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Awesome Japanese WATCHMEN trailer with tons of new footage! Come see!

Watchmen are first by Dapper Swindler	Jan 6th, 2009 03:53:12 PM

And so am I by Dapper Swindler	Jan 6th, 2009 03:53:23 PM

最初の? by Flummage	Jan 6th, 2009 03:54:18 PM

FIRST by electricjones	Jan 6th, 2009 03:54:57 PM
OOWWAHTCHAAAMENEN
NOOOOO by electricjones	Jan 6th, 2009 03:55:16 PM
GOD HELP US ALL
by Flummage	Jan 6th, 2009 03:55:34 PM
オハイオスナップ。.
The judge ruling in Fox by skimn	Jan 6th, 2009 03:55:45 PM

Cool by JDanielP	Jan 6th, 2009 03:55:57 PM
Can't wait.
You have many questions Mr. Sparkle! by BGDAWES	Jan 6th, 2009 03:57:23 PM
Hey Joe, let's talk why not. Meeeeeeestiiiiirr Spahhhhhhhkahlahhhhh!
Old Nite Owl dying by hamo455	Jan 6th, 2009 03:59:42 PM
is going to make me tear up. But that Nixon looks like the one from Point Break.
Indeed... by Quintus_Arrius	Jan 6th, 2009 04:00:32 PM
... my excitement is barely containable!!! Hail Arrius!
What, no squid? by Thunderbolt Ross	Jan 6th, 2009 04:01:58 PM
Fuckin' Japanese!
if anyone missed it in this or the last trailer.. by soup74	Jan 6th, 2009 04:02:43 PM
they show what replaces the Squid. The giant blue explosion.
Officially by OzzyManDiaz	Jan 6th, 2009 04:05:15 PM
Cant fucking wait
Everything looks aces... by Negator76	Jan 6th, 2009 04:06:35 PM
...Except fake Nixon. Jesus, just get an actor who looks kinda like him. Bad prosthetic makeup is a fucking scene-killer. Guy looks like leatherface, fer chrissakes.
Damn by colinjbooth	Jan 6th, 2009 04:07:21 PM
That's it. Just...Damn.
Hertbreaking by Dancingforever	Jan 6th, 2009 04:07:43 PM
To think of what this movie could been. Everything is so perfect and yet the ending is handled in a way that borders on criminal. Taking a few liberties here and there is one thing, several changes were made from Jaws the book to Jaws the movie for example. However the decision was never made that at the end of the movie Quint would turn out to actually be the shark. I'm sure it could be explained that Quint just wanted people to stay off the beach or some BS but it would fail as will this trite ending. I would be very interested to know exactly why the change was made and whose idea it was. Mark my words friends, no squid will be this years Galactus is a cloud.
Heartbreaking by Dancingforever	Jan 6th, 2009 04:07:47 PM
To think of what this movie could been. Everything is so perfect and yet the ending is handled in a way that borders on criminal. Taking a few liberties here and there is one thing, several changes were made from Jaws the book to Jaws the movie for example. However the decision was never made that at the end of the movie Quint would turn out to actually be the shark. I'm sure it could be explained that Quint just wanted people to stay off the beach or some BS but it would fail as will this trite ending. I would be very interested to know exactly why the change was made and whose idea it was. Mark my words friends, no squid will be this years Galactus is a cloud.
manko des ka? by thecrimsoncurse	Jan 6th, 2009 04:09:45 PM
yes please
You didn't show the whole trailer... by muggsly	Jan 6th, 2009 04:10:39 PM
...in the extended version, Rorshach jumps through a window, scaring some children and offers up a delicious bucket of fried chicken
muggsly is right by thecrimsoncurse	Jan 6th, 2009 04:13:12 PM
they cut out the scene where manhattan steals the frig.
So when does Rorshach get his own Flied Chicken commercial by thecomedian	Jan 6th, 2009 04:13:22 PM

WATCHMAN starring JFK, Nixon & Fidel Castro by Orionsangels	Jan 6th, 2009 04:14:25 PM

No squid? Boo Fucking Hoo by codereduk	Jan 6th, 2009 04:15:35 PM
All you fanboys sobing into your Corn Flakes that there isn't a squid need to shut up and go back to playing with your Boba Fett dolls and let the rest of us judge this movie on it's own merits alone. Here's the deal. While Watchmen may be hailed as this great literary work, the COLD HARD REALITY is that not that many of the general public have read it. If this move can tell it's story well without the blessed squid, not that many people will miss it.
Mr Hollins... by LordPorkington	Jan 6th, 2009 04:16:36 PM
Did you enjoy that? I hope it turns out to be better than my GI Joe movie :-(
I'm not excited anymore by Gorgomel	Jan 6th, 2009 04:16:53 PM
The first teaser was awesome, but this one just plain sucks : Nixon, the Comedian shooting JFK, the blue explosion and the War room from Dr Strangelove... All of this is just ridiculous.
Dancingforever... by Willyer Hero	Jan 6th, 2009 04:18:05 PM
will be whining forever. Get a life.
Anyone have a direct download? by Mahaloth	Jan 6th, 2009 04:18:11 PM

The squid is stupid. by MattmanReturns	Jan 6th, 2009 04:18:13 PM
Yeah, I said it.
Dancingforever-- by Negator76	Jan 6th, 2009 04:18:13 PM
--Jesus, get over it. The most important thing about the ending are the compromises that are made (or not made) by the characters, and the moral quandary that the reader is left with. The Squid is just a special effect. Granted, the catastrophe should be graphic, disturbing, and horrifying in scope. If Snyder fails to deliver that, then it's a big problem. If he's changed the ending to some trite action movie wrap-up where the 'good guy' kills the 'bad guy', then it's a deal-breaker. I like squiddy as much as anyone else, but it's not essential... If you want to have a movie of the material, you have to expect some streamlining. If anything's got to be trimmed, 'Tales of the Black Freighter' and the convoluted origins of Squiddy are definitely places to shave. Would you rather sacrifice 20 minutes of essential character scenes just to shoehorn in all the exposition for the Squid's existence? It's clunky, even in the book. And I LOVE the book. I'm more concerned about the actors giving good performances and the script adhering to the characters and themes of the novel than I am about nitpicking what triggers the disaster at Ground Zero. Frankly, Jeffrey Dean Morgan's line delivery concerns me more than bioengineered fake psychic calamari.
I wonder if the previews in front of this movie are going to be by Agent Blue	Jan 6th, 2009 04:19:11 PM

