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Screenwriter David Hayter Asks You to See Watchmen Again

by Alex Billington
March 11, 2009

This isn't a desperate plea from screenwriter David Hayter, it's an enthusiastic request from one true fan to another. Hayter has been working on Watchmen since 2000. It's more than just a passion project for him and everyone involved, including fellow writer Alex Tse and director Zack Snyder. It's sad that we've had to see two people involved with Watchmen write open letters (producer Lloyd Levin also wrote one during the legal battle), but this time, Hayter is truly dead on. "You there, with the Smiley-face pin. Admit it. All this time, you've been waiting for a director who was going to hit you in the face with this story."

I suggest everyone read the full letter on HardcoreNerdity, but I've pulled the important parts below.

So look, this is a note to the fanboys and fangirls. The true believers. Dedicated for life.

If the film made you think. Or argue with your friends. If it inspired a debate about the nature of man, or vigilante justice, or the horror of Nixon abolishing term limits. If you laughed at Bowie hanging with Adrian at Studio 54, or the Silhouette kissing that nurse.

Please go see the movie again next weekend.

You have to understand, everyone is watching to see how the film will do in its second week. If you care about movies that have a brain, or balls, (and this film's got both, literally), or true adaptations -- And if you're thinking of seeing it again anyway, please go back this weekend, Friday or Saturday night. Demonstrate the power of the fans, because it'll help let the people who pay for these movies know what we'd like to see. Because if it drops off the radar after the first weekend, they will never allow a film like this to be made again.

Because face it. All this time...You there, with the Smiley-face pin. Admit it.

All this time, you've been waiting for a director who was going to hit you in the face with this story. To just crack you in the jaw, and then bend you over the pool table with this story. With its utterly raw view of the darkest sides of human nature, expressed through its masks of action and beauty and twisted good intentions. Like a fry-basket full of hot grease in the face. Like the Comedian on the Grassy Knoll. I know, I know...

You say you don't like it. You say you've got issues. I get it.

And yet... You'll be thinking about this film, down the road. It'll nag at you. How it was rough and beautiful. How it went where it wanted to go, and you just hung on. How it was thoughtful and hateful and bleak and hilarious. And for Jackie Earle Haley.

Trust me. You'll come back, eventually. Just like Sally.

Might as well make it count for something.

Look, I'm going to admit, that to write my review, I demanded I see the movie a second time. I was so awe-struck after the first screening, that I felt I just was completely unable to write a legitimate review. I had to see it twice. And I did see it twice before I wrote it. There is so much to gain out of seeing Watchmen for a second time, it's almost unbelievable. Because when you start to get more of out of the story, it's then that you really start to realize that Zack Snyder did have it all in there and that there is so much more to it, just like the graphic novel. I've seen it three times and still keep discussing it every single day.

The best argument that Hayter makes for seeing it a second time is that the graphic novel itself requires multiple readings. I'm sure there are those of you who have read it once and completely understood it, but I ask, how many of you have read it multiple times. Why does this matter? Because there is so much you get from revisiting it, even revisiting certain parts. Obviously you can't revisit individual parts of the movie until it's on DVD, but I promise you'll gain some new perspective by seeing Watchmen a second time. There is so much riding on the success of Watchmen that this request goes beyond just gaining more insight.

Please, do yourself a favor, do David Hayter a favor, do Zack Snyder a favor, and see Watchmen again!

