here with ME!!”
Awesome lines in this film !
Hells naw! Best line be: "Men get arrested! Dogs get put down!"
This place is gonna explode!
Tall order...
Rorschach was a badass.
Alan Moore put that line in and still expected people to dislike Rorschach, that's your brain in LCD
"Never compromise, even in the face of Armageddon" Rorschach's last words to his bitter end. Truly an underrated and over hated movie in almost every sense.
Technically, his last words were “DO IT”
My favourite line is the Comedian's to Doctor Manhattan after the victory in Vietnam: "You know if we'd lost here in Vietnam, I think it might've driven us crazy. Y'know, as a country." Which is pretty much what actually DID happen to the USA after they lost there in 1975.
@@antonysimpson6288
The TRULY disgusting thing is we DID NOT LOSE in Vietnam. The Tet Offensive was a complete and total failure for the NV and the VC. They lost huge amounts of men and material and accomplished virtually none of their goals of significance. As the results trickled in, there was increasing murmoring among the NV officers about how to approach surrendering while getting the best terms. THEN, how the American Merdia was presenting it to the American People started to trickle in, and they realized all they had to do was to hold on, and the merdia would hand them the win, because the American Merdia was a defacto Fifth Column out to destroy the American efforts.
So they/we shamefully abandoned the South Vietnamese to decades of oppression and poverty. And the merdia did the exact same thing with/to Iraq. We defacto won that, but the merdia kept droning on and on with Nightly Death Counts -- which in the end would not have equaled that for a single major battle of WWI, WWII, or the US Civil War. And it should be noted how the Nightly Death Counts absolutely and utterly disappeared once Obama got into office. And so the Merdia got a second Vietnam, and the f*** with anyone who hoped we'd follow through on cleaning the place up -- because, FACT -- Regardless of whether the war should or should not have been started, once it was BEGUN, we owed it to the Iraqi people to follow through and help them re-stabilize the country. Instead, our evil merdia did everything possible to provide aid and succor to the opposition, to encourage them to keep fighting. I would not call for, but neither would I defend against, an effort to bring up the vast majority of "journalists" in the 2000s on War Crimes and Treason charges. These pond scum better hope there is no God, because otherwise it seems very reasonable to assert that they will be found wanting.
@@antonysimpson6288
My own favorite line is Rorschach's: **"I'm not trapped in here with **_you_** ! You're trapped in here with **_ME_** ." **
@@nickbrutanna9973 Yes! One of the best prison fight scenes ever.
This movie was awesome. The story, the visual, the lack of cliche' villains and heroes (well, aside owl man), the music, the gore, everything. Perfection.
the directors cut was great
exactly
The dreary Night Owl is a great character who rekindles his life (and sex life) by beating up bad guys with glee and a hint of remorse.
@@murdoch1234the Director’s Cut was the BEST*
Except the ending. The book made sense, the movie didn't.
Christopher Nolan told Zack Snyder that Watchmen was a movie he made too early.
Probably true. It was well ahead of its time, and honestly, there hasn’t been anything in the genre out to screen that comes close even today.
I watched it for the first time yesterday, my favourite comic book movie ever made
He was right. Superhero movies in the early 2000s were not as common as they are today. When the Watchmen comic was released, there had already been decades of typical superhero stories, making it an interesting twist to the comic book status quo. The same effect would have happened if Snyder would have waited a little longer to make the movie. Still, it is a great movie!
Even now it’s too early to release watchmen as cheesy and quippy movies still exist thanks to Disney. It will probably take at least 5 years for superhero movies to become the dark and grim story we saw in Logan watchmen and Snyder cut. Until then we have to live through joss whedon type shit. LANGUAGEEEE WHAT IS GAMORAAA
I agree, especially now since we have The Boys as a TV series. If Watchmen was released today, it would be received better than it was back then.
Apparently no one was ready for this movie, considering the praise for The Boys.
The boys is way smarter than this disaster of a movie. The boys does mess up butcher’s character but it’s nothing compared to Rorschach in the movie.
Nah this movie was garbage, and I saw it in theaters. Terminator Salvation was an Oscar winner compared to this, and i saw it in theaters.
Drumf Bum What was so garbage about it?
@@michaelsevilla7579 script, directing, pace, and a terrible ending. The music was good, but not enough to keep me or anyone else interested in the theater.
@@angelantayhua3096 While the watchmen probably had more depth in the original, the boys shares a very similar theme. It shows that absolute power corrupts absolutely and that having everything leds to extreme perversion.
Watchman was a beautifully crafted film that needs to be followed nowadays. Every single scene and detail in the movie had a purpose. Strong and gripping storyline. Great group of characters wonderfully acted by a great cast.
We will probably never get movies like this again.
Its virtually a scene by scene copy of the far superior graphic novel
@@David-Field.Stuff01god forbid a adaptation follows the source material of the original product you mug
Are you insane?
@@vincentoflynn6996 How so?
It's too bad more superhero movies didn't learn anything from this plot (never mind the graphics). DC and Marvel superheroes are juvenile. This movie is not.
This film has the greatest opening sequence of any movie ever. With the Dylan music over the top, its just a thing of beauty.
Yes. It's one of the best movies I've seen in my life. I'd dare call it a masterpiece.
Makes you miss great title sequence
It's great. Not to say one is equal to the other, but I unironically put it on the same level of Touch of Evil by Welles. I could make a bunch of caveats so cinephiles don't freak out at the grouping, but I was completely hooked by both opening sequences and found them uniquely engaging and artistic in their own separate but similar ways. Snyder's DOTD remake had a similarly gripping opening sequence that put him on my radar at the time I saw it. I've seen all his movies but I cant recall the opening or the ending to anything he's done after Watchmen. I remember laughing at Sucker Punch or thinking it was some kind of meta joke - it wasn't. Marvel/DC/etc makes a mockery of many talented people (e.g. Cate Shortland making Black Widow) but Zack fell off a cliff in slow motion and made half a dozen of the most embarrassing films on the way down. Truly a waste of talent.
And some lovely commentary on costumed vigilantes suffering real world problems like getting your cape stuck in a revolving door.. or getting locked up for being a fruit loop.
@@Basti444Ever it's so well done. The depth of writing and screenplay is genuinely great. Even things like a cop saying Rorschach stinks as they pull off his mask just add that depth to "believability" of an unbelievable world. Just because a film is fantasy it shouldn't disregard factual things completely. It's a nice touch.