It's very simple by Dancingforever	Jan 6th, 2009 04:28:10 PM
If you can't understand the importance of the squid to the story, and how it's absence assures us this movie will be terminally flawed, I can't have a conversation with you on a level that will be worth my time. Watchmen is a high concept story, the importance of the squid and what it stands for has obviously missed most of you, it's to bad. Perhaps you should reread the story and see if you can catch some of the higher level concepts. If not so be it, I hope you enjoy the film version. It saddens me how mentally satiated people are by the simplest things.
Looks like CGI bullshit by drturing	Jan 6th, 2009 04:29:12 PM
It just looks fake, all artifice and puffed up slomo. It's like a retarded cosplay version of Watchmen with lots of money behind it.
Negator, you're technically correct. by Monkey Butler	Jan 6th, 2009 04:30:52 PM
The best kind of correct. Unfortunately, geeks fail to think rationally when it comes to certain properties, and so your post will be overlooked in the rush to whinge about nipples on suits and the incorrect use of kung fu in Ninja Assassin.
Seriously, Dancingforever by slone13	Jan 6th, 2009 04:32:14 PM
You're a pretentious douche. "If you can't understand the importance of the squid...", "Perhaps you should reread the story..." Shut the fuck up.
Codereduk, Negator76 by The Edges Hat	Jan 6th, 2009 04:34:24 PM
At last some voices of reason. The whole point of the ending is not the squid, but the destruction and the threat of something bigger happening which is supposed to unite the world. The threat is the important detail, not the squid. Basically what a lot of people are saying is that they don't want a movie full of great plot, great charachters, mystery and intrigue (even for those of us who have read it) because a giant squid which doesn't do very much doesn't appear. Hurm.
I wish i had a program by nam0krut	Jan 6th, 2009 04:35:16 PM
to count how many times the word "Squid" will appear in this TB
Negator76 don't bother explaining... by The_joker	Jan 6th, 2009 04:36:10 PM
As to why the squid is not the most important thing about the ending. I tried in another Watchmen talkback, it does no good. Some people are so concerned with the squid they refuse to listen to reason and will defend this issue to death. Just slowly back away and let it go.
Dancingforever by Monkey Butler	Jan 6th, 2009 04:37:07 PM
The importance of the squid to the story is that it makes the two superpowers think that there's a greater threat than either can handle, that threatens both of their existence, and is worth uniting to fight against. The squid also represents the moral problem of killing millions to save billions, while still lying to those billions about the way those billions were saved, effectively changing the course of history. Now, either explain to me how I'm wrong, or explain to me how a giant alien squid built on an island by 'kidnapped' scientists, hollywood types and a fricken real-life psychic who are subsequently murdered, all of which is witnessed by a vigilante from a plane window is absolutely, 100% essential for those thematic elements to be effectively conveyed onscreen.
Ugh...The Squid Argument is tired. by TheRevenge	Jan 6th, 2009 04:37:17 PM
I don't know what's worse: The people bitching endlessly about the absence of the Squid...or the fact that those of you who cream in your jeans over it's necessity keep insisting that you're somehow smarter than everyone else. If you say things such as "if you can't understand it's importance" as if YOU somehow CAN on a level that WE CANNOT...well, you're just being a pretentious dick. And fuck you for assuming you're smarter than people you don't even know based on the ending of a graphic novel. Douchebag.
Nice... by lovecraftian	Jan 6th, 2009 04:37:56 PM
Knotheads and Nixon. How sweet.
Way to capitalize on Frost:Nixon, WB! by Squashua	Jan 6th, 2009 04:38:53 PM
That's what they're doing, you know. I hate trailers that ruin the movie. Ozymandias did it.
This might be a good time for me to say by codereduk	Jan 6th, 2009 04:42:24 PM
I'm not entirely convinced about the ending that I've heard about. I do have some reservations about the movie's actual ending as it has been suggested. I just don't have some blind de facto, knee jerk rejection of this film simply because it will be sans squid.
The Comedian assassinated Kennedy? by supertoyslast	Jan 6th, 2009 04:43:09 PM
Been a while since I read the book. Did that happen in the graphic novel?
The only problem that I have with the revised ending by toshiro-solo	Jan 6th, 2009 04:44:15 PM
is not the elimination of squiddy. It's the replacement of Dr. Manhattan as the causative element. The whole point of using the squid as a device was that it was theoretically totally otherworldly. Foreign in every way to mankind, and DEFINITELY not man made. Now, it's true that Veidt having Jon blow up Manhattan (and not - say - Moscow) mitigates some in setting up Jon as a threat to everyone and not just a threat to non-American powers, but - if Veidt was trying to end factionalism on Earth by setting us up as one big faction, united against an "other" that is seriously unknown, then having Jon specifically stand in for the squid isn't the greatest replacement. I get that it works well story wise - Jon is leaving anyway, so - why not have him be the perceived threat. I just don't think that he works as well as a uniting force as something that would be theretofore unknown - whether it's squiddy or something else. It feels to me like eventually the hard brokered peace would be broken by someone at some point saying "Well we wouldn't be in this mess if not for the dumb ass Americans fucking around with this stuff and creating Dr. Manhattan in the first place." But maybe that's just me...
If you read Dancing Forever's posts... by The_joker	Jan 6th, 2009 04:44:20 PM
In the voice over style of Comic Book Guy from "The Simpsons", they still sound pretentious and obnoxious. But they are a bit more amusing, try it you"ll see.
I still can't believe they're making a WATCHMEN film by NivekJ	Jan 6th, 2009 04:46:29 PM
My mind hasn't felt like this since the Fellowship of the Ring trailers: a mixture of "whoa, cool!" and "yeah, right".
Monkey Butler's got your number, Dancingforever by slone13	Jan 6th, 2009 04:46:46 PM
I'll be waiting for your explanation for why he's wrong
STFU about the fucking squid by SpawnofAchilles	Jan 6th, 2009 04:47:51 PM
seriously stop bitching about it, it's insane. What is the big fucking deal? I read the comic, I know little squid hints are dropped throughout but if you axe the squid (which is ridiculous anyway) then you drop the references to the squid, none of which seem to matter THAT much to the rest of the narrative (as far as I recall, but please prove me wrong) I just dont get why people bitch so much about except OMG ITS DIFFERENT WAAAAA, the squid would not work in a movie, especially not with the whole island of artists crap. Plus manhatten for all intents and purposes is not human, he cant connect with humans, so who's to say he wouldn't go beserk and fuck shit up? just to show us the error of our ways or because he felt like it? Someone please explain why this is such a big goddamn deal other then well its the watchmen it has to be exact (which is asinine) any takers?
amazing, but Ozymandias looks too young and not gay enough by lavatory love machine	Jan 6th, 2009 04:49:12 PM
love to see that they kept the original's nite owl dead scene
So, this makes Watchmen look like . . . by SkidMarkedUndies	Jan 6th, 2009 04:49:30 PM
a disaster flick with superheroes vs. a superhero angst ridden story like the comics. Interesting. Also, the way they presented it reminded me of Anime. Interesting also. I have noting else.
SQUID RULES for the comic. by DOGSOUP	Jan 6th, 2009 04:51:14 PM
For the movie I'm willing to see what they do. I'm not willing to see any more footage though because I'm a smart guy who's read the comic, I'm done with spoilers for this.
Makes a better film than it is a comic. by Power_Girl	Jan 6th, 2009 04:51:24 PM
Same with V for Vendetta. One you take the indulgent excess out they work so much better.
Revised Ending by AragornElfstone	Jan 6th, 2009 04:53:17 PM
I can see both sides to this debate. Jon is about as great a threat as you can get in the Watchmen universe. But after seeing how he can wipe out an army by himself, the world is already afraid of America, so when Jon "turns" the world could take advantage of the situation and attack America rather than rallying with them. I think it will all come down to the writing. If they give us a plausible reason for the world to unite, then it will work. If there is no backstory to it and Jon just blows up Manhattan, then it won't be a satisfying end.
Power-Girl by DOGSOUP	Jan 6th, 2009 04:54:10 PM
Awww you didn't like the pages of sheet music in V for Vendetta?
why it' makes more sense to have nukes that the damn squid: (spo by lavatory love machine	Jan 6th, 2009 04:54:22 PM
(spoilers) it's not because of the squid itself: no one of the people working on the island knew what they were really doing, they thought it was a movie but somehow The Comedian from just a passing glimpse undertood Ozy's entire plane, nukes are easier to understand
Simply... by The Edges Hat	Jan 6th, 2009 04:54:24 PM
I'd like to be the first person in a Talkback this year to say "Jobby"
the Monkey Butler by Sparhawk38	Jan 6th, 2009 04:55:03 PM
Quoted a Futurama episode. That's right...I caught it and I am not proud. But I do love Futurama.
THE BLOOD OF THE WATCHMEN IS ON ROTHMAN AND HIS CHILDREN by BringingSexyBack	Jan 6th, 2009 04:56:42 PM
I'm not watching this trailer. I'm already sold and movie better drop on schedule or there will be hell to pay.
BSB once again brings the TB back by DOGSOUP	Jan 6th, 2009 04:58:15 PM
To what's Important. FANBOY RIOT IF IT'S DELAYED!!
Not taking sides here, but... by kaylum	Jan 6th, 2009 04:59:08 PM
I will say one thing about the squid ending; it’s definitely original. I hope there is some new twist to make the ending more than just another “NYC gets blown up real good” scenario (like we don’t have enough of those on film). And I agree with those who have pointed out that the squid ending was a pretty convoluted way to make the point about creating a common enemy to bring the world together, but maybe that was kind of the point. Still, you know it would have pissed off most of the audience who will be expecting a big bang-up finale from what they’ve seen in the trailers and promos. Didn’t Singer say something to the effect that he wonders what will happen when the studio finds out they’ve made a big budget, 3-hour art film? Because that’s certainly not the way it’s been marketed.
When you are ready to have a serious conversation about the Gree by Animation	Jan 6th, 2009 05:01:46 PM
DancingForever's comment [[ If you can't understand the importance of the squid to the story, and how it's absence assures us this movie will be terminally flawed, I can't have a conversation with you on a level that will be worth my time.]] reminds me of that Onion article about the Green Lantern nerd. http://www.theonion.com/conten t/node/25842
i guess my post by SpawnofAchilles	Jan 6th, 2009 05:02:55 PM
is directed at dancingforever since most other people are on the same side (so far) so dancingforever, where is your mighty thesis about how not having a squid ruins the entire essence of watchmen? Enlighten the masses with your brilliance...
us damned comic geeks by drave117	Jan 6th, 2009 05:04:16 PM
I am a huge comic geek, and a big fan of Watchmen. I do not care about the squid, as long as the replacement plot device serves the same narrative purpose. That is all.
Have you ever seen a Squid Troll? by bee152	Jan 6th, 2009 05:05:26 PM
I have. Every damn AICN talkback about the Watchmen.
Do the Japanese have a fixation by gboybama	Jan 6th, 2009 05:05:59 PM
on Nixon and delivery fried chicken that I wasn't aware of? Not that I mind. I'm a fan of both.
You want sqrid rit dat? by Demonoid	Jan 6th, 2009 05:07:32 PM
You want sqrid or big brue frash? Arso, Nixon's nose rooks reery fake!
The idea of the squid as comic metacomment by Monkey Butler	Jan 6th, 2009 05:11:30 PM
Doesn't really work anymore. Hence the nipples and the Smashing Pumpkins song. The ludicrous squid as 'convoluted supervillain plan to destroy the world' plot worked in comicbooks 20 years ago, but it's isn't even relevant to that medium anymore, let alone film. The idea of a manufactured God [apparently] biting its creator in the arse is much more relevant, and frankly interesting, now than a satire of campy supervillains that haven't been around for decades.
Dancingforever... by WavingFlagsInSpace	Jan 6th, 2009 05:12:18 PM
Bravo! You're irony was fantastic and obviously went over the heads of most people on this site. You were being ironic, weren't you? You must have been, because it's impossible to type that sort of shit without being ironic because the massive cock growing out of your forehead would get in the way of the keyboard otherwise.
Hey Dancingforever... by Willyer Hero	Jan 6th, 2009 05:12:35 PM
You're the newest member of the "Jon Dough club". Congrats.
The squid to be replaced by... by Ronnie__Dobbs	Jan 6th, 2009 05:13:12 PM
the Cloverfield monster in the sequel.
OK. That was a much better trailer. by I_am_not_the_droid_you_are_looki ng_for	Jan 6th, 2009 05:14:17 PM
Even in japanese that shits all over the previous trailers. Get that shit in english and I may get interested.
Dancingforever... by kgerm	Jan 6th, 2009 05:15:06 PM
What's wrong with taking something that came out of absolutely nowhere in the comics and keeping the importance of the event, making it relevant, and having something that works within the context of the story? You should obviously be working for Fox.
We've now officially seen more of... by InstantClassic	Jan 6th, 2009 05:15:54 PM
Nixon than Ozy. That's a problem.
That is one tricky Dick! by Cletus Van Damme	Jan 6th, 2009 05:16:03 PM
Fucking killer
Jonas Brothers in 3D - Fucking your eyeballs in 2009 by codereduk	Jan 6th, 2009 05:21:40 PM
just thought I would get that in
Squid is not nipples on Batsuit by Optimus V	Jan 6th, 2009 05:23:14 PM
It's more than just a slight physical change that could upset a few die-hard fans. But if you want a comparison, it's Harvey Dent's origin of his scars. The comic has explicitly stated multiple times that he gained his scarring when acid was thrown in his face during a court case. They changed the origin drastically in TDK. BUT IT WORKED. I will personally wait to see how the Manhattan bomb works in the movie. If it sucks, I'll jump on the calamari bandwagon. If it works and doesn't cause the whole movie to suck, I see no reason to complain.
Squidgate by kwisatzhaderach	Jan 6th, 2009 05:24:50 PM

To Squid or Not to Squid.... by Rex Carsalot	Jan 6th, 2009 05:28:23 PM
I read this when I was 17 -- and was one of the ones who wildly (and much like Dancingforever, very douchily) thought that this property was "mine." Now that I'm older, I can see clearly that the squid, although visually arresting when splashed over 9 pages with blood raining down on the streets and characters we've been following dead all over, is really fucking stupid. It looks great, but the "cost" of the set up woudl suck the life right out of the movie. The squid exists -- it's right where you left it, in the book, along with everything else. This is a movie; make your peace that not everything translates well from page to screen. Considering that we all sreamed that this movie was unfilmable for years, I'd say we're damn lucky to get anywhere near the mark in the first place (ahem, X-men, looking at you), and so far it's wildly exceded my expectations. You want things to bitch about? The acting, for example -- that's what concerns me. Hearing these lines out loud. Not whether the squid is there. And I'll say this -- I think that Jon being the threat makes MORE sense than the squid, and actually ENHANCES the story. Oh, I would like to thank Dancingforever -- after lurking here for literally years, your ridiculous "you just don't understand!" comments caused me to sign up and post for the first time. Thanks times infinity, you fucking, fucking tool who gives all comic nerds a very bad name.
First time ever... by jaddicoat	Jan 6th, 2009 05:28:46 PM
I've actually gotten excited about seeing this movie. I haven't read the novel so I didn't know quite what to expect, but that is brilliant with the Comedienne at JFK's assasination.
OZYMANDIAS = Gay????? How?!?!?! by halsolo	Jan 6th, 2009 05:29:26 PM
Since WHEN? The actor at ComicCon mentioned it, talkbackers mention it, funny, I've read the book 5 + times, and aside from Rorscharch's aside, NO EVIDENCE HE IS GAY. Instead, he's a model of misguided manifest destiny. That's gay again how? Just because SNYDER adds nipples to a costume? Just want someone to hand me concrete evidence (at this point, would have to be Alan Moore's word or a funny anecdote from Gibbons) otherwise its just not there.
Sayonara, SQUID! by Riley Martin	Jan 6th, 2009 05:34:16 PM
The Comedian assassinated Kennedy, lol
I dont care who- FOX or WB-somebody release the damn thing... by j2talk	Jan 6th, 2009 05:35:10 PM

Who Gives a Shit? by Rex Carsalot	Jan 6th, 2009 05:38:11 PM
halsolo, are you one of those retards that screamed bloody murder when Dumbledore was revealed as gay? Who gives a shit if Ozzy is or isn't? (Unless it somehow becomes a new issue in the plot, which would be an addition that the story doesn't necessarily need)
Meh I'm Out by ScottinDC	Jan 6th, 2009 05:40:17 PM
Each trailer has grown progressively less interesting and more force. I'm more convinced now than ever that this movie has limited cult appeal and will wind up being a moderate let-down at the box office with decent DVD sales.
The_Joker by Optimus V	Jan 6th, 2009 05:40:31 PM
You just made my day.
the squid from 20000 leagues under the sea will make a cameo by Gorgomel	Jan 6th, 2009 05:42:42 PM

AragornElfstone hit the nail on the head... by Blue_Demon	Jan 6th, 2009 05:45:01 PM
The threat has to unite the nations (whether it's a biologically engineered "alien" or John) in order for Ozzy'z plan to seem feasible. Semi-related topic: I saw a Kevin Smith speech/video/whatever where he said he was offered the chance to direct a film version of "The Architects of Fear." Guess since Alan Moore borrowed that idea the script is sunk.
I speak Japanese and the text at the end says by Ronnie__Dobbs	Jan 6th, 2009 05:47:32 PM
, "it's a lion".
halsolo by sean bean	Jan 6th, 2009 05:52:25 PM
From Rorschach's journal, regarding Veidt: "Possibly homosexual? Must remember to investigate further." But Rorschach's not the most reliable witness. There's also the allusion to Alexander the Great. But it's probably just an in-joke amongst the cast and crew by now.
Is it me... by codymr	Jan 6th, 2009 05:54:20 PM
or did the Nixon stuff look a bit off... even with the Dr Strangelove sets?
Watchmen as satire by Lobster Johnson	Jan 6th, 2009 05:56:37 PM
Was I the only one who read Watchmen and didnt see the whole thing as a satire on the superhero genre? Because once you see Watchmen as simply a clever and interesting comic book, all the problems with the movie version disappear. No more slick updated costumes, no more bat-nipples. The whole film, while a dark comic, doesnt have to be spiritual cousin to the Nolan Batman universe. And most importantly, the squid is just a big and brutal monster that fucks shit up, not a satire of campy supervillain plots, as Monkey Butler put it.
That shot of Castro and company watching the jets fly over... by odysseus	Jan 6th, 2009 05:58:36 PM
...looks really bad! Where they're looking doesn't match where the planes are. Hopefully, they'll fix that -- it's really distracting.
Lobster by Monkey Butler	Jan 6th, 2009 06:00:07 PM

