Watchmen: Chapter I
Directed by Brandon Vietti7.192%77%
In 1985, the murder of a government sponsored superhero draws his outlawed colleagues out of retirement and into a mystery that threatens to upend their personal lives and the world itself.
Cast of Watchmen: Chapter I
Watchmen: Chapter I Ratings & Reviews
- VarunOctober 19, 2024I read the comics three years ago in 2021 and thought it was absolutely brilliant. I consume so much media it’s very easy for me to forget most things but I still remember the story and characters vividly, the book is perfect and completely floored me. Then I watched Zack Snyder’s Watchmen (2009) which ended up being total garbage. Then the live action sequel came out on HBO in 2019 and it was highly acclaimed, being praised by everyone. I have never seen a more overrated piece of media, few episodes are really good but the show as a whole is laughably bad and shits on the source material. If you don’t agree with me, I highly recommend checking out the YouTube video A Thermodynamic Disaster by Macabre Storytelling. I haven’t engrossed myself in that world since, but I got pretty excited when out of nowhere Warner Brothers released a trailer of this movie which is supposed to rectify the past failed adaptations and finally do a true recreation and this time with animation. I must say that my excitement paid off and I’m satisfied. But my satisfaction comes from getting the chance to revisit the world again through a different medium. I think the movie gets pretty close in terms of portrayal, I liked the voice acting, characters, animation, music, etc. I think it does succeed a bit in giving you a taste of the mood. However, I think it might just be impossible to fully capture what the comics did. I mean if you really care about getting into this world for the first time, you might as well read the book, because what it did with the comics format is just genius, the panels are structured in a certain way keeping in mind that you’re a reader with the ability to pause for reflection, it has a unique way of affecting you and every single panel is powerful and essential. This isn’t easy to replicate in film, nor is it required when the comics are perfect. There’s a reason why Alan Moore disavows any sequels, changes or portrayals of the comics. I’m thankful that this is finally not a shallow adaptation, I appreciate the decent attempt at doing a proper recreation, and I’m really glad it gave me the chance to explore this world again through animation. I think they should’ve released both Chapters together or just done one big movie, although the cliffhanger is decent and I’m looking forward for the next one. Ultimately it is unneeded and I would only recommend this movie to those who have already read the comics and wish to experience a small taste of it again.
- neuroparadox4d agoThis is a really good adaptation..mostly but it's so subjective results may vary. The animation is great, it's like watching a Tell-Tale game, and that's a good thing. I guess my only issues are the sounds and voices, but, again, that's subjective, as how I imagine(d) the characters voices when I read the comics shouldn't affect my review, BUT I'm human, so it does. And not using issue 5's, Fearful Symmetry, unique storytelling structure was a miss. Unless I missed it.... which is possible lol because most people did in the comics, including myself.🤣🤯
- Mr. DFebruary 7, 2025Well done. Pairs nicely with the series.
- vangh1December 18, 2024I've watched and enjoyed each adaptation of Watchmen now, Zack Snyder's film, the motion comic, and this, and while I've enjoyed each of them to varying degrees and loved aspects of them all, none come close to the total sum magic of the graphic novel.
- jackmeatNovember 23, 2024My quick rating - 7.0/10. I decided to dive back into the gritty, morally complex universe of one of the most iconic graphic novels of all time. As a massive fan of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen, I approached this animated adaptation with high expectations—and for the most part, it delivered, offering a solid start to what promises to be a faithful multipart adaptation. Set in an alternate 1985, the story unfolds as The Comedian (voiced by Rick D. Wasserman), a once-celebrated hero turned government agent, is murdered, sparking an investigation by Rorschach (voiced by Titus Welliver), the last active vigilante. His grim, unyielding pursuit of truth not only resurrects unresolved conflicts among his former colleagues—Nite Owl, Silk Spectre, Dr. Manhattan, and Ozymandias—but also raises the stakes, hinting at a deeper conspiracy. The adaptation succeeds in capturing the shadowy, heavy atmosphere of a world on the edge of nuclear annihilation, where heroes aren’t what they seem, and where no one can be trusted. The animation does justice to the dark, iconic visuals of the original comics. The art style is suitably gritty, and the character designs stay close to the original, making it feel like the pages have come to life. The voice acting deserves praise as well, with each character's voice fitting their distinct personalities—Rorschach’s narration is especially well done, capturing his cynical worldview and giving his internal monologues the weight they need. The pacing works well for a first chapter, covering the essentials without feeling rushed, though the episodic structure might test the patience of fans used to the depth of the graphic novel. As a first installment, it doesn’t dive too deep but lays out an intriguing mystery that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next chapter. The adaptation maintains the essence of Watchmen’s critique of power, identity, and morality, themes that only seem more relevant with each passing year. Overall, this is a promising start, true to the source material while bringing a fresh energy to the narrative. It’s not easy to capture the depth of a work as legendary as Watchmen, but this adaptation clearly respects its origins. It might not yet reach the heights of the graphic novel, but for fans like me, it’s enough to keep us hooked and waiting for what’s next. (Click on Watchmen anywhere on this page to read the original comics online)