I mean take Bales batman for example. They don't show lots of suits that he swaps out.. so perhaps it's the same suit he always wears.. rolls around in dirt in, sweats in in large amounts, bleeds in, maybe even a couple of times had to piss in or worse.. all that mixed in with some getting set on fire and soaked through in rain and waterfall and sewers. Yeah his suit would be buzzing.. no wonder the bats hang around... Always insects to eat.. maybe one scene of Alfred trying to clean it and get the stench out dousing it in old spice or something would have been a gem.
I'll never forget one reviewer's take...
"This is a movie where;
Bat-man can't get it up,
Super-man doesn't care,
& the villain wants to save the world!"
Perfect summary right there...
Plus Joker is one of the heros despite still loving chaos 🃏
fascinating
Sounds like that DC comic Kingdom Come
Ozzy was never a villian I think but he had to act like one in order to save the world from itself.
@@mr.vargas5648 He is the villain from a storytelling perspective. This is a fact, since people we follow (the "heroes") all work to take him down. He is the main antagonist. . This is a tragic story about disappointment and all characters are deeply flawed. They are all morally grey.
Jackie Earle Haley was born to play Rorschach.
What makes it better is that he really didn't know much about it til after he auditioned. Then he just clicked with Walter.
He was still pretty good in the Bad News Bears.
You feel as though you can smell him and his suit, very great character.
Agreed
He should have been Carnage as well.
This film holds a special place in my heart... when this released I was going through a divorce... I was handed papers that things were final and I had to start gearing up for a custody battle... at the time I was contemplating all kinds of horrible reactions I went for a drive... passed by a theater on the otherside of town got a ticket and sat by myself and watched the watchmen... left the film with a different attitude called my ex and came to a reasonable solution... my daughter turned 18 the other day my ex and I are friendly to this day... and to think the things and actions I was considering could've sent me down a truly different path. Random I know.
Glad you're still here with us brother
Lol...if this holds a special place...then the divorce was understandable.
The cinematography and visuals of Watchmen is one of the best I've ever seen. Love the use of the alternative reality universe as well. It's exactly how it should be done, with informative details and thought provicative narratives. It's a really, really good movie and in my opinion perhaps THE best superhero movie around.
I'm so sorry for you
I think it's probably the most adult "superhero movie" out there. It's a solid film.
@@jimstartup2729 most sober
@@universpro7741 looking back it's one of the films I probably played most of over the years even if just for background ambience and occasional attention. The soundtrack/audio ambience is good and the dialogue solid for what is essentially cartoon subject material.
“I did it 35 minutes ago.”
That’s why Ozymandias is in my top 5 favorite villains
How about the other 4?
@@agustinsaez4805 Hannibal Lecter, Colonel Kurtz, Joker (TDK) and Walter White
And the best part is that he isn't even the villain! At least not the classic superhero movie villain! And it works great!
It was the first time in my life where I was like; "The 'villain' won!? Cool!"
@@nont18411 Colonel Kurtz was a villain???
“Used to come here often, back when we were partners.”
“Yeah, those were great times, Rorschach. Great times. Whatever happened to them?”
“You quit.”
"I am not locked in here with you, you are locked in here with ME!!!!"
I think Watchmen was a masterpiece. Zack Snyder does justice to dark comic books, but he be does dirty by traditional DC characters. In trying to recreate the grittiness of The Dark Knight trilogy, and keeping his regular 300 and Watchmen style of directing in mind, he basically just made emo versions of the Justice League members.
Bruce Timm & Paul Dini created the most faithful and amazing adaptation of the Justice League ever made.
The team that did for DC comics with the first DCAU, what the MCU did for Marvel Comics, should have been in charge of the DCEU.
A real good burn.
I never said it was a good joke.
John Doe and this is my problem with him. Also every time I watch his films it’s almost as if he’s trying so hard to make this over stretched massive EPIC of a film. Yet it just loses itself vastly. BVS had watchmen written all over it, except it was much more uninspiring, half assed writting, story and such dumb development.
So glad to see this get the love it deserves. the world simply wasnt ready for this kind of superhero film in 2009. if it came out in 2019? we would be praising it ...
Exactly
We weren't bitter enough to relate to it then
We saw the 2019 version. It was a watered down shitshow that was a limited series on a streaming service. 2009 was the perfect time to make it. If released as is, but today, you'd have a queue of absolute herberts demanding cancellation because it's too dark and they feel attacked (having never seen it).
@@timdurganweird victimhood mentality. The Batman (2022) was dark and very well-received. As was Joker. And Logan was pretty dark/violent and is widely regarded as one of the best superhero films ever made.
Watchmen would've absolutely been more successful now than it was then. Back then all anyone wanted out of their superhero movies was mindless action and special effects. The MCU has induced burnout on that kind of superhero content and lowered the standards so much that Watchmen is a masterpiece by comparison.
@@Zack-vi7isthose three films you just listed weren’t very good. At all. Pretentious swill inflated in their respective scores by critics who were either paid off or had a socio-political agenda in doing so.
Snyder’s Director’s Cut of “Watchmen” blew said films outta the water imho
I actually think the film has a better ending than the comic. Fake aliens just felt way our of place since it’s supposed to be somewhat realistic except for dr manhattan. The film framing dr manhattan makes way more sense considering the world is questioning if manhattan is on our side
It doesn't, The whole idea was making something neutral, dr manhattan was an american symbol.
I disagree. Aliens were a popular subject around the era that Watchmen was set. I can't remember who said it but it was stated that a greater alien threat could be the only thing that unites Russia and the US, which is why Ozymandias used a fake alien to prevent the war. The genetically engineered creature was also suppose to have sent psychic shockwaves too, which implies that in the world of Watchmen Dr Manhattan isn't the only anomaly. Which is what you would expect from a movie that encompasses multiple superhero types. But all of that was cut away from the movie just to make it "realistic."
It makes zero sense. Dr. Manhattan is an American, he fought in Vietnam, he was created by American experiments. In the real world he would be a political talking point constantly and anything he did would be blamed on America. The whole point of the alien ending is that it’s an outside threat that unites Earth together. The alien squid is pretty ridiculous but they could have easily just changed it to UFOs or something.
Agreed. The giant octopus was stupid.
Rorschach is so cemented in his beliefs that he even refuses to put on a jacket over his trenchcoat when he’s in Antarctica.
Wow you were 4 hrs ahead of me but I was going to mention that same scene. I didn't get it at the time. It seemed so STUPID! Now I get it. He's JUST THAT STUBBORN! Unfortunately, we see all too many people just like Rorschach every day. Only it's ironic that it's people refusing to wear a mask rather than a person who screams in rage and terror because someone yanked it off.