Toshiro-solo! Squidman here with some support. by squidman	Jan 6th, 2009 06:01:26 PM
I honestly picked this user name YEARS ago. I just realized how much of a beating I was going to take with this when I logged on. I believe toshiro-solo has some good points. And as much I actually agree with Dancingforever, he does sound a bit over-the-top. So, yes. Squidman lands on the pro-squid side. That said, I'm still looking forward to the movie and what I've seen so far is SO true to the book. We'll all just have to wait until the movie is released to see if the essential message is compromised. Peace and unification through a higher threat that was fabricated, and the question of morality that scenario brings. That was always a big part of the book to me. If they can make me recognize that dilemma and ask myself the same questions I asked myself when I first read the book, without the squid ... great. Inkily, Squidman
comedian on the grassy knoll by docmem	Jan 6th, 2009 06:01:55 PM
supertoyslast: the comic never comes out and says that the Comedian shot Kennedy, but there are a couple of hints. Also, one of the original promotional posters for the comic book was a Gibbons drawing of the Comedian set up in a warehouse with a long-range rifle looking down at what appeared to be a parade or a motorcade...
Shit...Lobster Johnson by Monkey Butler	Jan 6th, 2009 06:03:47 PM
I prefer to gloss over the comic book satire too, because I'm not that much of a comic fan. That's why I think having Manhattan replace the squid could be much more interesting, thematically. I like the idea of Watchmen being about the nature of power and our relationship with Omnipotence. It's a bit of a wank, but the idea of Manhattan as our new God who ultimately rejects us is interesting, I think.
Although it has been a long time since I've by dogrobber	Jan 6th, 2009 06:05:04 PM
my old Comics Journals but I thought even Mr. Moore said in an interview something along the lines that the use of the alien squid was one of the weaker points of his story. He said the same idea was used in an Outer Limits episode (the name escapes me but it had Robert Culp being transformed into an alien to scare governments into peace) and he even references the episode in the background of issue 12.
I hope Jackie O is going ta get a piece o' head... by Speed Fricassee	Jan 6th, 2009 06:07:25 PM
... cuz that's what she was crawling after on the trunk of the car. i mean, who wants a piece of the spouses head falling into the street? They can sew it back on at the hospital if you put it on ice.
Arrrrrrooooooooooo!!! by Thrillho77	Jan 6th, 2009 06:08:12 PM
I'm meeting you hippies halfway!!!
"Watchmen is a high concept story" by Thunderbolt Ross	Jan 6th, 2009 06:09:41 PM
Eh, not really.
Apple.com (not sure if it's new or not) by I_am_not_the_droid_you_are_looki ng_for	Jan 6th, 2009 06:12:02 PM
Theres a behind the scenes about the minutemen. Theres some shots of Gugino. Yummy.
Dancingforever... by pdennett316	Jan 6th, 2009 06:12:35 PM
Will not be back on here because you are all obviously jealous of his unbridled ability to be the one and only geek to truly understand Watchmen. He said it himself, converse at his level or he shall not respond. I shall now attempt to claw myself up to his exalted state of higher consciousness..... Aaaargh!! Unnghhh!! Too hard....must concentrate....lean back!!! Got to get...unngh...head up own ass!! SCHLUMP!! MMMMFFF!! MF MFFF MF!!!!! MFFFF MFFFFFFFFF MUMPH!! MMMMFFF MFF MUMPH DE MUMPH MUMPH!!!
Why is there no edit feature? by dogrobber	Jan 6th, 2009 06:12:45 PM
My post should have been 'Although it has been a long time since I've read my old Comics Journals' and Blue_Demon beat me to the punch regarding the Outer Limits reference.
NIXONS BAAAAAACK!!! by sharpie	Jan 6th, 2009 06:16:30 PM
that is all
Someone please explain... by Hairy Nutsack	Jan 6th, 2009 06:17:08 PM
...to me how having Jon attack America accomplishes world unification. If he also destroyed say Moscow, Mecca, and maybe a few other major cities then I could see it. Not saying we need the squid, I just don't see the world of The Cold War uniting because America got attacked by an American person/creation.
WATCHMEN : A FILM BY OLIVER STONE by MaxCalifornia.	Jan 6th, 2009 06:19:07 PM
This was...interesting.
I'm Just Going To Pretend The Comic Doesn't Exist by IAmMrMonkey!	Jan 6th, 2009 06:19:48 PM
It's the only way I'll be able to enjoy this thing. Incidentally I just bought Watchmen today as it's been ten years since I last picked it up.
Eh, I'm still unconvinced about no squid... by wookie1972	Jan 6th, 2009 06:21:01 PM
Moreso because it doesn't make sense for Dr. Manhattan to go along with it. If he knew he was being framed, he'd just snuff out Ozymandias and get rid of the nukes.
Maybe they can make an Bi-quel. by Diagnostic	Jan 6th, 2009 06:22:05 PM
Film all the stuff they edited out of the 12 issue mini-series.
Nixon better than Bush? by Lashlarue	Jan 6th, 2009 06:22:19 PM
Hurm...
"Roach Men"? by JackPumpkinhead	Jan 6th, 2009 06:23:21 PM
That's a good title, actually.
The squid ended up on the sushi bar. by Snookeroo	Jan 6th, 2009 06:24:38 PM

By the way: When Harry reviews this... by IAmMrMonkey!	Jan 6th, 2009 06:24:51 PM
..and he starts throwing around phrases like "chocolate covered pussy juice!" and "best comic book movie I've ever seen!", remember that he also loved Speed Racer. Go into this free of expectations (hell, ignore all the reviews if you have to) and you'll probably enjoy it (unless Snyder has done a Frank Miller). It's the only way you have a chance of liking it.
Can we please have one super hero movie by Snookeroo	Jan 6th, 2009 06:27:13 PM
that doesn't have the Choir of Doom in the soundbed?
I always thought Veidt was gay.... by thecomedian	Jan 6th, 2009 06:36:38 PM
Of course in a stereotypical way because he's this good looking vain guy who's incredibly successful but obviously has zero interest in the opposite sex. The way he's so aloof with the cute assistant who gets shot you could tell he could care less about her even before she gets killed. Of course people say the same thing about Doctor Manhattan. And I don't really see where them making Veidt so obviously gay to the point where he's hanging out at Studio 54 with Bowie and The Village People really adds anything to the story. Everything I'm seeing from Snyder's Watchmen now seems like more than anything he's riding the "Superheroes in our real world history" wave. It's looks more like Gump now than anything. Not that I have a problem with that. It's an interesting spin. I just think Watchmen is about the characters themselves first and foremost.
It's not a CAMPY satire on supervillains by G100	Jan 6th, 2009 06:37:53 PM
But it most definitely IS an attempt to use the concepts much used in Superhero Comics that the coming of Manhattan heralds and brings into the public consciousness of that world. It's why Ozy uses it and it's why squiddy resembles a certain Starro. Though correct me if I'm wrong, but since when did Comics STOP using otherworldly Alien and powered mutant threats as Antagonists ? Maybe I've missed it but they seemed to be fairly prevelant last time I looked. Watchmen is a world with Comics, costumed heroes and then in comes a Gigantic Blue Demi-God with incredible powers, striding about Vietnam zapping Charlie out of existence. So Squiddy ISN'T the massive conceptual leap some try to paint it. Not in the world created. It's still shocking and more importantly HORRIFYING as a "Nemesis" and delivers the punch required for the scope of the conspiracy and the Genius that is always implied by "the smartest man in the world". But without the carnage it wouldn't work. Snyders ending MUST be shocking and horrific or most of the moral dilemma and the required "shock to the system" that ending the cold war would take is missing. I'll wait and see how the Snyder ending plays out on the screen but I'm in no doubt whatsoever the ending in the comic works, so those who think Snyders ending should be given a chance would be better advised telling us the merits of Snyders ending rather than trying to piss on the originals. Because setting up Manhattan as villain is not without it's problems. Manhattan is PASSIVE. True, he intervened in Vietnam but even then the Comedian saw the writing on the wall and it is Manhattans clearly increasing apathy about humanity that inspires the Comedians famous "God Help us all!" Remember also that when Manhattan is put under intense pressure from the Media and the world his emotional response isn't "I'll kill you all!!!" but "Leave me alone!!!". I don't know HOW Snyder has Ozy set Manhattan up but he has work to do to make it convincing and not seem arbitrary.
They kept Mason! by Oknight	Jan 6th, 2009 06:40:09 PM
Damn! I just get more impressed. They kept Hollis Mason's murder by the knottops. Do I dare hope that THAT is what Dan is screaming about in the trailer-- did they actually keep the Dan/Hollis relationship? (how are they fitting all this into a 3 hour movie!?!) I don't think they can inflate my expectations further-- I REALLY need to take it down-- its a movie, it cannot possibly be as good an adaptation as they have me thinking this is. (remember "Watchmen are finished" they aren't being totally true to it... remember, they are overplaying the JFK implication... remember they HAD to make compromises-- remember, the director seems to think Veidt is simple evil... this can't be THAT good... must! lower! expectations!) OH! and SHUT UP about the stupid, damn squid (Bombadil idiots! stupid, organic web-shooter carpers!)
I don't remember Nixon having such a big role in the comic by Rupee88	Jan 6th, 2009 06:40:39 PM
WTF?!!? are they doing
watchemn - squid = Deal With It. by samurai sark	Jan 6th, 2009 06:47:08 PM
How did V manage to get all those Guy Fawkes masks mailed out? How did Sean Connery keep his toupee on during action scenes? Questions only the hollywood rape machine can answer. Ont he bright side, Shia La Boef is not in this, Rorschachs voice sounds great, Carla Gugino is in it, AND Carla GUGINO is in it!
Bring a squid to the theater, throw at screen by samurai sark	Jan 6th, 2009 06:47:50 PM
I double dog dare you!
Well, Nixon did get his own pages by Oknight	Jan 6th, 2009 06:47:57 PM
If they want to make him a little more central to make the doomsday clearer to a movie audience -- OK by me.
SQUID!!! by Franklancer	Jan 6th, 2009 06:49:04 PM
squidm squidm squidm squid, glorious squid, wondrous squid...squidm squidm squidm squid, glorious squid, wondrous squid...squidm squidm squidm squid, glorious squid, wondrous squid...squidm squidm squidm squid, glorious squid, wondrous squid...squidm squidm squidm squid, glorious squid, wondrous squid... bloody watchmen!!
It's a jungle in here... by worldofwarcraft	Jan 6th, 2009 06:49:11 PM
But the plants are way too late.
and Veidt was very gay. by samurai sark	Jan 6th, 2009 06:50:21 PM
Gymnastics? Check. Purple robes? Check. Soft, curly hair that make you feel like you're nestled in a bed of feathers and honey? Check.
and those eyes... oh. by samurai sark	Jan 6th, 2009 06:50:41 PM
just dreamy.
These vigilantes by DoctorBotanus	Jan 6th, 2009 06:53:50 PM
are no match for Emperor Guillotine's Gargoyle Gang! A HA ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha Muah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha Losers!
Haven't read the comic since 1993... by zinc_chameleon	Jan 6th, 2009 06:55:35 PM
But Squids are more likely to be the more common denizens of space/interdimensions than primates. Primates are late in the evolutionary process, and humans are a fluke of primate genetics. Squid morphology is more universally suited to developing intelligence; it's just that the Earth's versions didn't get there.
Dr. MAnhattan = Squid by BlackNacht	Jan 6th, 2009 06:58:32 PM
My very important and insightful theory is this - Ozy makes it look like Manhattan blew up NYC, thus making him the theoretical "squid". No one is safe from this blue menace! Which is something the book played up anyway. Manhattan has no reason to be on Earth anymore anyway, so he goes along with it in the end, making him a bit of a martyr, even though he kind wont give a fuck and moves to Pluto or some shit. The end.
Why is it that the more I see of this movie... by Mr. Nice Gaius	Jan 6th, 2009 06:59:31 PM
...the less interested I become? I doubt that's the effect they're shooting for. Hmmm. For the fanboys' sake, I hope this doesn't disappoint.
It Looks Amazing by LaserPants	Jan 6th, 2009 07:01:04 PM
But, sorry, I love the comic, but the Giant Squid thing was always kinda stupid and anti-climatic. Some kind of terror device makes alot more sense and more closely mirrors current fears.
One of my favorite lines was Nixon... by Oknight	Jan 6th, 2009 07:01:25 PM
being the only legacy of annihilated humankind because of his name on the plaque on the moon. Not sure if it justified murdering several million people, but it does make ya think. The only REAL disappointment of the ending will be if you can't argue that Adrian Veidt was RIGHT. Some of Snyder's comments about Veidt have me worried -- Veidt didn't THINK he was the "world's smartest man", though he was CALLED that-- he simply thought he saw things other people didn't and he was DEMONSTRABLY RIGHT... about that, at least.
He IS Peter Cannon after all... by Oknight	Jan 6th, 2009 07:03:32 PM
I can do it... I must do it... I WILL do it... (no squid)
Wait! Wait! by gamerawangi	Jan 6th, 2009 07:03:46 PM
the_Joker posted the following about another talkbacker: "In the voice over style of Comic Book Guy from "The Simpsons", they still sound pretentious and obnoxious. But they are a bit more amusing, try it you"ll see."... WAIT! You mean there's ANOTHER way to read talkback comments????!!!!! I ALWAYS read them in the voice of Comic Book Guy. It's what makes this site so fun!
OMG! by gamerawangi	Jan 6th, 2009 07:06:22 PM
I just read my talkback in the voice of Comic Book Guy. Universe imploding around me... Must hit "undo"... AIEEEE! Big squid appeared instead!!!!!!!
The problem with Manhattan by Dr. Chim Richalds	Jan 6th, 2009 07:10:17 PM
as others have written, is that he is loyal to, and arguably created by, the United States. It's not as clear in that situation that the nations of the world would band together as they might when faced with a threat that supposedly came from outer space. I hope that they at least thought about that problem and came up with a solution.
OKnight: How many people will get that reference? by Uncle Stan	Jan 6th, 2009 07:14:15 PM
Either your age or your geek colors are flying. Well played.
Like the Japanese say... by Human Worm Baby	Jan 6th, 2009 07:16:05 PM
More tentacle!!!
Ben Burtt working on STAR TREK! Um, hello? by Nosferatu Jones	Jan 6th, 2009 07:16:31 PM
Why this isn't news on AICN, I'll never know. Get with it, Harry!
More Slo-Mo Than Return of the King! by Aquatarkusman	Jan 6th, 2009 07:19:02 PM
Good lord Almighty.
Stop talking about the damn squid by Thunderbolt Ross	Jan 6th, 2009 07:21:02 PM
How about that idea? It's just the same shit over and over.
I'd prefer the murder of Hooded Justice to JFK by G100	Jan 6th, 2009 07:21:39 PM
Both are hinted at but since Hooded Justice started the whole thing in motion he prolly deserves to have his fate at the hands of the Comedian shown. Besides, how many MORE times can we see a re-enacted JFK shooting ? Unless this is done quickly or folded into the Manhattan flashback somehow then it's sheer self indulgence from Snyder in a Movie he himself admits has had to be cut down severely. Nixons nose, nixons nose, nixons nose... I'm hoping it doesn't look quite as silly in the finished Movie or we can at least get past it somehow, because Nixons scenes particularly those in the War Room are vital. (Though again Snyder seems intent on putting his own dialogue and spin on things, at least in some of the short scenes we see)
Watchmen trailer by broogar	Jan 6th, 2009 07:25:38 PM
is it just me, or is the trailer annoyingly jumpy???
Now You Know Why Fox Wants This Movie by Media Messiah	Jan 6th, 2009 07:33:51 PM
I love the lone gunman shot. So one of the heroes killed Kennedy? Nice history revision. This looks great!!! Warner's argument in court will be this. Fox had a chance to make this film if they really wanted to, before this film went into turn around, but they didn't...thus, the rights were sold to parties elsewhere. The judge has said that in his view, Fox has distribution rights, but, he did not say that Warner does not own the actual movie and the print masters of the film, and the rights to them...which by implication, he is clearly suggesting that Warner is the sole owner of said rights, and did in fact, acquire those rights successfully. Hence, there would have to be a settlement, but if Fox wants a stake in the film, they have to assume some cost, at least half of the cost for production, prints, promotions and advertisements, etc. Absent of that, they aren't seriously negotiating and it seems what they are really up to, is trying to interfer with, and obstruct, Watchmen's release, because they view it as something that can undermined their X-Men franchise, beginning with, but not limited to...Wolverine...this summer's X-Men, spin off film. This is just a corporate game of industrial espionage, using the courts to forward that agenda. And yes, as I said in a prior post, the judge is now suggested that both sides settle the case in court. And if the judge has to, he should order a one time, 50 to 100 million dollar pay-out to Fox from Warner...and end the case unilaterally--from there, allowing the appeals courts to deal with the matters at hand.
I kept waiting for Mr. Sparkle to show up by SomaShine	Jan 6th, 2009 07:36:47 PM

