Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
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There is a very complex back story that filmmakers try very hard to flesh out and make comprehensible in the new Superhero movie "Watchmen." But even the 2 hours 43 minutes can't "git ‘er done."
Basically a retired superhero is killed and vigilante superhero Rorschach starts to investigate. With each step he takes we're introduced to more and more superheroes and treated to more and more details as to where they came from, what their powers are and why they're not donning their masks and rescuing mankind.
Without wallowing through even the basic details, which would be impossible, here's a key element: Laws have been passed banning masks, denying the superheroes a crucial tool of their trade. Thus their retirement. Still with me?
Malin Ackerman stars as Silk Spectre II. She's second generation and is an item with Dr. Manhattan, played by Billy Crudup. Manhattan is the result of a scientific accident that has left him blue, glowing and with powers that are unimaginable.
Spectre feels ignored and is driven into the arms of Nite Owl, played by Patrick Wilson. All of these guys and more are sucked into Rorschach's investigation, and it appears one of their own may be manipulating all of them, but to what purpose?
"Watchmen" is too long, too convoluted, too violent, too bloody and gory, too sexual -- oh, did I mention full frontal glowing blue male nudity?
Another problem is this story and the cast of characters are not familiar enough for the average moviegoer to fill in some of the cracks. Everybody has at least a little background on Superman, Batman, Spiderman but not so with "Watchmen."
I have to admit, some of the scenes are mesmerizing. But overall, it's tough to recommend "Watchmen." I'm giving the movie 2 stars. It's rated R.