Explore tags: Editorials, Hype, Opinions

Marcus

For Solid Sanke, I will see it a second time...
Michael

I've seen it twice and I didn't care for it either time. I have no interest in doing anyone a favor by seeing it a third time. I've already done them even favors by seeing it twice. I'll do myself a favor instead and watch a better movie - or just read the book again.
ballyhoo

tell David Hayter to write it again.
http://movies.iconocritic.com peloquin

I plan on dragging some more friends to it again this weekend. Maybe without all the ravaging fanboys and dressed up loons I'll be able to focus more and get something new from the experience. A full theater at 2 AM isn't the best way to watch a film so I'm sure It'll blow my mind even more the second time around when I can truly pay attention to every detail. I really loved this film for the record, and I have a feeling I'll be debating its value for a long time (similar to the situation that my love of Speed Racer put me in)
BC

The first time I saw it, I was slightly disappointed and wasn't sure how I felt about the film. A few days later I went back and absolutely loved it. Sure it has it's flaws, but I accept it for what it is and I can't wait to go see it again!
PANDA

HOW SAD! This guy is totally desperate. This man has invested "almost a decade" into prepping this script and because it didn't live up to expectations in the box office he is now asking the audience to return to the theater and open up our wallets once more. ALEX THAT IS A PLEA. A PLEA FOR HELP. My answer to David is: shit happens. DEAL with it man. That is life in the land of movies. I have yet to see this film and i will definitely see it this coming weekend, HOWEVER, this is what you get when you release a film on a weekend when the majority of its age audience (the younger crowd) is at home studying for FINALS. its not exactly spring break yet.
Richard

I wont watch it again as I didn't like it too much, I probably will however buy the blu-ray when it comes out.
hitchhiker

sorry, the general sentiment as I was leaving the movie last night was that it sucked. it was a small group in the theater and I think only a couple of people actually enjoyed it. definitely not worth my 10 bucks.
moviekid10

I've seen it eight times now and still haven't got bored of it. GO WATCHMEN!!!!
Fisherr

This is how real movies...comic book movies be analyzed and reviewed.I wish all of the comic book movies take the same path to look deeper into the story instead of having hero X killing villain Y and the entire movie is wasted with both trying to whack out each other. The movie is out where i live at the moment,I should be checking it anytime soon ISA.
Gregg

Yes, I'll admit it, I was waiting for a director to hit me in the face with this movie. Unfortunately, Snyder did not. The film was awfully flat and overly long. I wanted someone to wow me, not to extend an already long film with things like a minute-long shot of a fucking tombstone. Snyder managed to removed all the subtlety and intelligence in this film by dumbing it down into an action movie with a "cool twist" at the end. He's like a child playing with an atom smasher, only bad things could have happened. So in the end Hayter, No, I won't see it again. Maybe next time you come up with your own ending, you should choose one that actually makes sense. And scream at the top of your lungs for a competent director.
http://www.firstshowing.net Alex Billington

And here come all the haters... Gregg, you really think Snyder's film was FLAT?! Are you kidding? If anything, people are complaining that it had too much style, not that it was FLAT! And I'm sorry your impatient and can't sit through a movie... Guess what, Snyder pulled it off, and you'll have to accept that, even if it takes you 5 years to realize!
dac

It really makes me kind of sad to say I thought this movie looked great but it was overall not a very good movie.
joe

He says this not as a plea for help or beg for money; but more so as a warning. If you like movies made as they should be - with no compromises - and if you enjoyed that fact, then go see this movie again. If this movie fails, then you can say goodbye to faithful adaptations of comic book movies. Especially those with violence, sex, brains, etc.
RandyG

Not a chance. And the comparison that I'll be back, 'just like Sally', as if my first viewing of Watchmen left me pummeled, bleeding, and with my underwear pulled down to my knees is flat out stupid.
http://www.cocaineblunts.com/blunts/?cat=740 MAYNHOLUP!

Z-Ro > Watchmen mayn
Gregg

Yes, I will defend that the movie was flat. Not stylistically, it was over stylized. I mean in terms of story. There was no tension created for the audience. By the time the ending came around, no one was shocked, and nobody I spoke to about it really seemed all that interested. I call that a failure.
ObiWop

Well I loved it and will be using my free movie cash that came with the Watchmen motion comic Blu-ray to see it again on Friday. I think this is one of those movies that requires multiple viewings to take it all in. There are many movies out there that you need to see a few times and this is one of them. I think Snyder did a fantastic job on this even with the changes. The meat of it was there. I'm thankful it wasn't like Wanted.
Filmster