Every war room looks like the one from strangelove by Jor-El23	Jan 6th, 2009 07:38:32 PM

wow, fuck by Judge Briggs	Jan 6th, 2009 07:42:23 PM
is March here yet???? MOTHER FUCKER THAT LOOKS GREAT!
This movie will be great by Dark Knight Lite	Jan 6th, 2009 07:45:40 PM
but it will make V for Vendetta money. Maybe a little more, but not TDK money.
Nixon... by stardogg	Jan 6th, 2009 07:50:23 PM
.... make-up job looks awful. That's my only complaint to an otherwise good looking movie.
Can't help it by gamerawangi	Jan 6th, 2009 07:57:20 PM
Squid. (Sorry, Thunderbolt Ross)
Wait Wait - Someone Explain This to Me by Mr. Winston	Jan 6th, 2009 07:58:39 PM
I just read the comic for the first time last year. I thought the squid was cool spectacle, but I could give a goddamn if it showed up in the movie or not. I take up ssquarely with Monkey Butter (or whoever, if that's not it I'm close) and his theory on Manhattan. Since the entire world was getting down on the guy because he was growing apathetic with them and (they thought) giving people cancer...how does it NOT make sense for Veidt to nuke a city and blame it on him? Even if they can't defeat him, doesn't that serve EXACTLY the purpose of bringing the world together? And in his enlightenment, wouldn't Manhattan just realize that he's better off staying away and...you know, just stay away? Is there some reason he would have to come back and kill every last living thing? What am I missing here that so many of you are bitching about? I'm not being flippant, I just can't figure it out. I'll be the last person to claim that I'm a genius, but that's where I figured this story was going...and then the squid showed up. And that was fine, but Christ, this purported ending seems FAR more interesting to me than some red herring seamonster.
EPIC FAIL by thebearovingian	Jan 6th, 2009 08:04:38 PM
J/K. I really don't care either way. I'll see it but I'm not getting blue balls over it.
Thebearovingian by DoctorBotanus	Jan 6th, 2009 08:29:53 PM
Doesn't Manhattan have blue balls? That would be such a bad thing...
Studio Heads Take Note by j_difool	Jan 6th, 2009 08:31:43 PM
You need to gut your marketing depts and start letting the Japanese cut our trailers. The American trailer eats shit in comparison because all American trailer editors are under 30 years old and grew up playing video games and do not know how to edit for story, just flash.
The Kennedy Thing bugs me by catlettuce4	Jan 6th, 2009 08:32:00 PM
It was hinted at in the comic, but never shown, that Eddie killed JFK. So why make it obvious in the film, especially given all the brilliant stuff in the original book that will have to be cut for time?
Well what do you know... by drewlicious	Jan 6th, 2009 08:36:39 PM
A friend of mine is in this movie after all. He's seen very briefly in the trailer (and in movie most likely) as Castro. I just figured he was trying to make me jealous. Well it worked, and he's in the freakin' movie too.
Waa-choooo-menuuuuuu by smackfu	Jan 6th, 2009 08:39:48 PM

catlettuce4 by wookie1972	Jan 6th, 2009 08:41:29 PM
Yeah, I think making it explicit is lame. People point to the original posters, but the poster said it was 1977, not 1963. Even more lame, however, is the expanded role for Nixon. Maybe Snyder's a Futurama fan.
willyer hero by wookie1972	Jan 6th, 2009 08:42:11 PM
Thing is, Jondough was RIGHT about The Spirit. His review was poorly written, but he was still right.
catlettuce4 by Mr. Winston	Jan 6th, 2009 08:43:50 PM
I have a distinct feeling that what you saw is going to be a VERY brief moment in the opening montage, if it's there so overtly and not something just spliced into the trailer that doesn't make the final cut. It's going to be about five seconds at the outset, if that, not a major storyline or something bawled over. If you ask me, I think it's a GREAT note that will serve well to suck audiences into the "alternate USA" concept.
The reason of the squid in the ending. by Human Worm Baby	Jan 6th, 2009 08:52:18 PM
When you go deeper in the story and you notice that the disappearance of the artists, scientists, writers and others involved in the creation and deployment of the squid were connected to said creature you notice that it was because of a simple thing they all shared. Imagination. They had that spark to create and it was necessary for Veidt to cultivate it so his plan of total global peace would become a reality. The point that some people are not caring for the squid is that they don’t understand the mind of the people involve in its creation. Yes, they were fictional. But that isn’t the point. Their mentality was that of fiction also. They were dreamers, miracle workers and artists. How else would think comic book artists and writers would express their idea of how to bring together planet on the brink of war? By fear of an external force. And that force would be alien invasion. Even if it was faked. That’s how they thought. That’s how they did it. And that’s why they died. By exchanging a squid (which had unknown origins as far as the global populace in the comic were concern) with a bomb simulating Manhattan's powers they changed a fundamental point, how would the nations react. With a coming alien invasion and a god that had decided to depart forever humankind would do everything in their power to put aside their difficulties and unite against a common foe (think Macross/Robotech when the ship landed and Earth was warring with itself and stopped when something bigger than themselves emerged). Veidt knew that. And he manipulated the people into a peaceful coexistence. By changing it into a bomb simulating Manhattan’s power would only make a “cool” ending but in a story standpoint invalid. The nations would see that America’s puppet had cut his strings and was let loose. And in that misplace fear they would continue fighting amongst themselves. M.A.D. would occur. So what if the squid was tacky? That was its point. They lived in a world were superheroes walked the world. If gods walked, why not aliens.
How many fucking times by brobdingnag	Jan 6th, 2009 08:52:34 PM
Does it have to be pointed out that Manhattan, having been a military weapon for the US for the last 20 years, isn't going to be seen as some external threat. It would turn the rest of the world against the US. Yet here are more oblivious fuckwits suggesting that Manhattan = Squid. If you haven't read the book please do shut the fuck up about its themes. Stick to talking about the preview and the boners its giving you.
DocBot: I believe he may. by thebearovingian	Jan 6th, 2009 08:55:35 PM
Achingly large blue balls, I assume.
Thank goodness we've got a new bit of WATCHMEN news... by Mockingbird Girl	Jan 6th, 2009 09:00:25 PM
... so fanboys can rehash the tired squid argument again and again and again. C'mon, surely you're not ALL living in your parents' basement?
nam0krut by Sebilrazen	Jan 6th, 2009 09:00:44 PM
squid, case insensitive, will have appeared 129 times with this post.
crap... 130 by Sebilrazen	Jan 6th, 2009 09:01:42 PM
damn you Mockingbird Girl
All those ganging up on Dancingforever... by schnipple	Jan 6th, 2009 09:05:05 PM
I don't understand how you cannot see why the squid is central to both the plot and thematic concerns of the story. You can't just replace it. It's like deciding Brad Pitt was actually a vampire in Fight Club. It is altering a significant portion of the original work. Now whether ou liked it or not in the first place is a different story. Still, it is both sad and pathetic spineless filmmakers and their money grubbing studios have absolutely no spine for anything original or different. I think they need to be upfront about why these changes were altered rather than keep pursuing this ridiculous charade they were being faithful to the spirit of the property when in fact they were not. They were scared it would be strange and unacceptable to the box office masses. Now those here who are supporting this need to be up front with themselves as well. You do not actually want someting strange and different in a movie Hollywood is marketing as an event/tentpole. You want it to feel like an event/tentpole film and get excited that it opened in the 100 million plus on the first weekend. I'm not saying these expecations are wrong but just be honest is all.
Squid by Alientoast	Jan 6th, 2009 09:05:40 PM
The people crying about the squid are the same people who probably cried that the Shire Scour bit was left out of LOTR:ROTK.
same people who probably cried that the Shire Scour bit was left by berserkrl	Jan 6th, 2009 09:13:04 PM
and rightly so.
God, I was going to leave a comment by Xandar1977	Jan 6th, 2009 09:14:18 PM
but everybody bitching about fucking everything just tires me out. I need to re-read the comic AGAIN. I hope this doesn't get delayed. This looks beautiful, fuck the haters. This looks like the Watchmen movie I've been waiting years and years for. Terry Gilliam aside, I could only pray that a Watchmen movie would look this good and not get F-d in the A and be a piece of hollywood garbage.
Uncle Stan: If I can't show geek here... by Oknight	Jan 6th, 2009 09:15:28 PM
where can I? (I AM the guy who renamed SHIELD for Marvel comics -- really and for true)
Oh, no, I get the squid thing by Sebilrazen	Jan 6th, 2009 09:19:27 PM
It was something alien, and outside of 'us,' it was a threat not born of 'us.' It was meant to be a catalyst for humanity to realize that it could be humanity against something other than themselves. You asshats that keep bemoaning the fact that it's not going to be a squid do realize that the squid is basically the f*king aliens in ID4, right? It's a plot device that shows that no matter our human differences - color of skin, spoken language, sky guy in funny hat prayed to - they're petty compared to our differences with something alien, especially something alien that causes massive death. I think, as long as the ending is an elaborate something outside of 'us' and it's not the heroes, I'll be happy.
Watchmen is now officially a religion by Continentalop	Jan 6th, 2009 09:21:25 PM
We have witnessed the great schism that has developed between the two sides of the Watchmen faithful. On one side is the purist, those who say the Squid is an important part of the comic (or scripture) and should not be changed or lost. On the other side are those who don't care so much for following the story (or the tenants) to the letter, but instead believe the Messenger is more important than the Message; or in this case that you can't bad mouth the movie no matter what changes they make because it is blasphemous to go against the Watchmen. I predict when the movie comes out a bloodbath as bad as the Reformation in Europe. Whatever happens, I hope people come to see the True Faith is one of love and compassion. And that religion is “Watchmen Babies.”
Wow, I'm surprised that this talkback is so long... by Xandar1977	Jan 6th, 2009 09:21:51 PM
and nobody has found some reason to bitch about the Dark Knight yet. It seems like every day people find the need to start to bitch about the Dark Knight six months after it came out. Wow. And now, it's almost certain that since I brought this up, someone will. Chris Nolan took the fun out of movies? Fuck you, you assholes took the fun out of this goddamn website with your bandwagon bullshit.
Human Worm Baby, brobdingnag by Mr. Winston	Jan 6th, 2009 09:22:15 PM
HWB: It's not that you don't make a good point; you certainly do, and I get it and even agree with you in parts. But I think the larger (and scarier, at least) theme here these days is this: are we more afraid now of the unknown or something that we thought we knew and now we can't contain? We can only guess at this point, but that seems to be the direction this is being taken, and to me it's far more relevant. I think if Manhattan can be spun into a monster that the US rejects, the world wouldn't turn against us; we'd unite to fight the danger we thought was coming. And don't forget this, this has an ancillary benefit for Veidt; there's clear context that he's been jealous all along of the way Manhattan has been vaunted by the world, and this is a slick bit of payback on that note. Anyway, it's certainly up for a matter of opinion, but I just can't see the squid as a better of the two options (if indeed that's the way the filmmakers are going). brobdingnag: See above. Gee, let me think...has anything that humanity ever created started as acclaimed and then came back to bite it in the ass? Yeah, it's totally stupid to think that anyone could turn Dr. Manhattan into such an entity, especially since they go a long way towards doing that in the comic. So who's an oblivious fuckwit? And what douche is still using the term "fuckwit" as an insult?
Relevance by schnipple	Jan 6th, 2009 09:28:17 PM
If Snyder and the studio could not find the relevance of the squid in making a movied for today's audience, they should not have made it. It's that simple. Many things in life are done when they were wrong and misguided from conception. I'm sure the movie will be entertaining, but really, isn't that the real problem. They are willing to sacrifice the most important symbolic element of the story to make sure you are entertained without feeling strange or different. And then ou can post about how it made 200 million in the box office and how this validates all your opinions about how the filmmakers and the studio were right. It's called marketing which is really a form of a con.
In other words... by schnipple	Jan 6th, 2009 09:29:59 PM
You are being conned. Which means you are gullible and most likely stupid.
schnippie by Mr. Winston	Jan 6th, 2009 09:33:55 PM
I'm sorry - why do they owe you, or any of us, an explanation? They own the rights. They can do with it what they want. It's not as if they took your baby boy away and turned him into a girl before giving him back. And why do they have to be cowards because they doctored your precious canon? Couldn't they just have had a different take on the material? Yeah, we're morons just because we don't agree with you. Jesus Christ, you hypergeeks have the most paper-thin skin ever.
(ø‹›≈≈Fuckinghell(ø‹ ›≈≈ by Mockingbuddha	Jan 6th, 2009 09:57:57 PM
I remember when they announced this movie was going to be made, and I was the lone voice yelling SQUID!!! Then as it went on more and more squiddies came out of the woodwork, and now they've dwindled down into a tiny picked on minority. I ain''t sayin' yall anti-squidites are stupid I'm just saying you are very VERY fucking lame. You stupid ass bastards are sucking Zack Satan's pecker. I am so filled with hate for all of you. Also the idea for throwing squid at the screens was mine a few TBs ago. If you don't throw a squid at the screen you are a soulless automaton that... ah fuck it. It's just a sad missed opportunity is all. Plus in spite of the fact that I said earlier you weren't stupid, you ARE all too dumb to understand the squid ending. Really, nothing makes me happier than you pathetic apologists for a movie you haven't even seen continually saying how you're not so stupid. Methinks you doth protest too much fools. I've been drunking tonite, and lonely salty tears fall into my beershky to mourn the squid. (ø‹›≈≈(ø‹›≈≈ (ø‹›≈≈(ø‹›≈≈ (ø‹›≈≈
Are you a retard? by schnipple	Jan 6th, 2009 09:59:22 PM
Did I say they owe me anything. I don't care about the movie or the comic book. I never thought it was that good. I love comics and graphic novels but I never really liked the Watchmen. You're the one sounding a little sensitive right now. I'm just pointing out the fact that the filmmakers are making a major alteration to the story so it is palatable to the masses so they can get their ROI. After all we are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars. Just be honest with yourselves. You and the filmmakers and the studio do not want anything original or strange in a big hollywood movie and that is why you are defending a major alteration to the original property. Again, I could care less, I just think the hypocrisy from the 'fans' is funny is all. No reason to get wound up.
Bitching about the mistreatment of esoteric fanboy icons... by ebonic_plague	Jan 6th, 2009 10:01:58 PM
...is the entire reason that AICN talkback exists. This is the single most appropriate place to discuss the relevance of an intergalatic squid in a comic book movie adaptation, so get used to it. Framing Doc M is such a lame, missed-the-point contrivance that I've lost any motivation I previously had to see Snyder's half assed slo-mo excuse for a Watchmen movie. And since this is an AICN talkback and the rest of you obviously have nothing better to do than wallow in this pop-culture-war miasma of a website, I'll fucking subject you to my fanboy bitching as much as I please. They pussied out on being true to the story and the shit they came up with instead is the most obvious, telegraphed non-twist that could have been imagined. Make Veidt a gay Hitler youth, fine... turn Rorschach into a tall bald guy doing Batman's voice, sure... leave out all the electric cars and the Black Freighter stuff and all the chapter appendix subtext, I don't care... shit, make Laurie a mexican and give Doc M antlers with flames on them... but when they change the main thread of the entire story and insert a complete letdown of a climax in it's place, that's when I will call shenannigans, and since you fuckers wanna hang out on AICN, you have to deal with it. In summation; you're wrong, this shit is fucking gay, fuck Snyder, fuck this movie, and if you take issue with this post, eat all the dicks. OK, carry on.
It's a movie. by Eats_sandwich_gets_laid.	Jan 6th, 2009 10:04:34 PM
But seriously, folks. This is not worth saying "you are very VERY fucking lame" or even We have witnessed the great schism that has developed between the two sides of the Watchmen faithful. Where's the Bluntman and Chronic talkback? Last I heard, they took Brody AND Banky out of the movie, and this shit REALLY FUCKING MATTERS. Anyone who cares enough to get angry about it needs to relax. If you don't like it, watch the animated comics. They're fairly nifty. Better yet, read the book. Again. It's even niftier, you get to imagine your own voices, and you even get a squid at the end. In addition to all that, you get nice purples, pinks, and blues that actually mattered back when the book was printed.
Nothing on AICN is worth saying by ebonic_plague	Jan 6th, 2009 10:08:43 PM
But here we are, in another damn Watchmen talkback... gee, what should we talk about? I heard there was a new Indiana Jones movie, have you guys seen that yet? What did you think?
The Squid by Shakes	Jan 6th, 2009 10:11:53 PM
Okay, I'm just jumping in here, but for me, the only disappointment of the ommittance of the squid is that it was such a visual keystone of the comic. I remember flipping through issue 12 for the first time, seeing the destruction, and the bits of tentacles before the full reveal of the squid. It's probably the most iconic image from the comic. I'm not saying this will ruin the movie or completely undermines the point of the story etc, I was just looking forward to that visual that I remember so well from the comic.
SQUID!!!!! by Franklancer	Jan 6th, 2009 10:16:56 PM
Just wanted to go along with everyone else, But serious, there is something more important I"ve noticed seems to be missing. I have not seen Dr. Malcolm Long listed anywhere, and had hoped it was an imdb oversight, and the explosion scene in this trailer shows the two bernies, and some other people, but no one that looks like long and his wife, his sessions with rorschach are in my view pretty damn important scenes, not sure how this can work without him as a a sounding board for rorschach's explanation of the kidnapping case that drove him nuts.. hes not just going to mention it to dan or anything.. disturbing..
Wow, this could go the embarassingly bad route as well... by Flim Springfield	Jan 6th, 2009 10:33:42 PM