@Seth Hultkrantz Okay, you are now colored shocked, jackass.
@@SilverSpoonRiche Okay NPC, don't forget to wear your muzzle
@@astronerd955 Ooh, KINKY! >;2 By the way, LOVE your user name, like, SO creative! LOL
@@SilverSpoonRiche You do realize that Rorschach was the most ethical character in the movie, right? He had an absolute moral code and he would not falter. He kept getting knocked down in that ending scene, and he just kept getting up, dusting off, and putting his hat back on, and moving forward. "No compromise, even in the face of Armageddon." The truth and justice mattered more to him than anything.
I was thoroughly impressed with Jackie Earl Haley's performance. He was fantastic as Rorchach.
He was the best part of the movie.
Who would have thought that the Sherminator would grow up to become a badass.
Same here. Had never seen or heard about him before and was thoroughly impressed. I was really hoping he would eventually play the role of Carnage, if a movie about him was ever made but it seems he's aged/changed quite a bit since Watchmen.
Agree 100%. Thought the entire casting was spot on.
He was the best character.
I hated that he was killed off.
As someone who's completely unfamiliar with the source material, I loved the movie when it came out and I still do.
Somehow i feel a series like The Boys wouldn't exist today if there wasn't a Watchmen. Very different plotlines.. but the dark maturity of a world full of superheroes are right in line.
Watchmen 2009 wasn’t bad at all. It turned into a cult classic in my eyes
Agreed
It really did! Thats why they thought the show would be a success. 🙄😒
The soundtrack was amazing. Still listen occasionally even now.
That HBO piece of shit though....
@@DarkLight6Tv Well...it kinda was a success. Damn thing got 20 noms...
"was it really that bad?"
Answer, no. Nope. Never was, never will be. I fucking love this film
To bad Allan Moore hated it.😕
What the Hell, there are people who hated this movie???
@@A.G.P.115 Alan Moore hates himself and his own work... why would he like an adaptation?
Better off just paying his opinion on the subject very little mind.
My friends hated it more than me. I read the graphic novel and really liked how complex it and the movie was. My friends... just kept complaining about how much on-screen "giant blue man penis" they had to sit through.
I mean, yeah, I would prefer that they give the dude the loincloth for more scenes, but the story was great.
This was pretty much my exact reaction to the title.
I loved this movie when it came out and still love it. Dark, gritty and morally ambiguous juxtaposed to the conventional "ra-ra save-the-day" superhero trope is awesome. I do feel that Moore, as is his habit as a writer, forces his characters into situations and resolutions that aren't always the most convincing. I'm not entirely sold that Ozy's solution was the only reasonable one, but I'm also not entirely convinced that the events that preceded this "inevitable Armageddon" would have actually resulted in said Armageddon, especially with the decades of God-powers of Dr Manhattan in play.
"Killing Millions!"
"To save Billions, a necessary Crime."
Dude, I can't. That whole Movie is absolute. This is just one of many, many, MANY parts that makes the Movie to my Absolute Favorite Piece, with Donnie darko.
Check out under the silver lake if you havent already and liked donnie darko. Gave me some of the same vibes. Its got polarizing reviews but i very much enjoyed it.
@@LeetTron5000 watched the Trailer minutes ago, looks interesting.
That trailer didnt do it justice lol, worth a watch at the very least mate. Like donnie darko it cant be explained in a trailer. Hope you enjoy it.
So you like movies with no plot or sense except the theme
_"Never compromise, even in the face of Armageddon."_
This should’ve just been a “The Drinker Recommends...” video. It’s actually one of my favorite comic book movies.
It was brilliant. In no way, shape or form could they have improved anything about their portrayal of Dr Manhattan, especially the voice. A booming or mighty voice wouldn't have suited such a distant and apathetic deity
@@Uxoriouswidow I think the biggest mistakes were removing the fake alien squid, because a major point of the comic was that the false peace via fake alien threat was unlikely to last, and changing the end scene with Dr. Manhattan and Rorschach by adding in Nite Owl.
It’s not that good
@@hariman7727,
I disagree.
Framing Dr Manhattan for the mass murder while omitting the aliens altogether was the right choice.
Dr Manhattan _becoming_ the inhuman alien made the story more self contained.
@@fuferito but KNOWING the threat is there, and being able to talk to the threat? That changes the reaction from "Aliums are out theres! We must all defend the world together!" to "Oh NO! Superman hates us all... why are there cults showing up worshipping him? And why are some people trying to rebel?! And where is he because we'd like to negotiate with him?!"
People can complain that genetic engineering was developed once and will be developed again, but that was one of the points of the comic.
The peace Ozymandias created is false, and it's all going to fall apart.
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings. Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair."
I never even expected to read the words, "Was it really that bad?" with regard to Watchmen.
You clearly haven’t seen the TV show
@@IncredibleMet
Took it as a given that I was speaking in the context of the 2009 movie which this video is referring to, but no, I never bothered to watch the TV show.
@@IncredibleMet The TV show has different issues. It deviates a lot from the spirit of Moore, if anything it wants to stay current with the P.C. era and brings racism to the forefront. Don't get me wrong, it was good (amazing at times, but falls flat in the final episode), but it didn't feel like Moore's Watchmen. Snyder's version on the other hand gets 9 things out of 10 spot on.
@@IncredibleMet The T.V. show has nothing to do with the original movie and graphic novel. I read the Graphic novel years before the movie was made and I was truly amazed the way they stayed so true to the original novel. They did a great job with trying to imitate the art in the novel.
@@TheMoviesCult I happened to LOVE the tv show. I hate SJW shit being forced but this didn't feel like that to me.. It wasn't snyder style i'll agree to that but i thought the show was incredible.. Hope they convince them to do a second season.. I loved every episode
Watchmen is Like Game of Thrones and the Avengers had a baby...
Great
yeah, the worst parts of both
Loved the novel and loved the movie, which captured both the look and the vibe of the novel far better than I thought possible. As a piece of entertainment, it's flawed because it is complicated and has a lot of necessary exposition. As a work of art, it is a masterpiece.
I never read the novel, but to me the movie wasn't complicated to watch. Sure it has several stories going on at the same time, but it was told in a meaningful way, that slowly revealed the larger story near the end.
I know it's not a movie for everyone, and that's perfectly fair, but for what it tried to be, it was to me a masterpiece.
Not a novel , a comic.
I like how you distinguish between entertainment and artistry. That’s a nuanced way of looking at movies that I think should be in every conversation about serious movies
@@paulbangash4317 It's a graphic novel.