Hayter needs to understand his script was fine, its just Snyder doesn't know how to tell a story, all he knows is how to make things look great. He doesn't know how to direct actors or let the character feel real or bleed emotion through the screen. All the film is is figures saying words and going through the motions. This movie is not worth seeing again, and people shouldn't go to it because then they will let Snyder make another movie.
Phil

Well, I'll be seeing it for the first time within the next few days, probably in IMAX, amidst all the this and the that of it. I haven't read the comic but I've been able to piece together a story. Is that what he meant by we'll be back "just like Sally"?? He's talking about rape?? That's not exactly displaying brains and passion and hard work on the part of the writer. Hmmm, maybe it's not such a good idea to see it then? I don't know. The movie fans don't seem to like it and the comic readers don't seem to like the comic. Who do I believe? Who would write such a story if it's so stupid? I'm compelled to ask, where's Wonder Woman when you need her??!!??!!
L

I saw it 2 times last Friday and loved it more on the 2nd viewing (albeit on IMAX this time). I also went with someone who had not read the book. It was interesting to hear her point of view on it, considering she is an English major. She said the ending was predictable also and I can see where she is coming from. As much as I loved it, 2 viewings is enough. I will be getting the big extended Blu Ray one for sure though.
Travis

I've seen it once, and I liked it a lot. Of course its not as good as the novel, but what film ever is? I read the novel the first time, and honestly, I wasn't that impressed. But it gnawed at me because I didnt get much of it. On my second reading, I was blown away. I'll go see it a second time just for that reason.
http://movies.iconocritic.com peloquin

@ number 9... I don't mean to question your integrity, but I seriously don't believe that you saw a nearly 3 hour long movie 8 times in the last 5 days. The only way that's possible would be if you didn't have a job or any sort of life at all. I'm pretty obsessed myself, but if you really did watch it 8 times than you'd have to had sit through it twice in a row on two seperate occasions. I think no matter what movie it was, if I watched something 8 times in 5 days I'd end up hating it by the 5th day. If you really did though than kudos to you, and Hayter and Snyder should send you a signed poster or something.
Filmster

No rudeness intended, but everyone needs to stop comparing the book to the movie. They are two totally different mediums. Filmmaking is a very different aspect of storytelling and this is where Snyder falls hard. He doesn't understand that some things portrayed on the screen aren't going to hit or be understood as it would artistically through a graphic novel. Us as readers see the pictures, but we also get to use our imaginations to produce the actions of these characters (how they are acting, moving, etc.) We can't keep doing this to ourselves and saying I liked the book better, or it didn't own up to the story. Filmmaking is a visual medium that shouldn't be abused.
Henry Jones Sr.

The movie made me want to read the graphic novel again, not watch the movie again. Stop groveling, Dave.
L1A

watchmen is better than the dark knight. the dark knight bored me, only thing it had going for it was the joker.
Link1983

I will I watched this last night and it F*****g Rocks. Is there nothing this guy can't do. I will most definatley be seeing this again as soon as my partner is back from uni, she can't wait. Also because Iw ant India to see it twice it means i'll be watching it 3 times. David please accept my grattitude and admiration, you truly are a legend. Please can we have a metal gear movie. Penned by your magical musing abilities.
TheGuyInThePJs

It's funny that Snyder took a project that was very different from the source novel(Hayter's draft) and turned it into one of the most faithful adaptations of all-time. Yet, the fans still bit*h. Seriously, does anyone have a clue how close this film came to becoming a run-of-the-mill superhero film. Snyder saved us with this HARD rated-R comic book film for the ages... and all anyone can say is "Blah Blah Blah... it's not how I pictured it in head".
Boris

I really don't see what was so awe-inspiring about this movie. Just because it was heavily political doesn't necessarily mean it was particularly intelligent. Quite frankly, I thought it dragged at times. I was anticipating something a bit darker, a bit more raw, but I found myself laughing more than I found myself on the edge of my seat. Visually it was stunning, of course. And I do admire it for being uncompromising in terms of plot and pacing, but I refuse to acknowledge Watchmen as existing in the same ranks as something like The Dark Knight in terms of its cinematic and emotional punch.
Chris H.

