blazer arts & entertainment
WATCHMEN
blazer talk@hotmail.com
mar ch 6, 2009
21
Warner Brothers Photo
The newest comic book-turnedmovie hits the silver screen today.
Meet the
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By Staff Writer John Ferreira oday the highly anticipated graphic novel, Watchmen, finally hits the silver screen as one of the most talked-about films of 2009. Based on the graphic novel released by DC Comics in 1986, this action flick brings to light the magic of the comic book world. Under the watchful eye of visionary director Zack Snyder (300, Dawn of the Dead) this two year long project stars up-and-coming actors Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley, Malin Ackerman, and Billy Crudup. Set in 1985, the movie begins in a world plagued with nuclear war tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. With President Richard Nixon still in power, the vigilantes of the past have now been outlawed by the Keene Act. Watchmen is very similar to a darker version of the movie, The Incredibles. The film and comic follow the heroes Dr. Manhattan and The Comedian, who work as government operatives; Rorschach, a still active vigilante; Silk Spectre II, a retired vigilante and daughter of the original Silk Spectre; Nite Owl II, a retired vigilante with technological savvy; and Ozymandias, a retired vigilante whose identity has been revealed. With the murder of The Comedian, the fight to discover the truth about the attempt to annihilate the superheroes begins in a superheroes vs. the world type battle. With the release date finally here, several students around Timberline are excited to see the film. Jacob Hoff, a freshman, has anticipated the release of the film for quite some time. Although not a fan of comic books or graphic novels, he still wants to watch the film. “It’s hard to picture it all in a graphic novel. It’s [the
movie] pretty exciting, I’m ready to see it,” he said. Hoff’s enthusiasm for the movie is shared by students and teachers alike. English teacher Kim Mason has always loved superheroes; Mason loves the idea of the film, thinking that a whole new crowd will be exposed to the chronicles of comic book lore. “The readers of comics and graphic novels have always been characterized as kind of geeky. This movie, I feel, will open up that world to all new people. I’m very excited,” she said. However, for every excited fan, there is one who has no real opinion on the release of Watchmen. Although there are those individuals who don’t enjoy comic books, there are those who wouldn’t mind watching the film. Arjuna Sivakumar, a freshman, likes the potential that he sees in the movie. “It’s no Iron Man, but compared to other comics that are movies it looks good,” he said. Then there are the comic book fans who are angered by Hollywood’s recent trend to adapt traditional comics into feature length films. “It’s got its pros and cons. I learned to read as a kid by reading old comics, but I like some of the movies. To be honest though, I could really care less about Watchmen. It’s not even DVD rent worthy,” said senior Jake Weiler. With the film fanatics and the critics, there are individuals who are totally oblivious to the impending release of the film. When asked if he was excited to see the movie, sophomore Chase Wasson simply responded with a puzzled look and a shrug of the shoulders. After being given a brief synopsis of the film, Wasson said, “I wouldn’t waste a dime on it.”
CAST
Meet the
CREW
The Comedian Began his vigilante career in the 1940’s and became somewhat of a patriot in the eyes of Americans. His brutal murder is the start of the movie. (Played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan)
Nite Owl II He rescues Rorschach from jail and helps discover the secrets behind all the mystery and controversy surrounding the murders of superheroes. (Played by Patrick Wilson) Dr. Manhattan Transformed into a blue-skinned superhero after an experiment gone wrong in 1959. His contract with the United States government has increased the tensions between the US and the Soviet Union. (Played by Billy Crudup) Ozymandias This retired superhero has devoted his life to running his private enterprise. One of the smartest men on earth, his superiority over the world view is what gives him the villain title. (Played by Matthew Goode) Rorschach The only illegal vigilante still active. After discovering the murder of The Comedian, he’s framed for another murder and sent to prison. Sprung from jail, he and the other superheroes embark to discover the truth behind the deaths of the superheroes. (Played by Jackie Earle Haley) Silk Spectre II Daughter of the original Silk Spectre and The Comedian. She fought crime for ten years before the Keene Act banned vigilantes. Silk Spectre II is on again off again romantically linked to Nite Owl II. (Played by Malin Akerman)