.. and it was rather good. In fact, technically, this was one of the best films I've seen for a long time. The visual effects are outstanding, the stunts and physical effects even more so. The acting and direction extremely impressive.
But.
It's pacing is all wrong.
I realise that this is a complex story to tell – having to set-up exposition of the characters and events, etc. But even so this is going into so much detail that by the end of the film you don't really give two hoots (ha!) about the characters you've just seen. I think the problem is that while Snyder and his team have been trying to faithfully adapt the graphic novel, they're forgetting that this is a film. Sure, they make changes to make the novel fit the medium of film – but ultimately it's essentially the entire graphic novel shoved into a film shaped hole. Which does not work out too well.
The film is dark and violent, and impressively so in places. It actually shocked me just how graphic the blood and guts got at some points and you could hear the younger members of the audience (i.e. anybody less than 30) whoop with delight as various characters splatter across the screen, or as bones break and arms rip open. It both impressed and horrified me in equal measure.
The soundtrack is simply wonderful. One to listen to over and over again. Made up from classic songs from the 80's and beyond, along with a highly original score, this is something the film can rightly be proud of. The music was part of this film's identity right from when the trailers hit the 'net.
It has been said the people who have not read the graphic novel will be left confused. Not so. I am one such person and managed to keep track of everything that was going on, despite the pacing of the storylines. Ultimately this is a film that you will most definitely want to read the source material to.
Watchmen is by no means perfect, but it is a film that Zack Snyder and his production team, as well as Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures and Dave Gibbons can be proud of.
And well done my former employers, MPC, for making Night Owl's flying ship look utterly convincing and wonderful. And for the other VFX guys that breathed life into Dr. Manhattan – an excellent achievement in digital character effects work.
A good 8/10.