Nope. I'm not sitting through that movie for another 2 1/2 hours. Once was fine, but I don't think I'd see it again for awhile. It's one of those movies that are good to see once... then maybe as a rental much later down the line. I was dissappointed by the film, but I guess I didn't really know what to expect. I never read Watchmen, but as an uber fan of comics I figured with all the insane hype it must be epic. For me it didn't come close to living up to the hype. But again, if you throw out all the hype, it was a decent film that could have been better. Certainly worth seeing at least once. But for me, not twice.
1-7

I thought it was really good. But the film felt very glossy and lacked a raw edge. I think Snyder really mistook the fact that violence doesn't equal depth. There was no real atmospheric buildup and most of the acting was just ok. It was good and I might see it again, but I wouldn't place it in a league anywhere close to The Dark Knight.
BookWorm

I really liked the Watchmen film, it's probably as close to the source material as any Watchmen film is ever going to get. However, I don't think it was the revolution in comic book movies that people were claiming it would be. I think that's partly because Watchmen is over 20 years old and a lot of today's audiences can't connect with the issues it raised (Cold War fears etc.). I think it's mostly because the "revolution" in comic book films already happened last year in the summer of 2008 with Iron Man and moreso The Dark Knight. Will I see it again, maybe!
Ruben

I agree the first time i felt a little numb thanks to all the hype but the second time i found that i really really enjoyed it
SlashBeast

There is a lot of sublety and nuances in Watchmen which may be overlooked in the first watch. I think it's one of those films where watching it many times is best. Was it a great film - no, was it a bad film - no. It was good film, and definitely worth watching, possibly more than once.
SS

Watchmen may be a good movie, but that "open letter" sounds very self-effacing. I will not see Watchmen more than once. Free Market (and not mob-rule-letter campaigns) should decide the fate of the Motion Picture industry.
xerxerxex

I a fan of the comic, a fan of Synder, a fan of Hayter, and a fan of the film! I loved it and I felt that Synder really did the best he could with this movie, and as for the length well I liked to see the people complaining to try direction the Comic into a feature length film, and make it shorter! The length of the movie was exactly how long it had to be. I for sure will be seeing it again, and loving the second time even more, mainly because it was a excellent film, so for anyone who did not like it, well I feel sorry for you, and for all those who have not seen it, don't listen to us, negative comments, and pro comments don't mean anything, see it and judge for yourself!
Tom

I saw it and i thought the movie was okay. All that slow motion in the movie was boring me out, and it was pretty obvious what was going to happen in the end of the movie. For me personally i thought there was to much hype and i honestly got bored from seeing watchmen all the time especially on this site. I mean I'm a batman fan and i would try to spread around how cool, and awesome it is. But, i know not everyone is going to feel the same way, and what matters is what i think. My favorite character was Rorschach. I wish there was more to him, but then again i never read the comic book and i dont know much about watchmen other the hype about this movie, and how people like Alex and other fanboys had orgasm during this movie.
Stevo

I liked the first time I saw it on release night and it was pretty good and I thought it was fairly true and was probably the closest thing to the novel that we would ever get. I was going to wait to see it again on Imax or if they do release a director cut, but then on sunday, some friends convinced me to go. The second time through I caught and noticed some things that I was happy to see and I was able to watch the background more to see those small things (like you can see Rorschach and his sign in the background in a lot of scenes). I actually liked it a lot more. My bro wants me to drive and visit and hit up an Imax with him this weekend. I might have to. One suggestion, if you do see it again and you know the book (or even if you don't) watch the background and see if you can see some of those "Easter eggs".
Diego

