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Mar
6
Written by:
Bill Bonfanti
3/6/2009 6:00 PM
Let me start by saying that after seeing Watchmen, I understand why the reviews were so polarizing. I understand how someone could watch it and hate it. I also understand why someone could love it. I myself fall into the latter category. I freaking loved it! It was one of the best (if not the best) cinematic experiences of my life. Words and star ratings can’t truly describe what a masterpiece this film is, but I’m going to try. Using the traditional four star rating system, I give Watchmen five stars. Yes my friends… it is that good.
Visually the film is astonishing. There is not one frame of the movie that fails to draw the eye. The special effects were spectacular. Every angle that director, Zack Snyder (my new god) employs is both breath taking and original, from the spectacularly staged fight at the beginning of the movie to the very last shot of the film. Truly amazing stuff. It is visual poetry in motion. The opening credit sequence sets up the story with photos that can only be described as living and breathing. Each photo slowly comes to life in slow motion and it is truly breath taking. I felt as though I was truly watching a comic book brought to life. Forget Sin City… Watchmen is the comic adaption that truly breaks all the rules. There is not one moment in this film that feels clichéd or borrowed. Back to Zack Snyder for a moment. As many of you know, I’m not a big fan of his last film, 300. Visually 300 was a wonderful achievement, but in terms of story and plot, I felt it was sorely lacking. After the first 40 minutes, 300 becomes one gigantic battle sequence. I didn’t care about the characters and after awhile the violence was mind numbing, regardless of how cool it looked. This made me think of Zack Snyder as a visual wizard with no real storytelling ability. Kind of like the new Tim Burton. Watchmen changed my opinion of Snyder completely. The film is so rich in story that it takes a master filmmaker to tell it so well. The way Snyder weaves it all together and leaves no plot point unturned is magnificent. Watchmen in almost anyone else’s hands probably would’ve been a disaster. The highest praise I can throw at Snyder is that he is the new Steven Spielberg. He is the guy who is transforming cinema as we know it.
If you were to take X-Men, Pulp Fiction and Memento and throw them in a blender, you might get Watchmen. Each character is fully fleshed out with clever back stories told in flashbacks ala Pulp, but the flashbacks are not linear. They are almost sideways. In fact Memento is pretty paint by the numbers in comparison. I include X-Men as one of the ingredients only because I can’t think of another comic book film that focuses on a team that isn’t cheesy like Fantastic Four for example. In fact, Watchmen actually tarnishes my opinion of the X-Men films. Watchmen manages to truly bring the heroes to life and humanize them, whereas most of the characters in the X-Men movies are under developed, with the exception of Wolverine.
The acting in the film is superb with each performer lending weight and gravity to their characters. Special shout outs to Jackie Earle Haley and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, both of whom deliver Oscar caliber performances. There is too much to say about how great this film truly is and it is nearly impossible to say it, without giving plot points away, so I’ll stop here. Suffice it to say, if it sounds like I’m gushing, it’s because I am. It was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen and I wish I was watching it again right now as I’m sitting here writing this. Those of you who have been debating what the best comic book film of all time is need look no further. Watchmen stands tall, towering above them all.
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4 comment(s) so far...
Re: Watchmen is a Masterpiece - Film Review
Hi I'm Danielle from the FilmGo team! As some of you blog readers know I am not only the creator of FilmGo's partner I am his wife. So when the work day ends on a Friday talk about FilmGo and everything that comes with it doesn't stop, especially when there is something that moves Bill. That being said I should have been taken on a date Friday afternoon to see Watchmen instead of being chained to my laptop.
Bill left Friday intrigued by the mixed reviews surrounding this film and with the lingering question: Can they really make this graphic novel an amazing film. Bill ran through the house Friday "it was amazing" and off to his computer he went. It didn't stop there my story telling husband went on and on. Frankly I haven't seen him this taken back and impressed with a film since the Dark Knight and well it's Batman....
You can or have read Bill's blog about the impact this film has made on him and all films have some sort of impression on Bill, trust me! My point is with two kids and FilmGo to run I usually catch my films on DVD and enjoy a good tear jerker. After reading and rereading Bill's blog, being shown the trailer twice and hearing about every angle of this film for the last 3 days I am off to the movies!
By danielle on
3/8/2009 10:36 AM
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Re: Watchmen is a Masterpiece - Film Review
i guess i have to see this now thanks bill 2 45 is long im too old to sit that long without peeing hahahah i will check it out only because of you hope ur right it will be fun either way talk to u soon
By frankie72669 on
3/9/2009 12:52 PM
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Re: Watchmen is a Masterpiece - Film Review
Like Danielle, I'm getting swept up by your passion for this film, Bill. I have to admit, when i saw the coming attractions for this, when they were done, my friend and I turned to each other and both went, "huh?" Lots of lights and colors and tough guys and sexy women, but what were they all doing? I'm worried that for 2 hours and 45 minutes, leaving the plot at the door is going to be difficult. But I am a padawan learner, my master, and I have faith in you.
By Ange66 on
3/10/2009 9:03 AM
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Re: Watchmen is a Masterpiece - Film Review
Ok so the more and more I think about this movie the more I realize I loved it. I think u have touched upon a lot that makes it great but I am sure there is more. That is why I am going to see it again. I think the Comedian is working his why up there into my top on screen good guy/badass characters of all time. He is in great company with Clarence Whirley, Butch Mcray, Doc Holiday(Val Kilmer's).
By JamesB on
3/12/2009 9:33 AM
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