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I was cautiously optimistic for Watchmen. I had heard of the reputation of the graphic novel and read it before the release of the movie. I went in expecting a simplified action boosted version of the book. So, after just returning from a midnight showing of Watchmen here are my general thoughts on it, in no particular order (Minor spoilers ahead):

Very long movie, but not too long. There isn’t much that was cut that feels like it was important, and if the film was much longer it would have toed the line to too long.

Blue Penis. Enough said.

Ending was changed, but more in method then  idea. It works as the movie has it as well or better than the comic’s version. Almost everything else was virtually the same, sometimes to a panel by panel extent.

Flashbacks were handled a bit awkwardly in some cases. I would have loved to see doc manhattan’s chapter as it was in the comic, but I could also see that being immensely confusing if you hadn’t read it first.

Effects were very impressive. Specifically the diamond watch construction on mars. I was impressed how they worked out an animation for it while staying structurally true to the art. The costumes were also great. Accurate without being goofy.

The acting, while overall good, had some awkward moments. Most seemed to be cause by trying to include ‘classic’ lines from the comic where they didn’t really fit. “Give me back my face!” being the prime example of this.

There’s a good chance I’ll be seeing this again at home over break in IMAX, I’ll add to this after that and/or if I have more thoughts between now and then.