WATCHMEN 3.0*** Let's get this out of the way from the get-go… I have not read nor did I know anything about the famous graphic novel that this movie is based upon. So I cannot make any comparisons.
Set in a bizarre and historically different 1985 world where the USA won the Vietnam War and Richard Nixon has been elected for his 5th term as President ( I know that sounds more like a “horror” film), the movie depicts extremely hard times for a group of costumed superheroes known as the “Watchmen” (the BIG difference here from other comic-book superheroes is that, except for one, they don’t have super powers..they’re more like Jason Bourne or James Bond on steroids) They’ve been outlawed by Nixon -- despite having helped him win the Vietnam War. When the Comedian, one of their group, is murdered, Rorschach, whose cloth mask keeps changing from one “Rorschach” image to another, becomes concerned that someone is out to kill them all. He contacts other former Watchmen, including Dr. Manhattan, Ozymandias, Nite Owl II( looks a lot like Batman) and Silk Spectre II. All the other Watchmen are dead or in asylums. Finding the answer to this murder mystery forms the main story line, but philosophical/political issues also receive intense emphasis. For example: Does the end justify the means? Should you destroy millions of lives to save billions of lives?
In flashbacks, we learn how the Comedian became obsessed with violence and how, because of an incredible accident, Dr. Manhattan was changed into a glowing blue godlike man-creature with awesome powers who spends the entire movie in the nude…a “blue nude” but nude nonetheless -- but he’s growing more and more distant…here it’s a “blue mood” , which causes distress for Silk Spectre II, his gorgeous girlfriend. Ozymandias, a super genius, seems more interested in his business ventures. Nite Owl II worries and frets about things including his attraction to Silk Spectre II. And Rorschach wants to wreak revenge against all bad guys. Can this motley crew reunite to solve the murder mystery -- and, in the process, prevent a nuclear war between Russia and the United States.
All the Watchmen actors give solid performances but Jackie Earle Haley is blistering as Rorschach and steals the acting honors. His is not a lovable character but is quite memorable…especially in the scenes of him in prison.. As for Malin Akerman, as Silk Spectre II, although her acting is at best, adequate, it’s obvious that she’s in the film as eye candy, at which she definitely succeeds (she wears skin-tight vinyl costumes that are stunning)
Watchmen is a dark, deep, complex look at a perplexing world of superheroes. It has a R rating which is well deserved due to the heavy violence and sex….it is NOT a kid’s movie…..it is adult fare and even then many adults may be shocked or repulsed…not for the faint at heart.

Clark