Were you disappointed by the ending? Why do you think they changed it?
Non-comic fans - "too depressing".
Comic fans - "not drepressing enough."
lol so accurate.
HONESTLY THOUGH!!
Even the most depressing comics tend to retain the glimmer of hope and idealism that superhero comics started out with. Just look at The Dark Knight Returns, which in my mind tells a more profound and allegorically relevant story than Watchmen, since it not only refutes Watchmen's premise, but it openly embraces the idea of a Superhero. Superhero's are flawed human beings, yes, but would you rather have a flawed human trying to better society, or no one at all while society around you decays and becomes morally bankrupt? The Dark Knight Returns doesn't leave you with the ultimate decision, it's bold enough to answer it for you and say "yes, it is better to have superheroes."
This is why modern reviewers and "journalists" give The Dark Knight Returns negative reviews and put it on lists of "overrated" comics while putting Watchmen on a pedestal. They don't like the arguments TDKR gives for why it's morally imperative to have central figures to look up to, because it inspires humanity as a whole to do better, even if those characters themselves have personal demons they still haven't overcome. Watchmen on the other-hand downplays the good heroes do as "superficial" and equates them as being part of the "iron foot of the government" while TDKR deliberately places Batman still as a vigilante and has Superman as the iron foot of the government, where Batman represents the people and Superman as the government, which ironically enough, it took the representation of the people to fix Gotham's problems, while the representation of the government had all the power in the world but was per-occupied with international politics.
Not enough tachyon waves, no Tale Of The Black Freighter. 7/10
@@viscountrainbows6452 pretty sure that's in the ultimate cut
“That bad”? I’m confused... is that a common opinion? This film has always been great. I didn’t know it was hated.
Oh it was openly derided when it came out, mainly becuase like he said, those reviewing it weren't familiar at all with the source material.
Usually by people who are too dumb to see it's greatness... or people who were just bored because it is pretty slow paced... take your pick.
Yup, didn't do well financially and EVERY PERSON I KNEW that was looking forward to this movie (including me) disliked it massively.
I saw it as a dark, preachy, illogical, boredom-fest.
@Paraponera Snyder wasn't involved in Sin City. Sin City is a Robert Rodriguez Movie.
@Paraponera Zach Snyder didn't have anything to do with Sin City?
From India, I remember WATCHMEN. I learnt that it was based on a famous graphic novel which I had never read. I like the movie because it was a very good contrarian to the superhero trope. And it was highly philosophical. Many of my colleagues did not understand it because as you have said, they expected a do- gooder superhero movie [which is every Indian movie that you know]. I later read the novel and I found that the movie was far more understood & relatable because all the superheroes had human foibles, contrasting the standard tropes of superhero comics. DR. MANHATTAN vs SUPERMAN, NIGHTOWL VS BATMAN, OZYMANDIAS VS IRONMAN. The only human was RORSCHACH & THE COMEDIAN, both of whom were the only CHARACTERS that stuck in your mind as well as all my friends.
DR.MANHATTAN, also is a critique of GOD himself.
I believe the story is a losly retold story of the watchers from the Bible. The whole story was in the book of Enoch, which was removed from the cannons by Rome .
I was the second group, NEVER heard of Watchmen, went in expecting a regular superhero movie and was BLOWN AWAY!! THIS, next to the Dark Knight trilogy is the BEST Superhero movie EVER!!
I wish they made prequels or movies about every single hero on their own as I would definitely watch them
"None of you seem to understand... I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here WITH ME!!!"
- Rorschach
Rorschach was the best part of that movie.
@Howard A. Hayden Good artists copy, Great artists steal.
- Pablo Picasso
You're right tho, not original. But the acting is fantastic.
Best. Line. Ever.
Love. That. Scene.
"I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with me!!" - So many good lines in this movie. VERY underrated.
EDIT: Holy shit! The drinker loved my comment!
StillersRock That was my favourite line in the film. What a character!
Rorschach was SOOO badass!
"It's a joke... it's all a f***ing joke"
+10. My favorite line for sure.
"Bean juice?"
"Yeah, Human Bean juice."
I think this was one of the best films ever made and the best superhero film ever.
People disliked it because that was the golden age of the romantic comedy. It didn't sit right with people.
You meant by this movie was released during the era of the golden age of the overrated genre of romantic comedy (and I'd like to add parody films)?
Simply a masterpiece, such an underated piece of cinema
“None of you seem to understand... I’m not locked in here with you. YOU’RE LOCKED IN HERE WITH ME!” - a true badass
Used later by black&white Punisher... And it became so lame.
That’s how I feel living in Melbourne right now...
People love this line . . . but for me, no Rorschach line will ever beat "Fat chance."
I found Matthew Goode absolutely hypnotic as Ozymandias. Jackie Earl Haley was definitely the other standout as Rohrshach. God, he nailed that character.
don't forget Greg Plitt's body for Dr. Manhattan
Matthew Goode was completely miscast. In the comic, Adrien Veidt was smart, athletic, good looking, funny, chiseled jaw line - he looked the all American Hero - which made the twist genuinely surprising. In the film, Matthew Goode looks and speaks creepy and is clearly a bad guy from his very first scene. Every other character, especially Rorschach, is pretty spot on - but a the film is let down badly by the spoiled twist.
@@azursmile But the all-American guy that's actually the villain it's already a cliché in itself. It was like a lose-lose situation so they went with the creepy guy.
@@azursmile Interesting how you felt creeped-out by the movie's Ozy from the jump. I somehow didn't get any creep or sinister vibes, so his unmasking as the Big Bad was all the more surprising.
@@azursmile I saw him as a play on the intellectual stereotype - Fit, perhaps, but somewhat effeminate and overly theoretical as opposed to the Comedian's hypermasculine persona.
The fact that his solution was so brutal and seemingly out of touch with humanity made his casting a lot more apt to me.
Glorious film, visually beautiful, strong character development, complex but compelling story, awesome action, thought provoking... what is there not to like 🤷🏻♂️
I loved this film. Gonna watch it again because of your review reminds me how underated it was. It was dark gritty and had essence of film noir. Different and thought provoking which was great. But I like Jeffrey dean Morgan more so now as an actor so definitely worth a rewatch.
"Was It Really That Bad?"
What? One of the best movies ever.
I only clicked on the video because the title made me so angry. It's among the greatest comic book films of all time.
I'm at a loss. Everyone I know loved the movie. It's the only movie I know, where people own multiple copies.
because the following hbo show was also soo good...lol
2nd best comic book movie after Scott Pilgrim.
