New Watchmen Trailer

[Bond]

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/watchmen.html?showVideo=1

Ohhh yeah.

[Swan]

Was trying to post this.


Have to say though.....it's starting to look less good

[Ginkasa]

How so?

[thatmariolover]

I can hardly wait!

[Fox 6]

So good....

[Teuthida]

I know he wore lifts in the comic but this Rorschach is so tiny.

[Happydude]

this looks pretty cool.

[Swan]

Hmm, after watching it a second time I think I felt that way just because wasn't quite how I imagined stuff in my head.




Though I still am not a fan of Dr. Manhattan. His voice just doesn't match

[Bond]

Dr. Manhattan's voice does seem off, I will agree.

[Fox 6]

You just want to see his wang Swan.

I wonder how they will handle that :p

[manasecret]

From someone that knows nothing about this Watchmen series, the trailers IMHO make the movie look ridiculous. The movie feels like it's going to be cool, but then the "heroes" arrive...

Exhibit A:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f294/barneyis666/watchmen.jpg

The sorta-revealing-but-not-really girl's costume? The guy in the Batman-wannabe costume? The blue electricity guy in a freakin' speedo (or not)? Really? I'm supposed to take this movie seriously?

[Angrist]

Haha, I'm with Manasecret. And what's Xena Warrior Princess doing in that movie??

[Bond]

Hey, read the graphic novel and then you'll understand. :)

[Dylflon]

Manasecret, read the book.

They aren't supposed to be "cool". This is a world in which masked vigilantes choose to dawn the costume for strange (sometimes narcissistic) reasons.

One of the major themes of the book is calling attention to the utter instability any person who would choose to put on a costume and fight crime.

The Watchmen takes a very ironic stance on superheroism and once you realize that this idea takes precedence over trying to look cool, hopefully their appearances won't be enough to turn you off of the film.

[Fox 6]

Haha, I'm with Manasecret. And what's Xena Warrior Princess doing in that movie??

Are you talking about the woman hero in the picture? Because its not the same actress.

[Angrist]

The Watchmen takes a very ironic stance on superheroism and once you realize that this idea takes precedence over trying to look cool, hopefully their appearances won't be enough to turn you off of the film.Shouldn't the trailer reflect that? Now they're just trying to be another cool super hero movie. Some kind of messed up X-Men.

She sure looks like Xena.

[Professor S]

Shouldn't the trailer reflect that? Now they're just trying to be another cool super hero movie. Some kind of messed up X-Men.

I honestly don't see how you get any of that from the Watchmen trailers. The entire mood of the movies is completely different and they set everything up as a mystery in the superhero universe rather than anything remotely traditional for a comic movie.

As for reflecting irony in a trailer, I'd imagine that would be impossible with the time contraints. The entire depth of this story would be impossible to relay in a trailer. But in the end, I'd love for those who have not read the book to go into this movie with the preconceptions shown here, and then see your reaction afterward. I think it will be interesting. And besides, if given the vhoice, I always prefer to watch the movie first and then read the book. As movies can spoil beloved books, but books rarely spoil beloved movies, they simply make the experience grander.

Looking at the reactions, I can see this movie getting wildly conflicted reviews. Watchmen is a deconstruction of traditional comic universes, and in movie for a deconstructions of the comic book movie. Looking at the trailers, I think Snyder has hit the nail on the head, but in doing so he is expecting his audience to be intimatelyfamiliar with comic book themes and schemas. I think snyder's challenge will be to create a fun movie for those looking for a comic movie, and a thoughtful piece for those looking to see a reflection of Alan Moore's critically best work (personally, I still hold his Swamp Thing run in higher regard even if it's less unique).

As for Xena, her look is the point, but I'll let you discover than for yourself. If you think those costumes look silly, wait until you see the one's from the flashbacks...

[Dylflon]

As for Xena, her look is the point, but I'll let you discover than for yourself. If you think those costumes look silly, wait until you see the one's from the flashbacks...


Oh man. The MinuteMen look sooo good.

[Professor S]

Oh man. The MinuteMen look sooo good.

I didn't think a major studio would have the balls to let a huge first run movie have rediculous costumes, even if they were to make a point. I think we have to thank our stars that it was Warner Bros. heading up this project, and not 20th Century Fox, where creativity goes to die.

