James Reviews -WATCHMEN (2019) HBO series

 

Back in 1986, DC introduced the world to the WATCHMEN universe, igniting a legacy that thrived for decades. Initially a standalone story, WATCHMEN, which showed what if superheroes existed in our world, eventually spawned merchandise, a couple movie adaptations and, wouldn't you know it, prequels and sequels as well as a TV series on HBO. The HBO show is our topic for today and, wouldn't you believe it, it's a sequel to the comic.

Set in a world where superheroes existed and America wins the Vietnam War with help from a god-level superhero, WATCHMEN (2019) takes place thirty-four years after the events of the comic, which ended with the main antagonist Adrian "Ozymandias" Veidt dropping a giant alien squid on New York to stop a nuclear apocalypse. While Dr. Manhattan, Laurie "Silk Specter II" Jupiter and Adrian return, we meet new characters such as Angela "Sister Night" Abar and Wade "Looking Glass" Tillman, who witnessed the 1985 attack on New York, and learn the truth about the WATCHMEN world's first hero Hooded Justice as well as his connection to Angela's grandfather Will Reeves.

Just like the comic, WATCHMEN is dark and explores deep themes such as legacy and the impact of vigilantes and most of the action takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Speaking of Tulsa, the show starts in 1921 DURING a real tragedy known as the Tulsa Massacre. Yes, those who learn history who watch this show will learn about the somewhat obscure 1921 Tulsa Massacre. Look up the event for yourself. This show pulls no punches and is heavily rated TV-MA, so expect blood, intense violence and some nudity, especially when Doctor Manhattan comes into the picture.

Tim Blake Nelson, famous for playing The Leader in the MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE, plays Looking Glass and Adrian Veidt is portrayed by British actor Jeremy Irons, who'd already played Alfred Pennyworth in the DC Extended Universe in 2016's BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE and it's follow up JUSTICE LEAGUE. The entire cast fill the roles of their characters incredibly well, doing a great job across each episode, and there are many callbacks and Easter Eggs to the comic. I will not be giving away any spoilers for the story, but the show ends on quite the wild note. I saw each episode and enjoyed it, just as I enjoyed parts one and two of the animated adaptation. WATCHMEN (2019) is a 9.9/10 and I suggest you see it if you find the time.

James' Review -Watchmen (2024)

 

Hey, believers of justice. Your old pal is back... after quite the lengthy hiatus and we're discussing WATCHMEN. Specifically, the animated two-part movie adaptation. Quite recently, I saw this with dad and both parts were an enjoyable watch. 

Watchmen Chapters I and II adapt the 1980s comic story and follow it to the letter despite taking creative liberties at certain points, but the soul of the comic remains. The animation is 3D with a bit of 2D as well as some slowness to certain movements and is similar to Marvel's WHAT IF combined with the Spider-Verse movies. In relation to this adaptation resembling the former Marvel show, it makes sense given that WATCHMEN is set in an alternate world where superheroes are real and the only popular comic genre out there is pirate comics.

If you want to watch this, go ahead. But be warned, Watchmen was never for kids. Both parts are R-rated, so brace yourself for some bloody moments and pretty mature themes that come up throughout. Aside from that, the animation is really good and so is the cast. Katie Sackoff, who's voiced Bo-Katan in Star Wars, voices Laurie aka Silk Spectre II and Troy Baker, who has experience with DC beforehand, provides the voice of Ozymandias as Mathew Rys voices Dan "Nite Owl" Dreiberg. 

With all of that talent, the big voice acting highlight has to be Rick D. Wasserman as The Comedian, who is a crime-fighting American patriot... with a twisted sense of humor and was influenced by Peacemaker and Marvel's Nick Fury (and perhaps The Joker?). His voice is gruff and nearly villainous-sounding, which technically makes sense given the many nefarious things The Comedian has done. He killed people in Vietnam and... gave Laurie's mom, the original Silk Specter, some pretty nasty trouble until Hooded Justice intervened, for lack of a delicate explanation.

My overall thoughts?

Oh, man. Despite having some moments that'll make you go "uhh", if you're looking for something akin to the WHAT IF show from Marvel studios, this version of Watchmen is for you... if you can handle what is in store and if you've read the comic. This isn't for the faint of heart, but it's manageable. And to those familiar with the original story, yes, the giant alien squid monster does appear. My score is a 9.9.