I regret spending $10 to see this movie the first time around.... And people that say "here comes the haters..." and things like that, deal with it. This site has a forum so everyone can voice their opinions. Not everyone will like this movie, and you have to take criticism whether it's negative or positive.
FlaWiio

This thing is a bit desperate, a bit like Chris Carter and same kind of call of fans for X-Files I want to believe. But, I think that Watchmen really deserves a second view.
Nick

Alex he most certainly did not "pull it off." The stuff he directly copies from the book work only on the most basic level. Every time he makes a directorial decision in the movie it fails: The pop songs, the added gore, Nite Owl reacting to Rorschach's death, the over the top martial arts, the changed ending, etc. I hate to break it to you Alex, but the movie IS flat. There is no emotion in any of the characters. There's no dramatic tension. Instead we get ridiculous pop songs and over the top gore. Oh yes, and slow motion. Endless repetitive slow motion. Hopefully they don't make another film like this again. I would rather they didn't ruin my impression of a perfectly good piece of entertainment rather then make a half assed attempt at a movie. Gore and nudity do not make an adult superhero movie.
D

Couldn't pay me to see this movie again. 2 hours and 45 minutes of my life wasted.
Zach

this is a true story. if you really really really liked paul blart mall cop, scoff at this letter. feel free. if you really really really kind of hated the universe a little bit, in an odd kind of way, for allowing paul blart mall cop to exist at the same time that you did, then do not scoff at this letter. because we can have movies like watchmen, fight club, boogie nights, fargo, and pulp fiction, or we can have movies like paul blart, norbit, when a stranger calls, man of the house, and i know who killed me. movie attendance is actually much higher in 2009 for this time of year than it has been in YEARS, people are spending money on entertainment. this letter doesn't read like a plea for your money, anyway, it reads like somebody gives a shit about what mills around in popular culture and has a platform to say so.
RandyG

#41 Wow, you don't get it. ...!@#$ it, this film just isn't worth the effort.
http://www.theaterhopper.com Tom Brazelton

Sorry, but this just comes off as a little desperate to me. Everyone knows Watchmen doesn't have legs. Reviews have been too divisive, the tone of the movie is too downbeat and ugly. Word of mouth has not been strong. They expected $70M opening weekend and limped across the finish line with $57M. Is it any wonder they released footage of the opening credits to the internet? It's the only thing fans and critics seem to agree on - the only part of the movie everyone likes. They're trying to build the buzz back up. Now Hayter writes a personal appeal to keep Watchmen up on too legs? Sorry. Desperate.
s

I have now seen it twice and I am even more impressed than I was the first time, I dont give a shit what all you pathetic comic fans are pissed about, the film was fantastic!! any way you look at it. I do love comics so dont get me wrong there. you do see so much more the second time and I would love to see it a third but I dont know if I can afford I-max two times, oh yeah and if you didnt see it in I-max your a fool, I saw it in I-max the first time and regular the second time and there was no comparison, none at all. this is how all films should be, in the sense that it did whatever it wanted to and didnt really care what anyone would say about it and I think it was a complete triumph!! it really made me feel different about this world, I already know society is a joke anyway but this really makes you see it a lot more clearly. there is much more to this film than bad ass slo-mo fight scenes and hot sex, the moral issues and intense dramatic energy this film chooses to throw at you is unlike anything ever made. he did say it well, it grabs you and you hold on till the end. so in short SEE IT AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN!!!! it is worth it. oh and # 2 and # 11 you know nothing about movies. who cares if it was to a T what the comic was, thats like saying oh my god batman was not JUST like the comic that I remeber! thats why we have more than 1 medium in art, so that it may be interperted in many different ways and shown in a way that another artist feels that it should be seen. so all you haters out there CHILL THE FUCK OUT!!!!!! and watch the damn movie again and try to enjoy it for how amazing it is!!!
DK

You can claim that something is irrefutably "fantastic," but the value of a film is subjective. I saw Watchmen while halfway through the graphic novel, and I understand that the two mediums are separate entities. I'm not a diehard fan, though I appreciated the comic. And the problem is, I disliked (perhaps too gentle of a word) more parts of the movie than I enjoyed. Unfortunately, I won't throw my money at something I don't want to support... particularly something I loathe to revisit.
Chris H.