Umm.... イカか。 by MurderMostFowl	Jan 6th, 2009 10:35:00 PM
イカか。イカか。触手の喜びか。 Snydersan 氏は不名誉であるか。ゴジラ!!! OK I'm done now... may the babelfish be with you.
Negator76 I agree about Nixon. by MurderMostFowl	Jan 6th, 2009 10:41:24 PM
It's too bad the studio couldn't find anyone around who could play Nixon.. I mean besides the fact that someone next door at Universal just filmed a freakin Nixon blockbuster. I guess Frank Langella wouldn't want to get typecast, what with the call for Nixon movies these days. hehehehhehe
bad call on the makeup by MurderMostFowl	Jan 6th, 2009 10:46:14 PM
I've never read the comic so forgive me.. I don't know who the older "mom" character is, but her makeup is terrible... like 80's TV terrible. I half expected her to tear her skin off and be a lizard underneath. Did they run out of money and they couldn't just cast an older actor?
I was kind of an ass in my last post by Mockingbuddha	Jan 6th, 2009 10:50:20 PM
I LOVE YOU AICN TALKBACKERS!!!
To me the most important thing about the squid by boardbrtn	Jan 6th, 2009 11:02:21 PM
was that it was so completely fucked up to exist in this world that it made it an incredibly memorable ending. I understand (and agree) with taking it out of the film, however replacing it with something so earthly, so familiar, really hinders the finale to me. I say no giant squid, but a giant cat. That's right.
Fuck the squid. by slimballs	Jan 6th, 2009 11:09:18 PM

