I just saw the advanced screening a few hours ago. I've read the graphic novel and watched the motion comic, and overall it is a good adaptation of the comic. There are certain dialogues and scenes that have been either cut or altered for a movie audience. There is a lot more action, and many of the dialogue they left in are run through quickly. For example, the scene with Comedian crying in Moloch's and Comedian and Dr. Manhattan in the bar in Vietnam, are sped up. Not a big deal, but many scenes lose their weight, and are less profound. The film was basically scaled down with the back story, but emphasized action. Personally I think it wasn't long enought, but luckily the DVD will be released as a Director's Cut with nearly an hour of additional footage. Overall I recommend this film, and is a good nod to the graphic novel, but don't go expecting everything page-for-scene.

Many have said that if Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen were to be made into a movie, the process would be difficult if not impossible. I completely agree with the critics on this one. Zack Snyder's 2 hour and 43 minute adaptation of the acclaimed Watchmen comic wasn't as compelling as I thought it would be and the mess of a movie was very difficult to sit through. The special effects and fight scenes were the best part of the movie, but there were too few to carry the movie. Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach was unbelievable. He stole all the attention from the other masked crusaders (which I thought would be hard considering there was a rippled and naked neon man in most of the scenes). If you are a fan of the Watchmen comic, I would say stick to the comic. (C-)

I have read the graphic novel, and the movie stays very true to the novel, with much of the dialogue taken straight from the book. The ending is different, but I think it is one that translated better for a movie. The movie is very very graphic as far as violence goes, and also a couple extended sex scenes. Also, they do not try to hide the fact that Dr. Manhattan's junk is just hanging out all over the place. The movie takes a while to get going, which makes sense with all of the characters that you have to develop. Fortunately, there is not all the slo-mo stuff like there was in 300, and which I was scared of after seeing the trailer. The guy who plays Rorschach is awesome, and the movie definitely makes you walk away thinking. Even though it was a little long, it was worth it.

If you weren't someone who appreciated the original graphic novel, do not watch this. You will not find this interesting, you will not enjoy all 2 hours and 45 minutes of it. This is not Batman or The Avengers. That being said, if you appreciate the novel, you will LOVE this movie! The characters and actors do the novel complete justice. I never thought it was too long or boring once. I can't wait for the Blue Ray release! I'm definitely watching it again.

The True Essence of this Movie......... Stick your finger up your rear and SMELL it!!!!