I think Drinker has stole it from MovieBob it’s It So Bad he made about Batman vs Superman.. 😊
Rorschach's death is still one of the best i have ever seen. The pure Emotion on his Face and the rage consuming him, screaming at Dr. Manhattan to do it and therefore standing by his convictions to the bitter end is sublime.
I so completely agree. That part always is burned in my memory as something so incredibly honorable and full of integrity and simultaneously horrific and a tragic waste...exactly what the story wants you to feel the contrast and polarity of...
"In Veidt's new utopia, what's one more body among the foundations?"
Jackie Earle Haley is the perfect comic character casting, right up alongside Heath Ledger's Joker and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. Although I have to give props to Jeffrey Dean Morgan's pitch-perfect portrayal of the Comedian AND Carla Gugino as the original Silk Spectre, in every decade of her arc.
The comic did most of the heavy lifting; BUT, it was a stroke of fucking genius for the movie to have his blood and guts form one last Rorschach Blot in the snow!
Leave it to a pro like Healy to carry the climax of the film on his shoulders. Very strong performance.
This is my favorite film of all time (the Director’s Cut, that is.)
I’m glad there’s countless individuals of like-mindedness who’re also fans of this cinematic masterpiece.
You guys keep on rockin’!
I keep rewatching it...the extended version. The painted comic book look and lighting is masterful and the batman "knock off" is better than the real thing:)) Masterpiece!
I’ve never heard anyone actually describe it as bad. Was pretty alright to me.
@A Scam Involving Corndogs yeah, people said it was bad years after the fact, and for the most part, didn't see it in theaters where that shit pops.
“Video Essays” Auteurs loooooove to take this stance.....
Dis
Oops. LOL. CRITICAL DRINKER FAILS AGAIN. YOU SUCK.
@Commentator did you had a issue with the ending?
The opening to the film with 'The Times They Are A'Changin' is still the absolute best intro I've seen from a comic book movie.
Best intro of ANY movie.
I agree, regardless of what you think of the film as an adaptation, or simply a movie, that entire opening is cinematic brilliance
Pretty good sequence, it's a shame Snyder uses the same gimmick in every single of his movies since then.
@@dubjon5134 the moment you see the easter eggs in the opening scene, with the original Owl man saving Thomas and Martha Wayne when they leave the Gotham Opera, preventing the birth of Batman in this universe.
@@TimisDaniel Dude... I never noticed that.
Most grounded super hero film I've Watchedmen!
Blade is the closest thing to it.
Grow up.
As someone who would probably be called a filthy degenerate by Rorschach, he's my favourite character besides Dr.Manhatten. Because despite his flaws and hatred for the general public he still has a moral code and will do what he needs to do to protect the weak
This is the film that paved the way for series like The Boys to be accepted in the modern times.
Uh what?
@@AdeodatusX if you don't know, you don't know.
@@AdeodatusX The bois yo boi you boi
yes.. was thinking the exact same thing
and invincible in a way
“They’ll scream save us.. and I’ll whisper.. No”... amazing acting and character
And extremely self aware!
Completely agree! This was a tragically underrated film!
Enjoyed this film, had a lot going for it.
I really wish we got a solo Rorschach film.
Like a prequel.
You’d see how he starts, how he evolves, his team ups with Owlman. And then how after he finds the missing girl, he changes and becomes ruthless. Leading upto events before, Watchmen.
There would be a ton of stories and encounters he could have.
The actor who played Rorschach is maybe too old now, so it’s a shame.
I think there exist comics but Alan Moore, being Moore, has generally disavowed them.
Moore actually didn't shit all over this film like he'd shat over other adaptations, which is telling.
Can’t believe this didn’t crush it at the movies. The writing is phenomenal.
Because the cinema going public want spoonfed drivel and lightsabers
@2003evodave Remember, Mall Cop got a sequel, Dredd didn't, that's what you've got to remember about the public's idea of a good movie.
It is, but most people prefer shallow entertainment.
Can't blame them really. Life's bad enough as it is for many.
Still ofc it's a shame.
This was the best movie I saw that year.
@@tarron3237 Strange that now we have a bunch of movie with just message and no fun hahaha
Did anyone else notice how Matthew Goode, who plays Adrian Veidt in the movie, gives him a perfect American accent during public interviews, but a slight (very slight) German accent when he's amongst friends?
yes that was intentional. since Adrian Veidt has a german family origin, they decided to keep that as a hint in his accent
Holy shit I've watched this movie dozens of times but never caught that. Heard it immediately when I started replaying scenes in my head.
Yet another reason for a rewatch
@@gavensedgwick6516,
Yet more proof. If you want subtle realism with excellent acting in your movie, hire a Brit.
@@fuferitoum, could you not?
I never noticed it because I watched the german version ;)
Together with The Babadook, Watchmen is one of my favorite movies over the last 15-20 years... No heroes, no villains, just different ideals. This movie teaches u a lot about mankind and society.
I dunno, I'm pretty sure we've got a fair number of villains waltzing around who know very well that they're villains.
Whatever you think of his style, I think it's hard to argue that ZS doesn't have a deep appreciation and understanding for the source material and tries his best to do it justice. He digs deep into the themes, which I love. That is way more than can be said for just about anyone else cranking out super movies these days, particularly the create-by-committee production lines.
He may have an appreciation but he has a clear lack of understanding of the graphic novel.
@@danieldemaras3099 Not to argue - but in your view, what did he fundamentally misunderstand about The Watchmen? Just curious.
@@byucatch22Alan Moore is a left wing anarchist, who worked on several characters with Steve Ditko. Moore noticed Ditko having a more Randian objetivistic right wing political slant in his writing (objectivism is the stance that certain people are more exceptional than others and should be above certain laws or rules, such people should act for their own happiness), basically he wrote vigilante characters who thought they were above the law and thought it was their right to enforce their own brand of justice.
Moore, being left wing, disliked this heavily and wrote Watchmen as sort of a dark satire, on the characters he and Ditko wrote, the book being an attack on Randian objectivism, and superhero vigilante philosophy itself. Therefore, in the book, the characters are treated as more heavily unprofessional, limited in their abilities, and are written more ridiculously. The violence they carry out is meant to be seen as horrifying , not glorified in awe.
Then we have Snyder, a man who clearly has a love for Frank Miller comics, and therefore more adores that vigilante philosophy. His views almost contrast Moore's entirely. Therefore, he glorifies characters meant to be parodied. Rorschach, originally written as this fascist racist extremist who actually looked up to the comedian, was now written as Batman, and fans see him as a true representation of mortality and justice. The gory horrifying scenes are now slow mo and badass. The comedian's death was quick and pathetic in comics, now is shown as a badass's last stand.