Needs more ninjas... by br1947	Jan 6th, 2009 11:12:46 PM
The japanese trailer made me realize this. And more squid. The thing with the squid is that is it supposed to be something totally beyond human understanding, something so totally alien that it unites all mankind in the realization that we have more in common than we do different. A bomb we all understand, machines we understand. But a transdimentional psychic squid that kills millions? The idea is that no one could wrap their mind around that, they would just lay down their differences and work together to preserve humanity. If its just another bomb or new weapon, that just triggers a new arms race.
Franklancer by TheBlackKnight	Jan 6th, 2009 11:21:02 PM
IMDB has also not listed Richard Nixon, but we know damn well he is in the movie. Let's just wait, shall we?
I texted ChaCha by TheBlackKnight	Jan 6th, 2009 11:32:29 PM
And asked them if Watchmen was going to be good. They say it sounds like a great film, so I think we can all rest assured.
Squid Troll by bee152	Jan 6th, 2009 11:34:12 PM
Just so you know Dancingforever is a squid troll, purposefully trying to annoy everyone here for his own entertainment. ANd I just helped him by mentioning his name. Cool. Also, it is understandable that Veight is a homosexual. It serves the purpose of the character whether it's mentioned or not in the movie. Dustin Hoffman used the same idea for his character in confidence, its a form of domination, though Veight never spent time in prison.
Damn you Michael Bay! by bee152	Jan 6th, 2009 11:37:12 PM
Oh, someone had to say it.
Scouring v. Squid. by Mostholy	Jan 6th, 2009 11:39:05 PM
This opens up a whole 'nother can of worms, but since someone brought it up: I actually think the Scouring is much more thematically central to LotR than the squid is to Watchmen. The hobbits come out to discover the idyllic, pre-industrial Shire they fought to preserve is gone, despite their winning the war against Sauron. In other words, nobody wins a war -- even the act of fighting it (mobilizing, etc.) transforms the land. It's the capper of the entire story, Tolkien's WWI experience and his antimodern critique (see also Ents v. Saruman) rolled into one. Now, I thought PJ did a great job with the trilogy, a few quibbles notwithstanding. But the Scouring is kinda sorta the whole point of the story. More so, I'd argue, than the Squid. But, clearly many here would disagree.
I'm surprised to see how political this trailer is by Oberon	Jan 6th, 2009 11:43:41 PM
"Nixon, JFK, and Castro." That's what struck me as well - and I have to think there's some data showing that this kind of thing would sell the movie better in Japan, because this angle is certainly missing from all the publicity in the States.
Dancingforever pwnage by Pope Flick	Jan 6th, 2009 11:51:51 PM
You say: "If you can't understand the importance of the squid to the story, and how it's absence assures us this movie will be terminally flawed, I can't have a conversation with you on a level that will be worth my time. Watchmen is a high concept story, the importance of the squid and what it stands for has obviously missed most of you, it's to bad." Yet in fact, the definition of a high concept movie is this: "a movie described as being 'high concept' is considered easy to sell to a wide audience because it delivers upon an easy to grasp idea that is original, interesting, colorful, and sometimes humorous. The opposite of a high concept movie would be a film that artistically challenges its audience, leaves open ambiguity, and forces the audience to think and develop an opinion of what is happening rather than just serving up a simple, predictably obvious, and almost purely passive work of entertainment" In other words, Watchmen is ANYTHING but high concept. If you can't get your terms straight (especially on a film site) then I simply can't have a conversation with you on that level. Sorry. :(
Squid or no squid I'm still not sold by Alkeoholic77	Jan 6th, 2009 11:58:18 PM
I'll see it and then I'll decide because I'm just still extremely skeptical about this movie.
Minutemen-Comedian by greenstyle92	Jan 7th, 2009 12:05:32 AM
so the online journal shows the minutemen taking there group photo. Like so many things in this movie, it's 98% comic accurate. And being so accurate, it makes that 2% that's different stick out like a sore thumb. Minor stuff, that we shouldn't get worked up over, but it's like "jeez, they got everything else right, why'd they get that one thing wrong?" In this case? Comedian. He DOES have his accurate Minutemen-era costume, (the more Jester-like Yellow and purple costume he used when he was young instead of the American flag costumes he used as he got older,) BUT, he still has his mustache and cigar! The minutemen era was before Edward Blake had embraced either of those things. He was clean shaven and a non-smoker. So seeing him with those things in that era was sort of really weird. Also, he looks too old, as he should be 19 or something at this point. But that one is more forgivable as Snyder decided not to cast different actors for different eras but do it all with make up. oh well.
and framing Dr. Manhattan works for me. by greenstyle92	Jan 7th, 2009 12:08:25 AM
Lines like Comedian's "God help us all" and "who knows which way he'll jump if someone messes with him!" and the military guy to Silk Specter going, "You're in Big trouble, and I'm in big trouble, and were all in big trouble!" will take on new significance in the new ending.
Wookie... by Willyer Hero	Jan 7th, 2009 12:18:11 AM
Yeah, but they're both conceited asses. Even a conceited ass is right twice a day.
Also about framing Dr. Manhattan-- by greenstyle92	Jan 7th, 2009 12:23:21 AM
let's remember the political context. Here's how the world sees it: Doc Manhattan protects US from Russian nukes. Then some Nova reporter goes and pisses him off, and he leaves in a major fit. Now the world is on high alert. America and Russia are back at Mutually assured destruction. Both are gearing for war. They aren't worried about Manhattan himself. Just that he won't be a factor anymore. Then holy shit, he comes back in the nick of time right before the war. But not to protect america- HE WANTS TO BLOW UP MANHATTAN HIMSELF BEFORE THE REDS CAN!!! This hurts america bad, obviously realizing finally the true power they've been playing with and taking for granted. But the reds, they aren't just sitting back going, "Ha Ha, that's your own damn fault." They're thinking, "Shit, this guy was vaporizing Vietnamese in the jungle. He's not friendly to us. If he just took the gloves off with America, what the fuck is he going to do to US!?" And no, they wouldn't take this opportunity to nuke America, because they'd be afraid that Manhattan's next stop would be to appear as 100 feet tall over moscow, take his cock in hand and piss bloody blue pain over the capital. Here's what happens: America apologizes for utilizing the dangerous Dr. Manhattan in the past. The world accepts it's apology and offers condolences about the people who lost there lives in New York. Then everybody sits down and figures out how the hell they are going to deal with Osterman. It works.
Manhattan's balls are blue, but by greenstyle92	Jan 7th, 2009 12:44:53 AM
he does not have aching blue balls. Remember, That for 20 years the government was basically paying Laurie to Fuck him and keep him mollified. Her mother even accuses her of such. No, Osterman was getting very regular release. (it's also ludicrous to suggest he was gay given the amount of female tail he got and pursued.) true, on mars it's a different story, but even there he'd figure something out. He could sculpt a glass statue of Jessica Rabbit out of martian sand with a working anus, and fuck that. And, at the end of the story, he suggested he was going elsewhere in the universe to create human life. guess what he did with them first?
schnipple by kgerm	Jan 7th, 2009 12:50:58 AM
Shut. Up. Most people I know hated the alien part of the story because it came out of absolutely nowhere. They're not altering the INTENT, but the EVENT. That's what matters. If you're watching a movie for 2:45mins and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, a fucking squid shows up and decimates New York city how hard would a crowd laugh at that? How many people would simply discredit the rest of the movie because of that one thing? Look at those trailers. Look at those pictures. Snyder hasn't altered anything major. Snyder put Watchmen on the fucking screen. And Manhattan doesn't blow up New York. It's a weapon reverse engineered from Manhattan.
re: the ending by El Borak	Jan 7th, 2009 01:26:00 AM
manhattan says "leave me alone". then leaves earth after being kinda scary. people are afraid of his wrath. then right before the world kills itself ozy emulates manhattan's fury by disintergrating ny. the world nows sides with the u.s. since our own guy fried us and could fry them at any time. they don't know where he is but assume he could kill us at anytime so the world makes peace and works together to find a way to stop him.
I THINK I KNOW THE ANSWER!!!! LISTEN!!!! by Johnno	Jan 7th, 2009 01:30:14 AM
Just thought about this, but what if Snyder isn't precisely making Manhattan the cause, but it could be that Ozy is making it seem like Manhattan is calling forth an extraterrestrial threath!!! Think about it, like those fucking energy made aliens from Day the earth stood still or whatever, it could be explained that Manhattan was a product of an alien universe, maybe Ozy would have it explained that his human form crossed over to some interdimensional place, and towards the end of the movie, Manhattan being all emotional would open a gateway into this alien place and that such energy lke beings like him would bombard the planet!!!! THIS WOULD BE A GOOD SOLUTION TO ALL OF THIS!!! The threath is not Manhattan himself, but Manhattan unwittingly opening up a gate to an alien world that supposedly made him and that would immediatedly attack the Earth upon Manhattan becoming angered at it and thus 'going to war'!!!! Hopefully this is what Snyder has in mind!!!! I pray it does as it'll solve everything for everyone and it'll in fact even be better!!!!!!!! Hopefully Snyder and Gibbons explain it as such... so the alien threath still remains and it fits in better. The comedian could've just been sent to investiagate something on an island where Ozy was planning to send up rockets and satellites or whatever technology he needed to make this happen and of course killed all the scientists and artists involved afterwards who were thinking it'd just be some kind of cool holographic light show to communicate things around the world!!!
re: the ending by El Borak	Jan 7th, 2009 01:31:04 AM
yeah what greenstyle said.. except without the blue cock of pain.
and if you think about it by El Borak	Jan 7th, 2009 01:35:25 AM
osterman could be considered god in the watchmen universe since he wants to go create some human life and HE'S IN ALL TIMES AT ONCE, INCLUDING THE PAST. so if he says that in the movie he could be considered the alpha and omega. the creator and destroyer.
manhattan (cont) by El Borak	Jan 7th, 2009 01:40:42 AM
or like it says how god will return to earth in the last days. they could be seeing god being born at "the end of days" and then he would journey to the past to create life. eventually the nukes would fly anyway, destroying the earth and ending the world. god himself did show up at the "end of days" and nobody paid attention.
oh and ... COMMENCE JIZZING by El Borak	Jan 7th, 2009 01:55:09 AM
NOW!!!11111!!!!11!!!!11!!
FART by El Borak	Jan 7th, 2009 01:57:09 AM