[manasecret]

I think it's time to add the caveat that my impressions of the trailer do not mean I won't give the movie a chance. I just wanted to give the impressions of someone who knows nothing about Watchmen.

[Fox 6]

She sure looks like Xena.

Its not, Lucy Lawless played Xena

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0015196/

[Professor S]

The one concern I do have is that the film looks somewhat... unfinished. I know that there is still a lot of time between now and Watchmen's release, but the TRAILER shouldn't look unfinished. And Billy Crudup's voice needs some effects on it. It just doesn't look or sound right coming from a being of pure energy.

[KillerGremlin]

I hope the movie is shot mostly in slow motion and misses blatant context from the original work.

[thatmariolover]

Honestly, just gotta say, WTF Nite Owl's cape? It very explicitly detailed why his cape narrowed toward the bottom (aside from looking awesomely like an Owl) in the novel (hint: it involves revolving doors and bullets).

[BreakABone]

Well for those who haven't read the comics or looking for an interesting experiment.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tYX9Cn9-_mg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tYX9Cn9-_mg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XA3VyUmH_w&feature=channel

And more at link.

[Swan]

After watching trailer again I have to say it loooks awesome except for two things. At least in my opinion.


As Prof said, Dr. Manhattan's voice needs to be altered.


And Silk Spectre needs and older actress

[birdman]

Thanks for the youtube Earl. My GF has been trying to get me into Watchmen. She LOVES the comic. Guess I can finally join the party.

[BreakABone]

I mentioned this during TF 2 this past weekend, but here's an update.


Fox to Seek Order Delaying Watchmen Release

Source: The Associated Press

An attorney for 20th Century Fox says the studio will continue to seek an order delaying the release of Watchmen, according to The Associated Press.

U.S. District Court Judge Gary Feess last week agreed with Fox that Warner Bros. had infringed its copyright by developing and shooting the film, scheduled for release March 6.

Feess said Monday he plans to hold a trial Jan. 20 to decide remaining issues.

Fox claims it never fully relinquished story rights from its deal made in the late 1980s, and sued Warner Bros. in February. Warner Bros. contended Fox isn't entitled to distribution.

Warner Bros.' attorney said Monday he didn't know if an appeal was coming, but thinks a trial is necessary and a settlement unlikely.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=51577

[birdman]

This. is. bullshit.

[BreakABone]

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/watchmentaposter.jpg

http://xs135.xs.to/xs135/09056/8528.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/Rim_lit/020209_watchmanimax.jpg

[Professor S]

Looking at the promotional materials, it looks like the studio thinks Rorschach is the most iconic characters from the movie. I was very excited to see Jackie Earl Haley get the role, so I hope he is as good as advertised. The prison scenes should be impressive.

[Fox 6]

Looking forward to this....... AND IN IMAX TOO!

Doubt I will make the trip to Down Town. Unless Swanny would be up for it......

[Swan]

Such a boner for this movie.


And yeah, I would totally be down for driving to Imax


Stupid Langley

[BreakABone]

Just as a head's up.
The imax won't be as special as the Dark Knight.
I'm sure it would still be an improvement over normal theatres due to the larger screen, but if its out of the way its no biggie.

[Fox 6]

If only I had that big yellow poster BaBs posted

[BreakABone]

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5WsciSNVS0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5WsciSNVS0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Teuthida]

http://www.slashfilm.com/wp/wp-content/images/watchmentaposter.jpg


Why is Nite Owl II there twice? Is his snow gear that important?

[Swan]

Why is Nite Owl II there twice? Is his snow gear that important?

http://www.nataliedee.com/030804/yes.jpg

[Teuthida]

I thank you good sir for that clarification. Allow me to repay your services in pirates.

<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_zUgBK0-qbo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_zUgBK0-qbo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>

[Swan]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet

[Teuthida]

Happened upon Adam Hughes's DA page with some Watchmen designs he did for the movie with a nice little reads

Nite Owl (http://adamhughes.deviantart.com/art/Nite-Owl-for-WATCHMEN-Film-111648410)

Silk Spectre (http://adamhughes.deviantart.com/art/Silk-Spectre-111649018)

Ozymandias and The Comedian (http://adamhughes.deviantart.com/art/Ozymandias-and-The-Comedian-111649517)

Shame his Nite Owl wasn't used.

[Professor S]

Adam Hughes, you say?