He genuinely does not understand the philosophies of any of the characters properly. I can somewhat understand where Moore comes from in his complete dissociation from the film
wow, that's are really great explanation. I appreciate the insight. I'm not familiar with The Watchmen so I wasn't aware of these things. I was going more off Snyder's adaptation of Man of Steel and 300. Your explanation makes sense.@@arcanewarrior863
One of the best lines of the film: "It rains on the just and the unjust alike."
It's a good line, but no real credit to the filmmakers - it's from the Bible
@@esquilax5563 but the filmmaker decided to use that line. I'm a christian but I didn't know that line.
@@allasian452 right, by "no real credit" I was trying to imply that they do get some small amount of credit for making a good choice, if not for coming up with the words.
I only knew it was from the Bible because I'd heard it several times in popular media, and so looked up where it came from. Actually, with a lot of common English expressions, we're quoting from the Bible, Shakespeare, or the Book of Common Prayer, often without being aware of it
@@allasian452 It's paraphrasing a verse from Ecclesiastes.
Something like:
"Both the fool and the wise man die the same"
Edit:
Ecclesiastes 2:16
" . . . And how does a wise man die? As the fool"
@@esquilax5563 oh ok 👌
The good thing about this movie, is that it gave Jackie Earl Halley the perfect platform for his ability.
That and Little Children
He was mesmerising as Rorschach. Nobody else could have pulled it off.
All the cast was spot one. The Comedian and Nigth Owl where great in their roles also. The really made a great job in selecting the actors.
Jackie or Jeffreys version of the comedian...
God he was amazing as Rorschach
I think it does an admirable job of adapting a pretty hard work to adapt. In my opinion it captures the essence of the work in a similar way that Peter Jackson did with The Lord of th Rings.
Wholeheartedly agreed but even conveys Watchman better than how Peter Jackson conveyed LOTR.
This film is a classic it’s one that will just get better the older it becomes. I didn’t understand any hate it got and i would die on the hill defending it.
You think the movie's only going to get better as time moves on? Why?
Who said it’s bad? The dark and mature theme, great acting, etc. if only movies could be like this again...
Sam R People hate it just because its Zack Snyder. It was a great movie that showed real superheroes. People wanted perfect moral heroes with a happy ending.
Only thing i didn't like was the blue dongs.
Idiot fandom that complains that they’re favorite parts from the series wasn’t in the movie and idiotic critics that say it was too close to the source material. The basis of anyone who doesn’t like Zack Snyder movies (et al. Sucker Punch)
@@westiclesw7137 They couldn't make the movie work without all those blue dongs! Those are major plot peckers
It was an adaptation of probs the greatest graphic novel, and tried to be too similar to the novel in areas and tried to be different in others, but ended up failing at a lot of them, the movie wasn’t bad but it was boring at some points and just wasn’t as good as the novel but still is an enjoyable experience
"If you give a man the powers of a God, what happens to his humanity?" Never have I heard something that asks whether superheroes are a good idea or not, asked so succinctly.
The question goes deeper than that.
It also explains why a god wouldn't care about us.
@@googleuser9383 How so?
@@quintfl maybe because humans are so morally cynical that it even applies to gods
@@sugartoothYT It depends. Did I create the ants?
I’ve always thought about it. Most human beingsare far too flawed to possess super human powers.
I could only buy Clark Kent (Kal-El from Krypton) an alien raised in bucolic rural Kansas as an idealized All-American caricature ... Or maybe Wonder Woman, raised in isolation from the rest of corrupt humanity. Otherwise, everyone else is a psychopath.
Who thought this was a bad movie? This movie was so awesome that it made me want to read the original source material.
I thought it was successful when it first came out. I was 14 and I remember the theater being packed. I didn’t think people hated it so much, Watchmen was ahead of its time.
I think Rorschach had the best line in the movie
"I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with me"
He had all the best lines in the movie.
"Men get arrested. Dogs get put down."
"Never compromise. Not even in the face of Armageddon."
The guy is born to play Carnage, not Woody Harrelson!
I'll argue it would be this one:
The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the whores and politicians will look up and shout "Save us!"... and I'll look down, and whisper "No."
The Pagliachi joke was brilliantly executed aswell.
K incel
"I'M NOT WEARING HOCKEY PADS."
I actually really like this movie. Snyder’s best film.
It's wank
I thought it was good, and have watched it a few times.
@@rpscorp9457 agreed. I'll watch this every time it's on the tele
Indeed. Ordering the ultimate cut now!
I didn't even know it was considered bad, I loved it.
I personally really liked Comedian and smiley references to him throughout the film. Somewhere in the movie was a line that said that Comedian understood the true nature of humanity and instead of trying to fight it, he became a parody of this human nature. It's fcng powerful, and, I guess, this is what these smiley things all along the movie were meant for. I watched both versions of this movie several times and it kind of felt like the story actually was about Comedian, or, let's say, the story felt like it was told from his point of view or his sense of morality. He died in the very beginning of the movie, but his spirit will live in the world till there aren't humans left at all. And the best thing that you can do about our bitter nature is just to turn it into a big sad savage unfunny fcng joke.
Anyway, this movie and the first season of the true detective are ones of the few things that i'm willing to rewatch at almost any point of my life and every time I will feel something for them, and, guess, will feel something for me and humanity in general, too. So, that already pretty much means something
Didn’t know there was a graphic novel of this when I first saw it. One of the greatest superhero films ever made. Have watched this film numerous times and still love everything about it. The choice of having the Bob Dylan song “The Times they are a changing” playing over the opening montage and credits is brilliant. Perfectly cast film. Rorschach’s line in jail where he says “I’m not locked in here with you, you’re locked in here with me!” Is one of my favorite lines of the movie.
The comic is what I call heavenly good
I love that Ozymandias blew up manhattan WHILE he was detailing his secret plan. Then when the crew is like, 'were stopping you' he's all 'duh, look'
"Dan, I'm not a public _serial_ villain."
"We're stopping you!"
"Nah, it'll be fine."
Alan Moore!👍
Well, Ozymandias IS supposed to be the smartest guy in the world, so you wouldn't expect him to do something that would ruin his plan like a James Bond villain would.
It's an antihero taken to conclusion. It's as far as someone can go and still wear a cloak of hero. So well written.
Still has one of the best opening sequences EVER, with Bob Dylan's The times they are a changin the perfect song choice.
