Starring: Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Director: Zack Snyder (300, Dawn of the Dead)
Running Time: 2 hrs 41 min
Release Date: March 6, 2009
Budget: $120 million
Critics’ Thumbs Up: 61 %
“…a compelling visceral film…” Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
“… lacks originality and vitality…” Michael Sragow, Baltimore Sun
Based on the award-winning 1986 cult comic-book series, Watchmen’s premise of second-generation costumed heroes living in an alternate 1985 world on the brink of nuclear war initially sounds interesting, especially with the amusing introduction montage that explains their history and re-imagines them as part of historical moments set to Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” But halfway through the exhausting run time, it loses momentum due to a wandering plot about who’s targeting the Watchmen sidelined by lots of graphic violence, self-important philosophy, an unsatisfying ending, and lifeless acting except for Morgan’s wily take on The Comedian. Despite its 23-year trek to the big screen, Watchmen’s strictly for the fanboys.
Scheduled to be released on DVD July 21, 2009