*jumps right to Silk Spectre*

[BreakABone]

Spoilers I assume (haven't seen)

<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pnyR10CIDW8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pnyR10CIDW8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>

[Fyacin]

Just put this book on hold at the library, can't wait to read.

[BreakABone]

http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterCOMEDIAN.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterCOMEDIAN.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterDR_MANHATTAN.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterDR_MANHATTAN.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterNITE-OWL.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterNITE-OWL.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterOZY.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterOZY.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterRORSCHACH.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterRORSCHACH.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterSILK2.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterSILK2.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterSILK_1.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/ComicCon_posterSILK_1.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/poster_ManFalling.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/poster_ManFalling.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterCOMEDIAN.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterCOMEDIAN.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterDR_MANHATTAN.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterDR_MANHATTAN.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterNITE-OWL.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterNITE-OWL.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterOZY.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterOZY.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterRORSCHACH.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterRORSCHACH.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterSILK2.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/posterSILK2.pdf) http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/teaser.jpg (http://watchmenmovie.ca/posters/teaser.pdf)

And some reviews
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/watchmen/

[BreakABone]

This is out tomorrow, I know the Canadian Connection has a crew together for Dylflon's birthday.
Anyone else plans on catching it manana or even at a midnight showing?

Also it currently stands at 66% on RT.

And a MUST WATCH Video
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/485797

[Professor S]

That cartoon is f&%king brilliant

[Dyne]

Hahahahahah. That was awesome.

[Acebot44]

Saw the midnight showing.

Enjoyed it, but it didn't get close to the epic feeling of Dark Knight


Worth the 3 hours though :-)

[Dyne]

Fantastic movie! Eerily brilliant casting choices (especially Rorschach and Rorscach's Psychologist in Jail.) Even the small characters like the comic-book reading kid by the Newstand. Even the newstand guy was spot on.

This is also the first movie that I don't think will piss off any serious fans of the comic. Everything was represented accurately and with reason. And if anyone does complain? It's fucking Solid Snake himself, David Hayter who wrote the screenplay. It's golden.

However, TERRIBLE soundtrack. The only decent piece was the music playing during Manhattan's backstory. The incidental music was terribly composed. This is coming from Warner Brothers who spent more than a pretty penny on gorgeus orchestral music for Batman, which was a kid's television show. However, they figured out there was giant gaps, and filled them with crappy licenced songs.

99 luftballoons? We all laughed.

Sound of Silence? Really?

HEY GUYS LET'S HAVE A RIOT. Oh by the way all the music we have is KC and the Sunshine Band because LOL WE'RE IN THE SEVENTIES. Really? SHIT.

Oh shit Manhattan is huge and kicking ass! Let's play... Ride of the Valkyries. Don't reorchestrate it or anything, just play the most popular version.

And finally.. Leonard Cohen's version of Hallelujah? Really? Of all the covers, they had to choose the crappy original? Also... why that song? Hallelujah that he's HAVING SEX? Alright guys.

The only good song choice was the Philip Glass track, "Pruit Igoe & Prophecies" playing during Manhattan's backstory. However, it's not something they composed. It's in Grand Theft Auto IV on the radio.

So... music aside, go see this!

[Fox 6]

Bob Dylans The times they are a changing in the opening was alright.


Think the worst part was Jimi Hendrix cover of all along the watchtower. Really didnt fit at that moment in the film.

[Dyne]

Bob Dylans The times they are a changing in the opening was alright.


Think the worst part was Jimi Hendrix cover of all along the watchtower. Really didnt fit at that moment in the film.

I was going to mention All Along the WatchTower, but after reviewing the lyrics, they kind of fit. Sort of. So I let it slide. Hahaha.

But yeah, Bob Dylan's first song was fine where it was. KC and the Sunshine band, however, was totally awkward.

[Swan]

Just got back from seeing this with Combine.



Not enough penis

[GameMaster]

And finally.. Leonard Cohen's version of Hallelujah? Really? Of all the covers, they had to choose the crappy original? Also... why that song? Hallelujah that he's HAVING SEX? Alright guys.

Jeff Buckley FTW.

[Typhoid]

I think the best part of this movie was the hilarious IMAX laser show promiting IMAX itself that happened before we all watched it. I kept expecting it to tell my life would be better with surround sound in high def, and needed more laser racecars whizzing by.