Really amazing work they did in that. The broad strokes of the first generation of watchmen matched with a song that seems like it was written just for that part in the movie. I don't think anyone could have done a better job condensing that much material into one bob Dylan song.
I agree. An unforgettable opening that tells a very long story in just a few great scenes, sad atmosphere and wonderful music.
I love the movie but I hate that intro, it was so durrrr retard level on the nose. Otherwise i've always loved this movie.
True. The intro is one of the best I have ever seen in my life. Bob Dylan's music just fit perfectly.
I fully agree
This movie was a masterpiece. A breath of fresh air compared to what Disney is doing with Marvel and the MCU. It’s dark, grounded, and thought provoking.
Watchmen represents everything fans expected of the MCU and DCCU - a real exploration of characters, stories, and ideas that have been loved by generations; questions surrounding what it means to be both "super" and "human." We don't get movies like this anymore, because the people making movies don't want to give them to us. They don't want us to think - they want us to follow the narrative they've laid down, and in that scenario, thought is the enemy.
It's kind of interesting to note that, much like in Watchmen, one of the first things to get killed off in our culture was comedy. Now THERE'S something to think about. #wakeupfromwoke
Wholeheartedly agreed with the fans.
When you see the shots, as here, with their sound removed, and out of context, it becomes much easier to see how beautiful they are. It is a good film, uncommonly faithful to the source material. It looks superb, and the story overall is near enough the same as the book. The ending is significantly different, but to do the one in the comic would have taken longer, and probably been less convincing so I accept it. The main difference I disliked was the way the film made the heroes more powerful than normal humans, and showed them winning fights with contemptuous ease.
Lindybeeeeeige
Some of those shots, in slow motion are absolute gold
Odd to see you here of all places Lindy. A surprise but a welcome one to be sure.
The Lord has spoken. LindyBeige strikes again
@@SicSeb Lindybeeeeeige!
Fun fact Watchmen actually takes place in an alternative DC Universe where the old Night Owl saves Thomas & Martha Wayne in that alley. So Bruce never becomes Batman 👍
if only they stuck with this version of reality, we wouldnt have toss like aqua-turd..
Not really. Superman was a comic book in Watchmen, so the Waynes and any other DC characters would also have been fictitious.
But then ozymandias throws Thomas Wayne out of a window
@DC Marvel how..
Watchmen was retconned into the DC Universe against the wishes of Alan Moore. There was no Thomas and Martha Wayne in the graphic novel
As far as comic adaptation, 9/10, so far ahead of other comic based movies. The extended directed cut is absolutely worth a watch all the way through and is a piece of meaningful story telling. I love it because it's a good story and it takes the time it needs to tell it, almost a little "Das Boot" .Most movies are just "economical", basic-entertaining-quick batta bim batta boom.
The biggest shame of this movie was considering how the audience liked Rorschach, we didn't get a dark and gritty the Question tv series.
"There are no clear heroes and villains."
"There ain't no good guys
There ain't no bad guys
There's only you and me
And we just disagree"
Ahhh yes.... I see you too are a man of culture.
and the Big Blue Schlong.
@@QuantumRift Funny! Not sure if it's relevant to the context, but it's pretty damn funny!
@Carl Hopf I hadn't heard that song in so long (at least 30 years), I literally just had to Google it (because I never even knew the title or who played it) and see if it really did have a guitar riff (I guess most songs do--at least those that feature guitar). Sure enough, there *was* a guitar riff. Thanks for steering be back to the source material!
@Simply Legendary Dreaming are you? I pointed it out because nobody else did. What YOU do with it in your spare time is your business. TMI.
"Men get arrested, dogs get put down."
Men go to Jail.
Dogs get put down
I felt he was harsh there - dogs don't know better, his reaction to Rorschach says he definitely knew better.
@@mnomadvfx he was referring to rabid dogs.
The biggest problem with this movie was in choosing to use an explosion that used the same energy as Ozymandius was using in his public power stations. At that point, Rorschach didn't even need to send his journal to the papers...
Giant squid ending 1 / Dr Manhatten ending: 0
Snyder proving he's copying panels without their narratives purposes
The smiley face on Mars is a real crater called Galle. Clever reference in the comic.
This movie was way way WAY ahead of it's time. This movie would fit right in now if it came out today.
not even now, it should never exist, humanity is going backwards, they don't deserve good movies
Not in this shity woke ass era we live in .
In themes? Yes. But I'd fix a lot of the film's pacing and focus issues before I release it anywhere or anytime.
If it came out today, It would be PG-13 and Rorschach would've been gay.
@@purpleytical1391 and dont forget that he also would'ev been black cuz hollywood hates actors with red hair
Rorschach is probably the most satisfying character.
Rorschach is the best, but the others are really solid as well. Gotta hand it to Adrian, his plan made sense and was well executed. It's nice to see a competent villain in a movie "cough, cough sequel trilogy".
There has been a rise in hate of that character as the left realizes the common joe likes him.
@Jeenkz K Agreed!
You're locked in here with me!
It's October 1987 I am naming my pet rat Rorschach due to the black and white pattern on her fur and her disposition towards anyone that puts their fingers in her cage.
Watchmen, Brandon Lee’s The Crow and Sin City are some of my favorite graphic novel movies. Only thing this movie was missing, was an ‘inter-dimensional’ tentacle monster. Haven’t read the comic book for Watchmen in decades, but I’m fairly certain that there was a monster… Or, I’m tripping again. Another movie that encapsulates it’s homage to graphic novels (or, in this case manga) is the film Kung-Fu Hustle, it feels like an anime or over the top manga, and I feel it’s an overlooked masterpiece.
The movie "Watchmen" is a great movie. It portrays what would really happen if there were superheroes and made me realize I wouldn't be a superhero even if I had Dr Manhattans powers because humans are hypocritical and unappreciative.
"Tells a story"
That's something Watchmen does that a lot of comic book films don't do. Not in a trilogy, not in 22 films, but in one film with multiple character introductions. We're still getting Batman and Spider-Man origin rebooted origin stores and this gave us so much content.
Well said! 👍
@Vidal Zavala Ain't that the truth! Haven't watched the show but hear it actually IS bad. U seem it? If so, your thoughts...
damn straight. best "super" movie that will probably ever be made. the extended version, that is.
@Vidal Zavala That makes sense. I felt, after seeing the movie, that it told the story well enough.
I always wonder how lord of the rings would be made today. "First we need the Aragorn origin movie, then the Frodo origin movie, maybe a Marry and Pippin Spinoff before we do the Gandalf Prequel... and that is just the fellowship of the ring"
Bad?
No
This movie is outstanding in almost every way possible.