#44 Looks like you're the one who needs to chill the fuck out. Who cares what other people think. Enjoy it for yourself, because thats all that matters.
http://www.theaterhopper.com Tom Brazelton

#44 Apparently haters need to chill the fuck out, but Captain Hyperbole over here can blow his load over how great Watchmen is. Cognitive dissonance, anyone?
Luke

I had no idea the guy who voiced Solid Snake wrote Watchmen!
Darrin

dude true fans must see it again. the reason they mustis because it will show that the fans are behind this novel either if the movie sucked or if it was awesome. Take twilight for example i hated the movie but the fans came out to support it even though it sucked.
Blake

I've never read the comic - but I LOVED THIS FILM. I think it was bold, intelligent and visually stunning. I tip my hat the David, Alex and Zack for having the balls and ambition to take on something like this. So many people complain that Hollywood pump out nothing but mindless remakes and rehashed and repackaged stories - and when something bold and fresh comes along - what do they do - they complain. I think its a film that puts your story sense out of its comfort zone. It challanges and defies the standard 3 act structure of film - and superhero movies. I loved it. And I will be seeing 2-3 even 4 times.
T&P

#41: Watchmen is not in the same league as Fight Club, Fargo, Pulp Fiction, etc. as those are well-written and well-directed movies. I actually just watched Watchmen a second time - I've read the fanboy's comments about all the subtleties and nuances of a second viewing. All I could feel was 'so what?'. Ooh there's Rorschach without his mask. So? I totally agree with Gregg #11, it is very flat. There's no power to the film - it just sits there and says "look at me". There's not one moment where I could root for or even care about any of the characters. Even the attempted rape scene (something that would normally get my emotions going) was just cold. There are some characters I like - and I really wanted to like this movie - especially the second time around - but it's just not happening. The only thing I got out of a second viewing was a chance to see more bloopers and continuity errors. Now, can we please stop with the Watchmen articles on this site. Jesus fucking Christ.
Parker

David Hayter will cry out "please see it again" And I'll whisper...."no."
http://youtube.com/snears Nick Sears

hahaha, good one Parker. Though hearing it in Solid Snake's voice, he sells it pretty damn well. We do need more movies like this though to shake things up
WATCHMEN 7/10 Stars

NO David Hayter, stick with Solid Snake. Alex, you are just a FANBOY of the graphic novel. To tell someone that they dont get it is so fanboy-ish. Everyone can have their own opinion. And to blow someone off like that makes you that LOW! NO people don't buy into it. Yes watch it again if you liked it. NO if you didnt. Don't waste your money on crap you dislike. The pacing of the movie was not edited correctly to keep the audience interested. I know I'm not the only one who experienced this but Im sure there are others who watched this film and saw people walking out of the movie before it ended. YES I KNOW THERE ARE SOME OF YOU OUT THERE who did experience it. Lastly, LOTRs worked. The Dark Knight Worked. Jurrasic Park Worked. 300 Worked and so many movies out there worked. Because of the pacing. Too much style or whatever doesnt really affect it. It will just click once the final product is made. Just think of this not all of Steven Speilbergs films are 10/10. Some were so so even though it was still well praised. WATCHMEN did not click. I like it to some merit, like Dr Manhattan's scenes and a few others but overall it felt very slow in the beginning. This is my 2 cents. I'll wait for the DVD/Blu-ray to watch this again. Ill spend my $10 on something else.
http://firstshowing.net Andy Adair

I enjoyed this movie MUCH more the second time. Just an FYI for all of you.
http://Firstshowing.net The_Phantom