Anyways, I've never read the book, but I loved the movie a lot. I thought it was really well done, except after talking about the book on the way home, some things just aren't flat out explained and didn't even needed to be included in the movie considering they werent imperative to the storyline itself.

I thought the music choice was good, actually. I thought the selection of music was supposed to be a comedic poke of juxtaposition to what was actually going on at times.

I would see this again and again.
Just not in IMAX, if they keep showing that goddamn laser show.

[Swan]

I think me and Combine are going to see it next weekend in IMAX.


I remember when I saw Dark Knight in IMAX and it did the laser show. All I could think was that IMAX is an arrogant dick

[Dylflon]

So good!

[Professor S]

I've watched it and digested it. Here are a few notes:

1) Music - Yes, it was distractibg at times (Sound of Silence, 99 Luftballoons), but after thinking about it I thought most of it was appropiate. I will agree that the Jeff Buckley should have been used, but then again Shrek kind of stole that thunder, but the Hallelujah wasn't abnout sex... the sex wasn't about sex... it was about them finding their calling again.

Boogieman, Watchtower were especially well chosen, IMO. The score was not especially good, apart from the Manhattan sequence, but not distracting.

2) Aside from Malin Ackerman (she was kind of just "there" I thought the performances were very good - excellent. Jackie Earle Haley (I CALLED IT) stole the damn movie. He IS Rorschach. Morgan was also a standout as The Comedian, and that character was even more effective on screen. He was more dispicable and yet more relatable at the same time.

And I liked Patrick Wilson's version of Night Owl better than Moore's version, because the movie version seemed to be a man searching for his lost manhood rather than in the book where I wondered how he ever was a hero in the first place.

EDIT: Can't forget Billy Crudup as Dr. Manhattan. I will be the first to say I was wrong about there being no effects on his voice. The character needed that human element and Crudup played a man so detached but regretful of the detachment that it was a little painful.

3) Apart from the ending, which seemed rushed, I thought the movie was incredibly well edited and directed. The cemetery flashbacks and Manhattan scenes especially. Also, the inevitable comparisons to DK will comes, and one area where I will ay Snyder has it all over Nolan is fight scenes. Snyder knows how to block a fight scene and it was nice to see somewhat extended shots make it into the Bourne era cut/violence/cut/violence style. And no, the slo-mo wasn't distracting at all, and I found most of it appropriate and effective.

In the end, I'm eager to see the extended version as I think I lot of questions will be answered and hopefully the rushed ending will be fleshed out a bit more.

[Dylflon]

I forgot there'd be an extended version.

I think that will be the first blu-ray i ever buy.

[BreakABone]

Reading the IGN review reminded me of something I thought about during the end of the movie, but completely forgot after which may make it a moot point, but still.

On the surface level, making Doctor Manhattan the scapegoat sounds like a great alternative... until you realize that there is simply no way the countries of the world are going to set aside their differences and join hands in peace after America's ultimate super-weapon -- which he has been touted as for the whole film -- is to blame for the deaths of millions. The U.S. and U.S.S.R. are at the very brink of war, remember. Complete and total nuclear annihilation is at hand, with the rest of the world wondering if America might use the blue-skinned ace it has up its sleeve (as it did to win in Vietnam)

Mimicking Dr. M's powers made sense especially after snapping on live TV, but yeah why wouldn't the rest of the world view it as America's weapons gone rouge or wild. Why would other countries form up with the US? I can see them forming their own union to protect themselves, but really why include the US if responsible for this mess.

[Dylflon]

They thought of Dr. Manhattan as punishing the world, and they say something to the effect that nobody will try anything again while they think he may be watching since they now believe he has the balls to blow shit up.

[Dyne]

I forgot there'd be an extended version.

I think that will be the first blu-ray i ever buy.

I don't know how extended it will be. They just came out with a Watchmen Bluray with the entire Pirate story in animated form, as well as a whole Minutemen feature. I'm wondering if they'll release these again in the form of an ultimate director's cut along with the film and its deleted scenes?

This is what I'm talking about:

http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?id=3955&show=review

[Fox 6]

And they released the whole motion comic last week as well

[Dylflon]

Also Dyne,

Don't a whole wack of the songs in the film represent quotes Allan Moore used in the Watchmen novel? He quoted a buttload of songs at the ends of various chapters.

In fact, I think he quoted 99 Luft Balloons at the end of a chapter...

