I never felt particularly drawn to "Watchmen," and consequently never got around to reading Alan Moore’s graphic novel, despite having chances. The alternate reality setting and some of the characters’ quirks, which I later learned were intended as satire, initially put me off. However, this film is truly remarkable. It's a superhero movie aimed at adults with a complex storyline, well-developed characters, and a level of originality that really impressed me. Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley), with his distinctive voice and conservative beliefs, makes an impact, though he’s not someone you’d necessarily like. He comes across as both impressive and somewhat pitiful; the character is inspired by Steve Ditko's The Question. The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) has a great deal of charisma and shares similarities with The Punisher, but with a sense of humor. Sadly, he’s arrogant, quick-tempered, attracted to women, and capable of cold-blooded murder. Night Owl (Patrick Wilson) is another strong character, clearly reminiscent of Batman or Blue Beetle. Unlike the other two, he's easy to root for. I always thought his costume looked awkward in the graphic novel, but it’s quite striking on screen. Dr. Manhattan (Greg Plitt), named after the Manhattan Project and drawing inspiration from Captain Atom and Mr. Fantastic, is a being with near-godlike abilities. He's so disconnected from human emotions that he often goes around naked and neglects his relationship with Silk Spectre II, preferring to spend time on Mars! Silk Spectre II (Malin Akerman) stands out for her attractive costume and Akerman’s beauty. The character takes cues from Phantom Lady and Black Canary. Unable to cope with Dr. Manhattan's increasing detachment, she turns to Night Owl seeking human connection. Silk Spectre (Carla Gugino), Silk Spectre II's mother, has a significant role as well; like her daughter, she is attractive in her own way. Ozymandias (Matthew Goode) feels underdeveloped and is loosely based on Charlton Comic’s Thunderbolt. He's incredibly intelligent, quick-thinking, and somewhat pretentious. The film’s hypnotic score by Tyler Bates, combined with a fantastic soundtrack featuring songs like "The Sound of Silence" and “All Along the Watchtower,” is another highlight. Ultimately, the movie is lengthy, dark, mature, heavily reliant on dialogue, and complicated, but the well-developed characters and originality make it worthwhile. It’s far from typical blockbuster fare. And let's not forget Silk Spectre II and her mother are exceptionally pleasing to look at. There isn't another superhero film quite like "Watchmen"; it stands apart even from something like X-Men, and has easily become one of my favorites—possibly *the* favorite. It’s the “Apocalypse Now” of superhero films! The theatrical version runs 162 minutes; the Director’s Cut is 186 minutes; and The Ultimate Cut clocks in at 215 minutes. I own both versions, and while the theatrical cut is perfectly acceptable, the Director's Cut offers extended dialogue and a notable addition: an attack on Night Owl's Mentor, Hollis Mason, and his subsequent violent revenge. Despite the complicated plot, I didn’t have trouble following along with the story in the theatrical version, even without having read the graphic novel; the filmmakers did a good job of trimming unnecessary material. Purchasing the Director’s Cut isn’t essential to understanding the narrative. My suggestion is to watch the theatrical cut first and only consider buying the Director's Cut if you feel it left something wanting—which it did for me. Still, I prefer the theatrical version; it feels more streamlined and overall better. Grade: A

Source on TMDB