I agree. I made this comment before I watched this video. Probably won't watch it either.
Watchmen is the best comic to movie adaptation ever created and the altered ending actually makes the story better
@@theoldgods8229 agree 100%. Love the directors cut & under the hood disc.
O No
It’s definitely up there, and you can absolutely make the case that you just put forth.
Agreed, one of my favorite super hero film
This movie was ahead of its time. If it came out on Netflix 2-3 years ago it’ll be considered one of the greatest
I never thought this movie was widely perceived as bad. Dr. Manhatten and Rorschach were always so very fascinating to me all through my childhood. I have art of Rorschach in my room because I think he's so fuckin cool.
"He's not particularly big or physically strong. He's not super smart and he doesn't have any powers or gadgets. He's just a tough, tenacious little bastard, ready and willing to take on guys twice his size without any fear or hesitation, ready to fight dirty and use any advantage he can find." This is a great way to describe Rorschach. And this is why despite his flaws I like this character.
I have a friend like that.
At one point he bought one of the nastiest biker and hoe bars in South Jersey. I think he had it 9 years.
Some of his stories are epic! For a 5'9" guy to never backdown says something.
He never hired a bouncer either. He enjoyed the work too much to delegate it out.
When I saw the movie and they first showed his face, I was certain I had seen him in something before… and then it dawned on me, He played the third friend in the movie “Breaking Away” the movie that gave Dennis Quaid his first big break. I hadn’t seen him in anything after that movie…
@@christopherpardell4418 Freaked me out when I saw his face, because I said , "Wait a minute , that is Kelly from "The Bad News Bears". "Christ I'm old" LOL
No compromise.
He's one of my favor "superhero".
The scene where Dr. Manhattan kills Rorschach is a very emotionally powerful scene. You can't help to feel a deep sense a unavoidable tragedy.
Yeah that scene stuck with me. I really liked Rorschach, but I understood his completely unyeilding determination to never compromise, even in the face of death, meant only two possible outcomes. He dies and his character remains intact, or he compromises and stops being relevant. I wanted Dr. Manhattan to compromise...but what happens when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object? The unmovable object cannot survive.
The ultimate tragic hero I'd say.
When I read the comic, I audibly yelled, "NO!" when I realized what was about to happen. Rorschach was far and above my favorite character, and I was so torn when he died, but it fit the narrative so perfectly.
@@Astrochronic Actually the correct answer to that question is they both surrender.
@@Toasty667 Rorschach cant surrender. That is the point. Manhattan did and it could be argued based on how his character was portrayed, that it gave him the excuse and justification to abandon earth. But i am with Rorschach. They should have exposed Ozymandias...
Dr. Manhattan didn’t have to kill Rorschach. He could’ve did the same thing for him as he did for Ozymandias in the HBO series. He’s a literal god. Outside of that it’s still my favorite comic book based movie.
Rorschach would’ve probably been driven to insanity in his psychopathic (yet morally just) pursuit of justice if he was permanently imprisoned on a terraformed moon of Jupiter.
Rorschach doesn’t seem the type to commit suicide, but I do believe he’d die from despair…
This movie is in my all time fave list alongside (in no particular order) 5th element, alien, district 9, fellowship of the ring, cool runnings and empire strikes back.
The 3+ hours Director's Cut is epic. Another film that would never get released today...
AnnaDraconida I never knew there was a directors cut. I liked the theatrical cut, which I stumbled on looking for something to watch in a share house (along with my flat mates collection of asian chicks porn). I’ll have to check it out.
@@jesmondsaunders7746 AKA Ultimate Cut. Def. worth watching
Raw Engineer cause money is the only thing that matters when it comes to an individuals ability to enjoy a piece of art.
Raw Engineer didn't realise a bit of dong pissed you off so much.
Raw Engineer when you’re so immature that you can’t handle a dick on screen and take the scene seriously.
Two things really stood out for me in this movie.
The intro montage co-opted so many classic news scenes from the 20th Century it really brought home this is an alternate universe.
And, of course, the casting of Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the Comedian. Sheer perfection. Two roles that you just can't imagine anybody else playing them.
Agree 100%
Some actors are just born for certain roles.
Those two castings were spot on, 100% perfect.
Malin Akerman on the other hand...
I have probably watched this movie about a dozen times, and your post is the first time I have ever honestly put the name of Jefferey Dean Morgan to the role, I'm not saying that I didn't know it was JDM, I'm saying that JDM is such a good actor that his role outshines him as an actor.
If it were the eighties, Tom Cruise and Michael Keaton, maybe.
I gotta imagine that was his line producer back in the day that should get the credit given how garbage the casting of ben affleck and jesse eisenberg was.
Literally one of my all time favorite movies. You have to remember that anything the masses agree is great is almost always not great.
Explain your last point please...
Thanks. I also ask myself, why this movie never got the praise it should have. Sucker Punch also flew under everyone’s radar.
I read the graphic novel before i saw this film and tbh it was a solid take on such an in depth storyline. Cast was solid, acting was great and effects and costumes were bang on. Never could understand the hate from this.
This masterpiece has a rare quality whose name often escapes critics and reviewers: authenticity.
Never read the graphic novel. Really impressed by the movie. Never understood the bad reviews.
@@nufosmatic buy it dude, you won't regret it
@@nufosmatic pretty much have to agree with the other member here. Buy the graphic novel and just take a full day to kick back and read. One of the best stories told by DC
Yeah I was younger when I first watched it and I didn't really understand it but then I rewatched it later on and I still thoroughly enjoyed it
“She bought me a beer, the first time a woman has ever done this for me, as she passed me the cold, perspiring glass, our fingers touched...”
He also did credit card commercials, so that scene always had me waiting for ....."priceless"
The Dr Manhattan sequence - the birth of a god - was the central gem of the movie; You could feel the absolute power AND the absolute loneliness. A faultless masterpiece.
For a moment I saw "she passed the the covid." I got to lay off the news.
I loved the visuals in the film, they just ruined the main payoff in the story, the irony was eliminated.
In the end of the book Rorschach mailed his notes from his investigation to a reporter, revealing the alien species was created by ozymandus. Thwarting his plan of forced unity against one evil that wasn’t even real.
In the movie Rorschach sent his investigation notes to a reporter that the attack by dr. Manhattan was fake doesn’t change the fact that the dr could still destroy everything in a wink. So Rorshash’s whole story line became a shrug of the shoulders. And you don’t get the payoff in the book of ruining ozymandus’s plan after rorschash’s already dead.
It's good to know someone noticing Snyder is not a genius