[Teuthida]

Reading the IGN review reminded me of something I thought about during the end of the movie, but completely forgot after which may make it a moot point, but still.



Mimicking Dr. M's powers made sense especially after snapping on live TV, but yeah why wouldn't the rest of the world view it as America's weapons gone rouge or wild. Why would other countries form up with the US? I can see them forming their own union to protect themselves, but really why include the US if responsible for this mess.


Yeah, that bothered me....and the music took me out of it...(except for 99 luft balloons...that increases the awesomeness of everything it touches)

...other than that a so-so action flick that wished it had more action and thus milked every scene a fist was thrown.

As a whole I didn't care for it. Was just cool seeing a few scenes played out...and the actors did a fine job.

[Professor S]

One other thing that bothers mw when compared to the comic, is how they dehumanized Veidt. In the movie he never questions his actions, or doesn't until the last second, but in the book he openly weeps, expresses joy and then regret. I thought that would have been much more effective than the "comic book villain" they made him out to be in the movie. In the end, if you sympathize and feel more for the Comedian than you do for Veidt, you've failed that character.

I've never been orthodox in my books to movie transitions, but in this case I think the movie would have benefitted greatly from treating the end more like it was in the book, because in my opinion the end of the movie is what keeps this very affecting film from being a GREAT one that would have been remembered for changing superhero films even more than DK.

As for the actions sequences, though obligatory, I thought they added to the experience because it gave people an idea that these people were more than JUST troubled people in costumes, but were actual "heroes" which I think makes their tragic faults even more regrettable and gut wrenching. As I said before, the original Nite Owl was too much of a wuss and he needed a more masculine constumed side for his character to really work, IMO.

I'm still thinking about the movie days after it's release, and I'm eager to see it again, and I think that in itself says something for it. Hopefully they filmed an aletrnate, extended ending, and seeing how reverent Snyder was with the previous two acts, I wouldn't doubt the extended director's cut will have a slightly different and longer ending.

[DarkMaster]

Looking forward to that 3.5+ hour Watchmen DVD with all the added Black Freighter Animated story scenes, Hollis death, etc. All in all, I don't think a better movie adaptation of Watchmen could've been made. I mean really, you can get all nerded up and bicker about shit till the cow's come home, but at the end of the day, it was the bloody Watchmen in movie form and it rocked.

[BreakABone]

Looking forward to that 3.5+ hour Watchmen DVD with all the added Black Freighter Animated story scenes, Hollis death, etc. All in all, I don't think a better movie adaptation of Watchmen could've been made. I mean really, you can get all nerded up and bicker about shit till the cow's come home, but at the end of the day, it was the bloody Watchmen in movie form and it rocked.

I know will get some upset, probably not here, but they could have modernized it a bit. I mean some of the ideas are a bit dated or have been done to death in recent comic book movies, which is why I guess this does not stand out as much.

Also on Professor's point, and I hate to keep harping on the ending, but it removes a human element to it, I think. Sure we now have Nite Owl II witnessing the death of his friend, but in that we lose out on Veidt questioning his own decision, Dr. Manhatthan losing his final bite of humanity when he finds Silk Spectre/Nite Owl together, and well the carnage of the exploding beast instead of a bomb.

Due to the story being cut, we also lose the newsstand/customer hugging, we get the scene, but we don't know the characters. What's the point?

[DarkMaster]

Well we'll get the newspaper dude/comic kid in the super extended ultimate edition, hopefully some more psychiatrist guy too, he was a cool character. I'm wondering if the extended cut of Watchmen will have a Kingdom of Heaven type of effect. And by that I mean, the theatrical version was so-so, and then the extra dvd footage brought the story together brilliantly and it was like watching a whole different movie (I'll take this opportunity to highly recommend the 4 hour extended edition of Kingdom of Heaven).

[Dylflon]

I know will get some upset, probably not here, but they could have modernized it a bit. I mean some of the ideas are a bit dated or have been done to death in recent comic book movies, which is why I guess this does not stand out as much.




So wrong that it hurts.


Modernizing it would be a terrible idea. One of the main points is it being set in the cold war. Threat of nuclear annihilation.

[Dyne]

I was worried they'd bring it even further back and dedicate the first half of the movie to the Minutemen fighting crime. Or even the Watchmen fighting crime. Eep.