Thanks but no thanks. I'll wait for it on DVD with the Directors cut, and then rent it to see if it's worth it.
tom rothman

thank god Fox didnt get a complete deal..... They would have made the ending with all the guys are alive and join as a new team and then they can become just like another fantastic four
http://valeriewriter.wordpress.com valeriewriter

I never read the book or the comic, but I just didn't like the movie that much. It was hard to follow!
Craig

For those complaining about "pacing" really lack something called "attention span". WATCHMEN has a very linear story line layered with themes that serves as a character study. It doesn't take a genius to decipher the multiple meanings and let alone the story of the film. The truth is that the general audience doesn't really like to think, so when a film with deep thematic undertones based on a critically praised graphic novel is adapted they are left with blank expressions and disappointment because they were expecting Hancock or The Fantastic Four (or something mediocre and equally thoughtless). Its not that WATCHMEN failed or flopped its the general audience that couldn't grasp let alone understand any of the ideas presented. The source material is thick and full of rich themes, flawed characters and so much more that the graphic novel wouldn't of have pleased the general audience (moviegoers) either because most of these people haven't touched a book since high school. This film if anything showed a sad reflection of the current intelligence of the general moviegoer which is as much as a 4 year old impatient chimp with a serious attention disorder.
Mike Balrog

@56 Very interesting comment. Although I do agree with some parts I have to say Watchmen was very unique. What I believe that made it slow was the 1980s theme about the Cold War, Nixon, then adding the superhero part into that. Remember folks. No Director has a "Midas Touch." Again with #56's comment about directors.... Peter Jackson had a slew of Box Office bombs before LOTRs Ridley Scott is an amazing Director. Gladiator, BHD, Blade Runner but had lemons like Kingdom of Heaven that was supposed to be epic. Micheal Mann with Heat etc, then Miami Vice came out. Ron Howard had A beautiful Mind, Apollo 13 then DaVinci Code came out. Just because there is a A list Director making the movie doesn't mean s/he will always have A+ film. No one knew too much about Zack S. before 300. It was a hit so there was high expectations for this film. I would give it a C+ too slow in the beginning but it had some of the best moments I love about film.
Fantasmic

As much as I did enjoy the movie, and as big a fan as I am of the comic, I will not be seeing it again in cinema. Sure it was great that it was a true adaptation, but for me the lack of creative liberty made by the director/writer for some reason made me feel like the movie lacked the heart or backbone a superhero movie usually has. I will still be picking it up on DVD though.
Trey

# 54 ..that was funny as hell To the guy that said he saw the movie "8" times...."get a damn life" you just spent 20 hours of your life watching the same crap!...LMOA..u failed
mrbobbyboy

Watchmen was a perfect cinematic take on the graphic novel. A complicated, twisting narrative delivered superbly by a director with style, wit and exuberance. Worth multiple viewings. A beautiful thing to behold.
Shige

Saw this twice. Second time because a friend of mine dragged me to see it. Was even worse at the second viewing. The music and the slo-mo was even more apparent and unbearable, but hey Im just repeating what others have said so I must be a dumb hater right.
http://www.eatsleepgeek.com melvis316

I thought it was a fantastic movie, and a equally great adaptation of the comic. My major gripes are Ozymandias and there were some small details that I loved in the book that weren't there, but it was well worth the time and money, and well worth a second trip to the theatre.
http://vithren.digart.pl Vith

Seen it twice and yes - the second time it was a remarkable experience, a mindblowing one. Fantastic movie and I really think, that it was even better than... Dark Knight. Yep. Really. For me it was better in every way. [the last 30 minutes of DK are a spectacular disaster imho]
Black Dynamite

I've watched it 3 times. The first time I seen the movie on the regular screen a It was good the next 2 came by way of the Imax screen and it was kick ass. I'd recommend that people watch it the second time on Imax. I loved the movie and never read the book, what the fanboys need to realize is it's not a book it's a movie and the movie can't do what your imagination does while reading. Snyder and Hayter did well. Great movie right there with TDK in my opinion. PS. Why ya'll hatin on dat mane #9 cause he seen the movie 8 times? It's his life.
Hey Ya