Keep in mind... by Negator76	Jan 7th, 2009 01:58:18 AM
...Although I think Dancingforever and Schnipple are fucking retards, I am not 'anti-squid'. I LIKE the squid, I like the visual, I like how far-out the concept is. BUT: I can easily understand why the truncated running time would demand that it be changed. If 'Watchmen' was a 6-hour HBO miniseries, I would damn well expect to see stuff about Max Shea, and I would damn well expect some horrifying giant outerdimensional squid porn. But in a 3-hour triage situation, in which the writers have to a)establish the parallel world, b) introduce a big cast of characters and c)preserve all the character arcs and major plot and thematic points, SOME SHIT GOTSTA GO. And Ozy's twenty-minute speech about stealing psychic brains and sequestering creative types on an island version of my old grad school is first to go, motherfuckers. It's a no-brainer. I'm NOT arguing that this movie will be great. It may not even be good. It may suck. But if it does, it won't be due to lack-of-squid. It will be because of bad acting, ham-fisted filmmaking, and poor script decisions. I hope to hell it's good. But I'm so invested in the original comic, I doubt I'll be entirely pleased with Snyder's adaptation.
Squid = artists misled into creating a disastrous public work by Nerd Rage	Jan 7th, 2009 02:17:23 AM
This fits in well with themes of the gifted misusing power found in Watchmen but directly references the art community. Big mistake omitting the squid and the misguided creators of the psychic blast. Instead you get a cheap T3 knock off. Snyders greatest strength is his loyalty to the source material and he goes and replaces the ending with his own turd of an idea. Way to wank off instead of crossing the finish line, Snyder.
Cannot Wait by BrightEyes	Jan 7th, 2009 02:32:13 AM
!
If the squid is so stupid by most excellent ninja	Jan 7th, 2009 02:48:05 AM
and is wrong and needs to be changed, then why is watchmen a masterpiece? fucking cunts. you don't 'fix' masterpieces.
greenstyle92 by most excellent ninja	Jan 7th, 2009 02:50:13 AM
that is fucking weak. and unless you explained that to the audience it is failure. the book didn't need to yet we all know why veidt did it and the moral quandry. so why change it?
"Watcheemen"! by Stalkeye	Jan 7th, 2009 02:50:41 AM
Let's hope for a Anime spin off like they did with Gotham Knight.Fuck, let's hope this thing get's released period, Fuck Fox for being the whiny crybabies that they are.
The David Hayter version by textual	Jan 7th, 2009 02:52:53 AM
Which Snyder's shooting script is culled from, originally replaced the Squid with a space laser and which falsified documents planted in Jon's things would indicate that the blast came from flying saucers (further reason Veidt wanted him gone.) Forgot how they tied the Comedian into it, but it worked.
The Comedian could've just called the CIA by Nerd Rage	Jan 7th, 2009 02:54:08 AM
If the attack was going to be multi-national bombings instead of an interdinmensional sea creature with psychic powers.
Nerd Rage--You idiot... by Negator76	Jan 7th, 2009 03:06:00 AM
Uh, Comedian could've called the CIA ANYWAY, since he knew it WASN'T an actual space-squid, but an elaborate conspiracy by Viedt. I just re-read the book... It's implied that Blake didn't alert anybody because, like Nite Owl and the gang, he wasn't sure he should... Psychologically, he couldn't handle the decision, which is what led to his secret boozed-up 'confession' to Moloch. Also: to you morons who keep thinking he deciphered the entire conspiracy simply by glimpsing the island from the plane... sigh... It's glaringly obvious that he regrets ever NOTICING the island, which led him to investigate further. Y'know, the way you regret NOTICING a girl in the bar, who later becomes your girlfriend and breaks your heart? it's pretty clear that he infiltrated the actual island. He didn't just do a fly-over and figure it all out.
Looks mind-boggling! by Motoko Kusanagi	Jan 7th, 2009 03:18:28 AM
I'm definitely looking forward to this. And AVATAR of course!
SO FUCKIN COOL!!! FUCK U WB & FOX... by grievenom	Jan 7th, 2009 03:38:35 AM
If you can't settle your fuckin differences without penalizing the moviegoing, admission paying public. I read no settlements will be acceptable to either side, and if Fox wins the judgment on 1-20, the movie may never be released. Hopefully that's bullshit, but if that happens, then Fuck your asses raw, the both of you.
Watchmen is gay by Franklin T Marmoset	Jan 7th, 2009 03:48:45 AM
All of you who like Watchmen are gay. Bunch of damn gays.
Now that I've read watchmen..... by Lost Jarv	Jan 7th, 2009 03:56:33 AM
I have to say..... The squid sucked and they were right to remove it.
Watchmen themed male review coming soon... by kirttrik	Jan 7th, 2009 03:56:56 AM
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas baby.
Negator76 you ignorant cock blower by Nerd Rage	Jan 7th, 2009 03:57:06 AM
Yeah the Comedian could warn the CIA of an incoming giant psychic squid attack he knew vague details of. "Hello? Head of the CIA, yes I'd like to report a vague conspiracy involving psychics and squids... Sure, I'll call back later." No, that doesn't work. However reporting a multi-national bombing is something that could've been done quite easily. The audacity, weirdness and complexity of the psychic squid attack makes it far harder report to the CIA than a major bombing and would be a damn good reason the Comedian doesn't even attempt to call the CIA. You don't just take out the island of artist and method of attack without there being some logic and narrative ripple effects.
By the way, I too am a pretentious dick, Squid4ever! by kirttrik	Jan 7th, 2009 04:02:14 AM
"Very Well, once more: I engineered a monster, cloned its brain from a human psychic, sent it to New York and killed half of the city."
I really want to see a Watchmen Anime series... by kirttrik	Jan 7th, 2009 04:05:00 AM
12 or 24 30 minute episodes...fantastic! Oh, and the Japanese will definitely leave the squid in, and probably add some tentacle sex to the script as well.
More like Watchgay by Franklin T Marmoset	Jan 7th, 2009 04:05:31 AM
Bunch of damn gays running around in gay costumes and whatnot. And the only thing Lost has shown the world is that you can make money by simply spinning your wheels and dazzling morons with the shiny reflections.
Morning Mr. Z by Lost Jarv	Jan 7th, 2009 04:09:08 AM
How can they do a sequel? Even the fat guy with the power of impotence is able to get it up at the end.
No Squid=Galactus is a cloud by kirttrik	Jan 7th, 2009 04:09:10 AM
Take that you terd mouths.
I meant turd mouths, turd mouths by kirttrik	Jan 7th, 2009 04:10:21 AM
I think thats how you spell turd.
The Japanese eat live squid. by Dingbatty	Jan 7th, 2009 04:14:28 AM
They'll be disappointed.
Damn you, Mr Z by Franklin T Marmoset	Jan 7th, 2009 04:17:47 AM
I'm trying to start some shit here. You are ruining it by being all polite and reasonable and whatnot!
You Watchmen fans need to get those tentacles out of your asses by Franklin T Marmoset	Jan 7th, 2009 04:22:03 AM
A rectum full of tentacle (hereafter known as a rectacle) will affect your ability to think clearly about this issue. Pull the tentacle out... SHOOMP! ...and now you can see that this film is based on a comic book book and therefore inevitably moronic garbage about gays in costumes, whether visionary director Zach Galligan includes your beloved squid or not. That's right!
Was that Adam West? by Fuck The Napkin	Jan 7th, 2009 04:23:13 AM
Was that Adam West as Hollis Mason being killed on the floor? I hope so. If not, there's still time for him to be added - by CGI if need be. Fingers crossed.
The Squid is Gone : by PTSDPete	Jan 7th, 2009 04:30:39 AM
It's over.
THAT WAS AWESOME! by Evangelion217	Jan 7th, 2009 04:30:39 AM
Probably the best trailer to date. And I can see the changes, but the film looks, sounds, and feels exactly like the epic masterpiece by Alan Moore. I hope Zack Snyder will deliver the goods, and make this a great film. :)
We have to trust Zach Galligan, Mr Z by Franklin T Marmoset	Jan 7th, 2009 04:52:32 AM
Zach Galligan is the visionary director of 300, and he knows which moronic garbage should be included in his film about people in FABULOUS! costumes running about and punching each other. If Zach Galligan says the squid is out, the squid is OUT, and the clammy handed fanboys on the Ain't It Cool News will just have to accept that.
This might be old news.... by kingralphuk	Jan 7th, 2009 04:52:50 AM
But if you look at Carla Gugino's IMDB page it lists the film as Watchmen and then underneath as Watchmen: The IMAX experience! When did they announce an IMAX release???
I can smell your clam from here! by Franklin T Marmoset	Jan 7th, 2009 05:04:41 AM
No man can live in Wales without suffering the indignity of clammy-handedness!
The Squid = Cloud Galactus = Speed Racer by Motoko Kusanagi	Jan 7th, 2009 05:41:13 AM
Fuck all of'em. To hell.
Back in the land of the dry-handers, eh? by Franklin T Marmoset	Jan 7th, 2009 05:53:17 AM
Good for you, Mr Z. P.S. The last episode was yesterday. I posted a mostly tongue-in-cheek (and quite gay) letter to Amy Sherman-Palladino about it this morning over in the Twitch thread. Mostly to annoy Jarv.
I'm not a big fan of the auteur theory by Franklin T Marmoset	Jan 7th, 2009 06:13:23 AM
It always seemed severely arrogant to attribute authorship of a film (that hundreds of people have worked on) to one person. But Carpenter is about as close to being an auteur as is possible, especially for a director who doesn't always write his films. He definitely has a consistent style, plus a lot of repeating themes and whatnot. What I'm saying is, make sure you use the word 'whatnot' in your essay. That's bound to go down well.
Auteur Theory by Thunderbolt Ross	Jan 7th, 2009 06:46:52 AM
Sometimes it's apropos, sometimes not. The thing I dislike more is when the credits read "a film by ..." That's really overstating the case. But I figure even with hundreds of people, if one guy tells everyone what to do and they do it, he can be considered the author. And even if they don't do it exactly but it fits into the director's overall vision, it's fair to designate them the author. Then there are times when authorship should probably rest with the producer like the good old days of Simpson Bruckheimer ...
Agreed on 'A Film By...' by Franklin T Marmoset	Jan 7th, 2009 06:58:32 AM
I think that credit has more to do with ego and Hollywood wheeler-dealing than anything remotely real, but it still sticks in my craw when I see it at the front of a film, especially when it's been directed by some studio hack.
Holy Shit by Thunderbolt Ross	Jan 7th, 2009 07:08:19 AM
People really seem to have no problem repeating the same points over and over again. After literally thousands of posts on the topic, they still pop up saying "The thing about the squid is, it's an external threat" or whatever. For the love of god, we get it. BTW I absolutely understand the appeal and importance to the plot of the squid - I get the commentary aspect and fucking christ on a crutch yes it's an external threat - but to say that's what Watchmen is "about" and that losing it automatically destroys the point of the story is just wrong. (Watchmen isn't about "What would happen if a squid like alien landed in Manhattan killing a bunch of people and giving everyone else nightmares?") Which doesn't mean Snyder got it "right" but shit watch the damn thing first.
Bruce Willis by Optimus V	Jan 7th, 2009 07:29:20 AM
has been a ghost the whole time.
Looks Much Better than Average Filmed Comic by Roger O Thornhil	Jan 7th, 2009 07:41:20 AM
I'm an old geek and so far have seen nothing about Watchmen that dampens my enthusiasm. Of course, the comics medium has never translated well to film. More often than not, the best comic book character files were low-budget serials, or TV's Batman and Green Hornet. Some films show no respect for the material and treat it as fodder for stupid comedy (Superman III, IV and Richard Lester's II). At least TV's Batman was really funny. Comics have served only to provide a title for pointless star vehicles (Catwoman, Daredevil) or worse yet, special effect eye candy (Ghost Rider, Fantastic Four, and both Hulks). Some films treat the original material with false respect, layering excessive grandeur and seriousness, while failing to have any fun. Tim Burton's Batman made a movie with violence but lacking action, containing operatic emoting without any humanity, and, in a slap at us geeks, showing total disregard for the canon. And speaking of violence, comic books movies can result in absolute crap like Punisher, Ghost Rider and the Hulk. I could bitch about bad movies forever, but you get my point. Now we are in what is practically a golden age of superhero films. Batman Begins, Spiderman, Iron Man, and X-Men have managed to successfully bring the characters to life in a different medium without disrespecting the fanboys. Even when the canon is significantly modified (e.g., Joker in Dark Knight), the result is both satisfying and entertaining. Sure there is still outs and errors (The Spirit), but the hits are solid. Some serious comic adaptations are impressive accomplishments. "V for Vendetta" captured much of the impact of the book while offering a satisfying film. The excesses of "300" still produced a fun entertainment, given the over-the-top nature of the original graphic novel. Alternative comics have given us some great movies (Ghost World, Road to Perdition). And while he hasn’t made a good movie in a long time, M Night Shyamalan’s “Unbreakable” was engrossing if perhaps overly dark. This all goes to my point that Movies are a different medium. The most slavish adaptations, like Sin City, suck the life out a book and prevent the characters from breaking free of the page (and that one was better than most). Audiences sitting in the dark are looking for a different experience than the comic book reader in his bedroom. It is rare than the works of one medium translate well to another (Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Sgt Bilko). But exceptions are possible (book to movie: The Godfather, Hairspray: movie to musical), usually if the adaptation takes sufficient liberties while still leaving the guts of the original material. And so I have high hopes for Watchmen. ‘Nuff said.
I want a signed copy of "Watchmen Babies" by Oknight	Jan 7th, 2009 07:45:06 AM
that's all
The suid was always wrong by dancetothebeatofthelivingdead	Jan 7th, 2009 07:56:40 AM
I've kept away from these squid/no squid boards until now, because of the childish and tantrum like behavior of MOST of the squid defnders. It seemed no intelligent conversation could be had with them. The squid never made any sense in the first place, it never seemed to be a real catastrophic global threat. First off, there's only one, and in the coming days the world would realize there's only one. Secondly, it dropped down in America. The world would have looked at the squid as America's problem, and what a coincidence America had just the weapon to deal with it, the same weaponthat America had used to win wars, Doc Manhatten. If Doc Manhatten refused to deal with it, it's a fucking squid, people. Something a superpower nation's military could surely handle. A squid. Now Manhattan waging war on his own country? That's something the world would stand up and take notice of. There couldn't be any "It's your bed, now lay in it," thoughts from other nations. It would truly be a global threat the likes of which the world has never seen. A squid? Other nations would turn their collective noses up to that and say, "America can take care of a fucking squid themselves." As far as railing against this movie for making an intelligent and much needed change? If you need this movie to follow your precious comic book panel to panel, and never stray from one panel for even a second, to the point where you will fill these boards with hateful and venemous attacks on such a silly plot point? Well, that shows a true lack of imagination and open mindedness and you should really try to embrace new things because nothing will ever live up to your imagination and you will lead of dissapointed and angry life. IT'S JUST A MOVIE PEOPLE!!!!
Err...dear Mr. Franklin T Marmoset.... by Motoko Kusanagi	Jan 7th, 2009 08:02:49 AM
...wtf is wrong with "a rectum full of tentacle (hereafter known as a rectacle)"? Please explain. Cause I for my part love that feeling.
Squid by Azby	Jan 7th, 2009 08:18:35 AM
I dont think the presence of the actual squid is essential as long as its still a faked attack from another dimension. As long as its still alien the themes remain intact. btw The Comedian shooting JFK and Nixon are in this far too much. It could all get a bit silly.
by Azby	Jan 7th, 2009 08:20:35 AM
Oh wait its Dr. Manhattan isnt it? That's a cop out.
Motoko Kusanagi? by Franklin T Marmoset	Jan 7th, 2009 08:23:31 AM
Aren't you the guy who's always going on about Avatar fucking everyone's eyeballs? If so, I think your rectacle revelation has given me new insight into your character.
My problem with Watchmen. by cookylamoo	Jan 7th, 2009 09:03:29 AM
Is that since world leaders are portrayed throughout as ignorant, venal scumbags, it's hard to believe that Ozy's plan would do anything more than move the clock directly to midnight.
Fuck Israel. by HoboCode	Jan 7th, 2009 09:48:11 AM
Fuck Israel.
ruuutchmin by ArcadianDS	Jan 7th, 2009 09:55:08 AM
Im pretty sure thats what he says at the end. Also, why did they rescore this using a casio sampler keyboard from the 80s? I think I had 8 of those things.
They revealed the "RAMSES" password? by Bill Clay	Jan 7th, 2009 10:00:12 AM
Why not just scream "Villain!" everytime they show Ozy in the trailer?
Xandar whatever by yodalovesyou	Jan 7th, 2009 10:04:28 AM
Fuck you too, buddy. Fuck you too.
I think it all comes down to this... by Darth Macchio	Jan 7th, 2009 10:31:44 AM