[Professor S]

Well we'll get the newspaper dude/comic kid in the super extended ultimate edition, hopefully some more psychiatrist guy too, he was a cool character. I'm wondering if the extended cut of Watchmen will have a Kingdom of Heaven type of effect. And by that I mean, the theatrical version was so-so, and then the extra dvd footage brought the story together brilliantly and it was like watching a whole different movie (I'll take this opportunity to highly recommend the 4 hour extended edition of Kingdom of Heaven).

This is what I'm hoping for as well. As it stands I think it's a very good and effective movie. But it could had been great. I suppose I'm lamenting it's potential, rather than the final execution of the film, which might be unfair but when you make a movie version of literature you have to expect this.

As for modernizing it, I can tell you it didn't feel dated to me at all. If anything, it brought back old/bad memories of the Cold War. Being the council elder on these boards, I have distinct memories of the Cold War and I think I was in the finaly elementary school classes to do the "sick your head between you legs and kiss your ass goodbye" drills.

Apart from the rediculous Nixon presidency addition, I thought tension was built quite well using the 80's as a period backdrop, a period that is rarely used.

I guess my biggest complaint with Snyder as director is that whenever he made changes to the source material, he seemed to go in the direction of satire, such as the absurd Nixon makeup and impersonator and overly detached and "perfect" Veidt. Watchmen is not an overtly satirical film, it is a grave warning against putting faith in those who would "protect" you. It seemed his changes made to transfer to film made the movie less human than it could have been.

[Thespis721]

I saw the Watchmen movie, and, I don't know. I'm seeing it again because a friend has no one to go with, but I'm not sure if I liked it all that much. I felt it was a really great tribute movie, but as a film, I think it may fall flat.

I agree with BaB's point of losing humanity in the end. While I'm fine with the bomb instead of the squid, I think the handling of the ending was very displaced as if these choices were just drawn out. Veidt had as much humanity as Dr. Manhattan and I think that is wrong.

My major complaint, when it came down to it, is that comics and movies are different mediums and DIRECTLY translating one to the other is almost disrespectful for the forms. Godfather and Lord of the Rings were amazing books, however, they were also amazing movies because the director realized that they weren't making a motion comic, they were making a movie and made intelligent changes to make that amazing movie. But I don't think Snyder has that kind of directorial intelligence. Personally. And I liked 300 and Dawn of the Dead.

Finally, I disagree with the point that there could not be a better Watchmen translation. There are a lot of things in the movie that could have been fixed (like more focus on character work and having the actors make active choices). I'm not going to bitch about them till the "cows come home" but I refuse to believe that ANYTHING is the epitome of perfection.

[Dyne]

I saw the Watchmen movie, and, I don't know. I'm seeing it again because a friend has no one to go with, but I'm not sure if I liked it all that much. I felt it was a really great tribute movie, but as a film, I think it may fall flat.

I agree with BaB's point of losing humanity in the end. While I'm fine with the bomb instead of the squid, I think the handling of the ending was very displaced as if these choices were just drawn out. Veidt had as much humanity as Dr. Manhattan and I think that is wrong.

My major complaint, when it came down to it, is that comics and movies are different mediums and DIRECTLY translating one to the other is almost disrespectful for the forms. Godfather and Lord of the Rings were amazing books, however, they were also amazing movies because the director realized that they weren't making a motion comic, they were making a movie and made intelligent changes to make that amazing movie. But I don't think Snyder has that kind of directorial intelligence. Personally. And I liked 300 and Dawn of the Dead.

Finally, I disagree with the point that there could not be a better Watchmen translation. There are a lot of things in the movie that could have been fixed (like more focus on character work and having the actors make active choices). I'm not going to bitch about them till the "cows come home" but I refuse to believe that ANYTHING is the epitome of perfection.

You just proved the point that people will find anything to complain about.

[Thespis721]

Thank you! I did prove that!

More to the point is that I am commenting on the idea that this is the best possible Watchman there ever could be. Everything has flaws, everything isn't perfect. And as long as that axiom exists, there is no such thing as "best ____ there ever could be".

[DarkMaster]

You misunderstand my meaning of "best adaptation there could have been". It is has nothing to do with being "perfect". You have to consider the possibilities of a Watchmen movie in the hands of some other director, or studio. Even just a few years ago, before movies like the Dark Knight and 300 proved that violent, intelligent comic book movies were successful, the thought of an almost 3 hour long, rated R Watchmen movie that was faithful in any way to the source material was absurd.