I've seen it three times. Might see it again depending if other friends want to.
money B

saw it once and that was enough for me. i wanted to like it and thought i would, but was surprised when i left the theatre. it played very flat and because i couldn't associate or relate to any of the characters (outside of rorschach), i was completely uninvolved emotionally. thought the comedian was a despicable character, so i had zero interest in giving a hoot who was behind the offing. and a lot has been said about the music, but the song selections were execrable. regardless of if they were written into the graphic novel, it was almost laughable hearing the lyrics play on screen in such a rote manner. it's like snyder didn't have enough confidence in his own storytelling, so he had to trump out the most obvious and overbearing songs possible. there will certainly be no second viewing, unless i read the graphic novel first...
Gavin Brown

I have seen it twice once at the midnight showing and again at the imax theater and I enjoyed the second time more than the first it allowed me to notice little things that i miss before and i'll probably go see it again.
pj

seeing it for the third time in imax tonight. movie was 15x better the second time
jono

people please go and see this film again it is so much better the 2nd 3rd 4th 5th time this film is a gem go and see people now
Movie Fan

Yeah, the movie was better second time through, has to be said, but there is still a gaping hole that the director's cut should fill upon release.
hope springs eternal

i think the best thing to do is..not even see this movie once. not because its so bad, or its so good, or anything like that. so itll stop this cycle of people who dont like it getting their asses chewed out by people who do like it and vice versa. boring
fathouse

check this link to see how Hayter developed the Watchmen screenplay! http://fathouseblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/bottomless-void.html
Adam

This movie was such a disappointment, I couldn't watch the entire thing once.
http://www.movieguys.org 790

Night Owl would kick Batmans ass!
Tom

For people who plan to see this movie 8 times or more. Get a Girlfriend or Friend, or get a hobby. I enjoy my comic books and movies to , but, its not worth watching that many times.
Movieraider321

Saw it 3 times, it was amazing the 2nd time
Jamie

Have not seen this movie, and do not plan on seeing it either. I love comic book movies but c'mon already. They have been showing so many scenes over the net. I have seen way too much of it now to really enjoy it. Plus it looks like a bad rip of to the Mystery Men movie.
Mike Balrog

@82 ROFL I would've said the same thing. WATCHMEN = MYSTERY MEN REDUX!! Lulz!!!
http://iko.livejournal.com Iko

I first saw the film with my partner and I really loved it. I'm planning on asking my father to see it with me this coming weekend.
Voice of Reason

This plea is such a piece of absolute BULLSHIT. Studios make decisions for sequels and similar movies off of the first weekends opening alone. Theres no need to shell out up to $25 to prove a point to Hollywood that doesnt even make sense in the first place. Such horseshit.
Mutter

I have decided not to see it at the theater, because I am waiting for the reboot of the franchise. That should be in just a couple of years judging by current Hollywood trends.
Grendel72

I loved the movie, and was planning to see it again until I saw this douchebag felt the need to use a freaking *rape joke* in his pathetic begging for our pocket money. Screw you, David Hayter, from now on whenever I see your name in the credits of a movie or videogame it will be a strong mark against me ever giving my money for it.
Lacey

Sorry, but I didn't like it. After all of the hype, I left the theater really disappointed. I wish I had gone to see something else instead. Graphic novel or not, some gore and blood and arm breaking head chopping, little girl leg dog chewing, etc... just are not necessary. I honestly would have enjoyed it more if there were less scenes envolving blood and blue penises. Just my opinion...
Ryderup

I think the blue penis was nice because it's like it is in the graphic novel. All the violence just to show violence I could have lived without. I think it was a cool movie, but a movie that's close to 3hours need to be more than cool. And this film lacked characters to care and root for. I liked looking at the film and comparing it to the novel - but I don't care what happend to the characters and how it would end. But I am also one of the few who thinks that the graphic novel promises more then it delievers. It starts of great, but the ending is a let down.