Watchedmen

Went on an outing to see Watchmen tonight- after much hype from those
fans of the graphic novel that are my friends. It had stunning
graphics in parts: some astounding effects (mostly centered around
violence) and a first-rate sound track. But other bits, namely the
long-shots of Dr Manhattan, looked like the kind've effect that might
well have passed in the 80s, when the film is primarily set, but just
didn't make the grade now.

More importantly though, the dynamics between the characters
(especially Silk Spectre II and Dan), felt tired and under-explored.
If you'd read the graphic novel, it may well have made sense. But for
those of who haven't, it felt like you were missing out. There were
too few characters running around all the time, too little exploration
of the background to the Watchmen (or the Minutemen), and the sheer
one-dimensionality of half of the characters.

All-in-all, it just felt a bit self-indulgent. Like 3-odd hours of
Robin running around, watching how much he can blow up, and how almost-
like he can imitate Heath Ledger's Joker- always coming up that little
bit short. Let's hope they don't make a sequel.