What I'm trying to say is that we can nitpick as much as we want, but it could have been so much worse, like a stupid PG13 90 minute piece of crap. I'd rather just be thankful for what we got.

[Thespis721]

You misunderstand my meaning of "best adaptation there could have been". It is has nothing to do with being "perfect". You have to consider the possibilities of a Watchmen movie in the hands of some other director, or studio. Even just a few years ago, before movies like the Dark Knight and 300 proved that violent, intelligent comic book movies were successful, the thought of an almost 3 hour long, rated R Watchmen movie that was faithful in any way to the source material was absurd.

What I'm trying to say is that we can nitpick as much as we want, but it could have been so much worse, like a stupid PG13 90 minute piece of crap. I'd rather just be thankful for what we got.

I absolutely agree that perhaps 5 or so years ago, this couldn't have been possible. (I believe three it could have since I think the process started about three years ago) I don't mean to play a game of semantics, but I do hear a lot of "best adaptation there could have been" from people who mean exactly those words.

But as I heard somewhere else, the fact that we can nitpick, and that we all pull something from the movie that was off is just a testament of how good the novel was that we found even the details to be important.

[KillerGremlin]

wow i just saw the film...

I actually sought out the graphic novel and read it before seeing the film. Normally I don't do that, but this comic in particular intrigued me.

I have to say, changing the ending so as to put the blame on Dr. Manhattan....I thought it cheapened the point of the original ending.

I thought Dr. Manhattan was one of the few beacons of hope in Alan Moore's dreadful dreary of a distopia. At the end of the novel he sees some good in humans, so much in fact he goes to stop the inevitable nuclear war...only to find that Ozymandias was the mastermind behind it all. He informs Ozymandias that the plan will only be temporarily successful (if that), we then see the guilty and emotional side of Ozymandias (which was also missing form the film), and then in a beacon of positivity and hope Dr. Manhattan leaves the love (Silk Spectre) he can no longer have since he is no longer human and he goes off to create new life elsewhere.

Blaming blue balls and making Ozymandias the supervillain and then leaving the film on a note with a united word........totally cheapens the ending in my opinion.

It was cute that at the end they find Rorschach's diary. I guess it is implied that the plan is a failure anyway.

Otherwise I thought the movie was fucking brilliant. The ending seemed rushed and I'd like to see a director's cut with the original ending since the original ending is better.

Better for who? Us comic nerds. As was stated in this thread I'm probably nitpcking. But the way I see....most people are going to hate Watchmen the movie unless they have read the book. It's heavy, depressing stuff. It's all over the place thematically too. So my question is, how many people are we REALLY alienating if we put a big squid creature in at the end?

[KillerGremlin]

I'm just surprised that Snyder would follow the comic pretty much to a tee until the final chapter.......and change the ending and personality of Adrian.

I thought the casting was great.

I thought the comic to movie visuals was as good as it will get (just look at 300, it was EXPECTED).....

I even enjoyed the music, although some of the choices where a bit cliche and Dr. Manhattan's theme was by far the best....

I mean I almost came during the murder of The Comedian at the beginning.....the cinematography was BEAUTIFUL! And the whole prison scene with Rorschach was epic. It was just a beautiful film. So what the hell....

....why take creative liberties in the last 20 minutes of the otherwise perfectly translated vision?

[Fox 6]

I think that it would be easier for movie audiences to accept Dr. Manhattan rather than a giant space squid with psychic powers.

[Teuthida]

I think if they mentioned the kidnapped artists (and showed that squid picture the woman was working on) and writers and the island (it was an island right? been a while since read) the squid wouldn't have been completely out of left field for the audience who didn't read the book.

[BreakABone]

I think that it would be easier for movie audiences to accept Dr. Manhattan rather than a giant space squid with psychic powers.

I think that goes hand in hand with them not showing Veidt's cat thingie before hand as it was part of his experimentation or whatever.

But I agree on some notes with KG, but he interrupted the ending a tad bit different as I always felt that Manhatthan returned because he kind of knew the inevitable, sure he was unable to see the future at that point.

Also, I think he leaves Silk Spectre because he sees that Nite Owl can offer her something he can not.

And I don't think Veidt is told outright that his plan will fail just that the struggle may always happen and what he did was for nigh.

[KillerGremlin]

I think that goes hand in hand with them not showing Veidt's cat thingie before hand as it was part of his experimentation or whatever.

But I agree on some notes with KG, but he interrupted the ending a tad bit different as I always felt that Manhatthan returned because he kind of knew the inevitable, sure he was unable to see the future at that point.

Also, I think he leaves Silk Spectre because he sees that Nite Owl can offer her something he can not.

And I don't think Veidt is told outright that his plan will fail just that the struggle may always happen and what he did was for nigh.

I think there is a lot of implication in the novel that Adrian's plan is only a temporary solution......and bless the novel, because in the novel Adrian actually has emotion and some regret towards what he did. In the movie he destroyed several major cities killing way more poeple and he kinda had a smug supervillain persona going the whole time.

I agree blue balls returned because it was inevitable....and i agree he left silk spectre because he sees night owl can offer her something he cannot: something human.

I think Mr. Zach Snyder could have screwed it up in a much worse way so after sleeping on this one for a night (literally) I'm fairly pleased. The source material is epic, and there has been a lot of protest towards making this film. Snyder was mostly faithful to the comic, the visuals were amazing, a lot of the story was told........it's silly to complain too much. Hopefully the Director's Cut or the DVD will have the original ending or a really really good explanation why the ending wasn't chosen.

[BreakABone]

Here are some details on the extended cut

First thing is first not all the changes are directly from the comic. A few extensions of scenes are entirely made up. A few of the new scenes are just same situation and location but different dialouge (good though and true to the spirit of the scene from the comic book and to the characters themselves.) Most of the changes bring it dead on with comic. Added monolouge and dialouge here and there.

I would rate the theatrical cut an 8 and this 3hr cut a 10

Here's a list of changes that I noticed:

1. At the end of Rorschach's search of the comedian's apartment. Two cops enter, he knocks one of the cops out and jumps out the window as the other cop is firing his gun at him.

2. Rorschach has more comic book monolouge, throughout the movie. Though I'm only going to mention it once. (nothing but the good stuff too.)

3. Dan and Holis's visit is extended by seeing roschrach on TV. Hollis comments "It didn't stop him." (refering to the keane act.)

4. More scenes from the comic such as:

-- Before they walk into the alley we are introduced to the scene by the news vendor talking to Seymour delivering his papers.

-- When Jon says "leave me alone" everyone in the room disappears. Leaving him alone.

-- Cut back to Laurie and Dan at the end of the fight.

-- Laurie decides to go back to the military base and Dan meets with Hollis; they watch TV and learn of Jon's departure. Dan says laurie doesn't know. Cut to Jon on Mars and his story.

--The only major difference in this scene that I can remember is Jon talks about his symbol, slightly varied from the comic he says,"The boys in marketing wanted me to have a symbol. I said if I should have a symbol it shall be one I respect."

--Next scene is Laurie getting interrogated at the military base. They discover that Jon is on Mars and Laurie escapes and decides to go stay with Dan.

5. Rorschach has more dialogue from the comic with Dr. Malcom. Also in his story of the girl, the murder is shown as in the comic - walking outside, asking his dogs to bark, when they don't he draws his gun and enters the building.

6. Rorschach and Laurie argue on the rooftop of the jail; Rorschach more or less calls Laurie a whore. They escape.

7. Jon and Laurie begin their conversation as they did in the comic: "You're going to tell me you have been having an affair with Dan".

8. A few more interesting changes, happen.

9. Oh and Hollis talks on the phone with Sally, only to be interrupted by knocks at the door. He has a great montage death scene. They also explain why the knot heads go there at an earlier point.

10. In the bar, Dan sees the news of Hollis's death by knot heads and beats up one in the bar (knocks out like all of his front teeth. pretty brutal).

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/41595

[DarkMaster]

Plus all the black Freighter stuff is in there, right?

[Professor S]

I had hoped they would have expanded on Oz and had an alternate ending with Ox being a bit more human, but I guess not. That was the biggest beef most people had with the film.

[BreakABone]

Plus all the black Freighter stuff is in there, right?

I guess not, there is a super extended edition coming out end of the year. :lolz:

http://i37.tinypic.com/zslaok.jpg

[KillerGremlin]

Ahhh! I hate when you buy something and then they release the Ultimate Cut! They did that with Lord of the Rings...my family owns the boring version and the epic version of the Lord of the Ring DVDs....