Which is the overt threat that unites the world? Squid: unequivocal. Manhattan: debatable. And the debate isn't the one occurring here but the one in the fictional universe Snyder is bringing to the screen. The humans in that world...what would they think? Jon was a human, known by people, his actions in Nam, etc...these are all knowns in the GN but yet people would just stop thinking and band together if NY was nuked? Russia would? China? Without any debate at all? And people think Dark Knight has plot holes?! I'm not a hater and don't think any of the other purists are either (some of us are a bit arrogant tho), but the amount of changes necessary to accomplish this feat and straying into unknown story-telling territory makes me uneasy. It also makes me question Snyder's sense of narcissism or whatever it is that makes him think this material should be edited by him and his crew. I hope I'm wrong and that for all the differences necessary, those guys still make more than a beautiful looking film. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie version of 'V for Vendetta' and the changes to it were VERY dramatic (though the GN was obviously better). I hope Snyder makes it work. I just don't think he has the talent to pull it off. I'll be glad to stand corrected tho...hope I do actually.
Motoko Kusanagi - "Cause I for my part love that feeling." by Johnno	Jan 7th, 2009 10:45:05 AM
Since there's something long and squiggly so far up your ass, I guess that goes a ways to explaining your retarded hate for Speed Racer... a fantastic movie that it appeares you never bothered seeing in the first place, but yet complain about...
I'm just trying to alter my perceptions and make peace by greenstyle92	Jan 7th, 2009 10:46:23 AM
I think fans sometimes inflict their own suffering. So rather than get worked up about no Squid months in advance, then see the move and not enjoy it because I'm on the edge of my seat about how "The no squid ending will work," then piss myself off seeing the no Squid ending, then come here and bitch about it, then bitch about the no squid ending for all eternity, and ruin a movie for myself I might have otherwise enjoyed, I'm trying to accept the new ending and like the movie anyway.
That looked promising by Abominable Snowcone	Jan 7th, 2009 10:49:53 AM
With Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen, comic books grew up. Now the superhero movies are growing up, too.
Most Excellent Ninja, I think it works because... by greenstyle92	Jan 7th, 2009 10:54:00 AM
That scenario is sort of what happened in real life after 9/11. Okay, I know it's awkward to drop that card, but listen. Terrorists attack NYC (and the pentagon and a failed attack with another plane that still cost lives,) And the rest of the world sided with us, even though we did sort of bring it on ourselves. Europe and all them knew we armed those guys in the '80s, and knew the backstory that led to this point. But they didn't care. They sided with us. Partially because it was the right thing today and partially because they were afraid of major terrorist attacks on their own nations. I'll admit, a weakness in the comparison is a lack of cold-war conditions. But still. Frame it in the context of 9/11 but worse and I think the audience will get it. It's the squid which would take a long time to explain how and why that works.
frat boys by schnipple	Jan 7th, 2009 10:59:11 AM
this is what happens when frat boys think something is cool. they swarm aroung it and turn it into something mediocore they can fold into their value system and then sell it to other frat boys who want to believe its cool as long as it doesn't disturb their middle class sensibilities. Bunch of sheep who can't accept some concepts that might challenge them. frat boys love each other...
darth macchio by schnipple	Jan 7th, 2009 11:01:55 AM
it is because snyder is a frat boy hammer who wants to sell his movie first to the frat boys who run the studio then all the frat boys who represent most of middle america who will buy the tickets. frat boys love each other...
Greenstyle by Willyer Hero	Jan 7th, 2009 11:11:25 AM
We brought 9/11 on ourselves? Go die.
No, the gays caused 9-11 by Darth Macchio	Jan 7th, 2009 11:17:03 AM
Jackass.
Willyer Hero- only partially. by greenstyle92	Jan 7th, 2009 11:19:47 AM
I may have missaid it, I don't think anyone deserved to die and it was tragic and terrible and we had to go deliver pain to Alqueaida. But yes, we did do business with the people who later turned around and bit us in the ass. Very Much the Dr. Manhattan scenario. I had just assumed that all reasonable people who had read up on the subject knew about some of the pre-history to that tragedy. But that's it. I won't go any further than that. feel free to get the last word here.
Watchmen Predictions by yiannis	Jan 7th, 2009 11:27:38 AM
Without claiming to be psychic or any such nonsense, I reckon these predictions could come scarily true come March. All figures are estimates only: Prediction 1: 90% of the pro-squid brigade will still watch Watchmen in the cinema Prediction 2: 50% of that number will really enjoy the film and may or may not think that the film works just fine without the squid Prediction 3: The majority of the other 50% who did not enjoy it will plague talkbacks for months, saying the exact same things they are saying now, except with a new-found smugness from having seen the film, as if their purely subjective opinion of the movie somehow gives them divine authority Prediction 4: They will be joined by the 10% of the original number who didn't bother to see the movie. These folks will still say the same things they are saying now, except with the added hypocricy of criticising a movie they haven't even watched when given the chance Prediction 5: Of the 50% who watched and enjoyed the movie, approximately 40% will feel peer pressure to join in the post-release lambasting (after all, it's not "cool" to say you actually enjoyed a movie, is it? In order to be "in" with the geek crowd you have to continually dissect and berate any new movie, as if reading a few movie magazines and signing up to AICN somehow makes you an artist!). They will not admit that they enjoyed the movie and will CERTAINLY not admit that the absence of the squid worked (if this is their opinion), but will revert to their previous opinion and claim they hated the film all along. Prediction 6: The remaining 60% of pro-squid people who watched and enjoyed the movie will say so on talkback and be roundly criticised for it, as if their honest reaction to the film is somehow a sell-out of their pro-squid principles (this still applies even if they say "I liked the movie but they still should have kept the squid") Prediction 7: The few people on both sides of the argument (special shout-out here to G100 and Le Vicious Fishus from previous talkbacks) who are both able to put forward a reasoned argument AND willing to genuinely listen to the arguments of others will be lost among the sea of pre-pubescent gnomes who think they're Kubrick because they watched Clockwork Orange once. This is not really a prediction as such, as this is aleady happening, more of a statement that this will continue post-release
Hey Willyer. by Mostholy	Jan 7th, 2009 11:28:21 AM
Grow the fuck up. Greenstyle's point was a valid one, and made with all appropriate nuance.
Are the TB fuckwits and the morons all gone yet? by Le Vicious Fishus	Jan 7th, 2009 11:33:19 AM
It looks like they're tapering off at long last... The end of these WATCHMEN TBs are always the only thing that makes them worthwhile.
Willyer by quicksilver80	Jan 7th, 2009 11:34:24 AM
I think greenstyle meant the fault lies in the government...Joe Six Pack and Joe the Plumber are Mavericks that wouldn't bring that on themselves, you know, by living on Main Street and stuff..
yiannis! by Le Vicious Fishus	Jan 7th, 2009 11:35:05 AM
And, as if by magic, yiannis appears! Good sign.
The Squid is this year's Joker Makeup by TheLastCleric	Jan 7th, 2009 11:37:44 AM
Last year everybody was pissed that Ledger’s Joker didn’t have bleached skin and rather wore makeup. According to the fanboys, such a compromise would utterly destroy the character on screen and render the Joker a useless waste of time. Now it’s the omission of the Squid that’s got purists screaming that Snyder’s Watchmen will fail on an epic scale and of course they pepper their insipid little diatribes with claims that only they are intelligent enough to understand why the Squid is so important. The truth is that these complaints are largely superficial and actually illustrate just how uninformed these fanatics really are about the mythos they claim to respect. While it’s entirely possible that Snyder botched the ending by reworking it, it’s just as feasible that he’s tweaked the bizarre comic book monster angle just enough to make it work for the screen while retaining the thematic of the graphic novel. Everything I have seen so far has largely impressed me but ultimately, there will be some compromises anytime you go from one medium to another. Snyder seems to have a great deal of respect for this book so frankly, I’m walking into the theater with nothing but optimism, squid or no squid.
Nixon and Strangelove set are worrying... by Pdorwick	Jan 7th, 2009 11:55:48 AM
...or maybe they're supposed to look ridiculous and like a joke. I'll wait for the movie, obviously, but...
Ahem...as a purist I must reiterate... by Darth Macchio	Jan 7th, 2009 12:05:50 PM
I WANT this to work! I think even the stalwart squid lovers want this to work. You squid-lover hater guys act all detached like your opinion about not needing the squid somehow makes you any cooler than those people saying if you don't think the squid is important then you're not capable of chewing gum and also not shitting all over yourself in some retarded fit. I think everybody makes great points and tho I still wonder at the passion with which so many of you argue against the squid (as opposed to just arguing for Snyder's ending) but at the end of the day we're all movie/comic geeks and we all want an enjoyable Watchmen movie. I'd love for it to be profound but I don't think Snyder has that sensibility. No doubt the GN is profound but then even mentioning that seems to make me out to be some hating arrogant douchebag who would wipe his lilly white ass on your upturned and expectant faces. Not true at all I say! There are some haters who won't give it a chance...but I think most of us who prefer the original ending really want this to be an excellent movie. But given Snyder's record (decent to mediocre work) and the GN's impact since day one (in the Geekverse it's undeniable) I wonder if this concern is not remotely out of place? Looks like we've listened to each other and taken the few asswipes of extreme opinion and made their immoveable take the blanket opinion for each faction. Much like real life natch! SASSY! Absolutely absolute, good sir! Absolute, indeed!
It's Official! by p0llk4t	Jan 7th, 2009 12:29:12 PM
The lunatics are running the asylum
schnippie's "frat boys" by Mr. Winston	Jan 7th, 2009 12:38:17 PM
You kill me, schnippie. Comments like this are exactly the thin-skinned geek paradox that I was talking about. Yeah, because Snyder doesn't see WATCHMEN as an ultimate orthodox purist, he's a frat boy who's hacking apart the very framework of your delicate sensibilities. I've never seen more latent, repressed anxiety than on these TBs. As someone so eloquently stated above, there is more than enough room for both viewpoints to exist without resorting to such a mentality. I honestly don't know how some of you function in your daily lives if the Squid Farkus Affair, as it's come to be known, can drive some of you to the point of madness. You want to get all snippy and claim that we don't understand the story if we don't care about the goddamn squid? I mean, that stretches even my boundaries of pathetic, and I'm pretty pathetic.
I NEVER READ WATCHMEN, BUT... by uberman	Jan 7th, 2009 12:56:33 PM
If it has a squid in it, then PUT THE DAMN SQUID IN IT! P.S. It looks like your basic Playstation/X-Box/300/The Spirit CGI bullshit, and I'm betting the majority of filmgoers are going to see the 'look' of this film, get a bad feeling, and stay away in droves.
Looks SHIT by spookyjesus	Jan 7th, 2009 01:41:27 PM
Poor talentless director (What'll I do for the bit of the script that isn't in the graphic novel - I know! I'll rip off Kubrick!) Go fuck your self Zack.
Slllllllllooooooooowwwww mmmmooootiiioooonn by Giant Ape Balls	Jan 7th, 2009 01:50:01 PM
This film could be an hour shorter if they didn't have all the slow motion
can't wait to see it by smudgewhat	Jan 7th, 2009 01:57:28 PM
the death of Hollis looks devastating, even from those 2 seconds. i forgot they got him with the statue. brutal.
Probably wayyy off-topic, but... by Shut the Fuck up Donny	Jan 7th, 2009 02:26:25 PM
Jonah Goldberg, resident right-wing nerd for National Review, just wrote an interesting piece on the (dated) politics of Watchmen. I figured some of you on both sides of the political spectrum might like to take a looksee, as it bears some relation to the apparent heavy use of Nixon: http://tinyurl.com/9tn8wb
Ozy is totally revealed as the villain more than once by Homer Sexual	Jan 7th, 2009 02:48:17 PM
Ramses is a dead giveaway, of course. But so is the cardboard Ozymandias in the cineplexes. His quote is something about having to make sacrifices for the ultimate good, or words to that effect. I don't really care that much about the squid, can see how many people might laugh at it, but I have to agree with those who say having Manhattan be the villain ruins the whole ending, the whole point of the movie. It doesn't make much sense and is just weak, and it really does look like that is going to be the ending of the movie.....which I will so totally see even if I bitch about it.
But that's the thing Donny by greenstyle92	Jan 7th, 2009 02:57:25 PM
They could have, (and Greengrass would have,) taken the V for Vendetta route and update the story for current political interests, but they didn't. Snyder decided it was best to remain a period piece, And I gotta respect that. And that's an interesting element to all of this: Watchmen the comic is a product of it's time, but Watchmen the movie is self consciously a period movie. I think that's kinda cool.
CAROLINE KENNEDY CAN SUCK MY COCK!! by DANNYGLOVERS_DICKBLOOD	Jan 7th, 2009 02:58:52 PM
BUCK-TOOTHED WHORE!!
Monkey Butler!! by Flibbertygibbet	Jan 7th, 2009 03:00:11 PM
Apologies for joining this thing late, but I just wanted to tackle your comment (hopefully, without sounding like a complete cock) about Ninja Assassin's use of Kung Fu rather than actual Ninjutsu. Listen, I appreciate that most people simply don't care - they just want to see a fun action film. I understand that, and ultimately I'm genuinely looking forward to the film myself. But let's be honest - the film is a martial arts film, selling itself as such. To use Wushu does kinda feel like a con! Wouldn't it be cooler to see something we haven't seen before? This isn't an issue I'm about to lose sleep over, but everyone on this thread seems to care, one way or another, about the film adaptation of the Watchmen. Is it wrong that I'm interested in the depiction of Ninjutsu? Truth is, I'd rather see a Last Samurai/Braveheart type film dealing with this era in Japanese history, but in the meantime, Ninja Assassin is all we have. Forgive me for being a bit down at watching an opportunity go out the window...
Its official: THIS WILL BOMB by DANNYGLOVERS_DICKBLOOD	Jan 7th, 2009 03:00:32 PM
That Nixon really looks like shit. Its looks like he is wearing a fucking mask. This will cap at around $55 million domestic.
Its official Dickblood is the whiniest pussy in the world by BrightEyes	Jan 7th, 2009 03:10:45 PM
Wait... Thats old news.
There is no squid in this film by BrightEyes	Jan 7th, 2009 03:12:06 PM
So why bitch about how it would be better if there was or how its gonna be better without it. It is what it is. No amount of squid bitching will change that.
Well V for Vendetta only opened with about 25 by knowthyself	Jan 7th, 2009 03:14:05 PM
And thats with Portman and the Wachowskis. I expect Watchmen to maybe open with 30. You can't expect a repeat of 300 like business. But its not the theatrical take that WB is looking at. Watchmen has a dvd life with tons of double dips down the road that will keep their pockets full for a long long time. Its got cult appeal win or lose.
Let's go back to the source material. by claytron5000	Jan 7th, 2009 03:18:13 PM
Alan Moore. Occultist, magician, "anarchist", vegetarian. All around douchebag. Watchmen is a nice piece of writing, not a great work of literature. Otherwise Zack Snyder wouldn't be the first director attempting this project. Squid, no squid. Bad Nixon masks... this movie will not change the world just like the book didn't either.
Ramses is a dead giveaway....TO WHOM EXACTLY? by knowthyself	Jan 7th, 2009 03:20:13 PM
Certainly not to anyone who hasn't read the graphic novel. Honestly who can deduce the ending from that clip without reading the GN? I never read 300 so I didn't know that shot of Leonidas was the end. Guess what...didn't ruin the movie and sure as hell didn't ruin the ending.
greenstyle92, I didn't really have a position on the article by Shut the Fuck up Donny	Jan 7th, 2009 03:24:27 PM
I just thought the article would be an interesting read for anybody interested in the underlying politics of the film. However, I think you have a point to that the film has "consiously" become a period piece; as a result I think the film will hold up better than "V" will. However, in the short run, the box office may take a hit as the perceived audience (i.e. the audience the average uninformed filmgoer assumes would go see it) will not be able to relate to the Nixon/Kennedy era, nor the Reagan administation, and poo-poo it.
It's called Watchmen, not Free Squidy! by pokadoo	Jan 7th, 2009 03:28:26 PM
The story isn't actually about the Squid. The Squid was just a means to an end. Ans as you can see from the trailer, they still destroy downtown manhattan. It's like bitching about Tom Bombidill or Flames on Optimus Prime.
oh now WB doesn't care about theatrical performance? by DANNYGLOVERS_DICKBLOOD	Jan 7th, 2009 03:37:27 PM
Because its gonna live forever and ever on dvd? Get fucking real. The Watchmen fanbase is still small in the grand scheme of things. Adam fucking Sandler has a larger fanbase. And don't give me any of that "The book sold well so the movie bla bla bla bla" Yeah-- Eragon the book sells well too. Keep dreaming pal.
DANNYGLOVER DICKBLOOD. by uberman	Jan 7th, 2009 03:45:47 PM
In response to your earlier post about Mrs. Kennedy orally copulating with your penis: I don't believe that thing between your legs is called a penis. I believe the common medical vernacular is 'Vagina.'
WATCHMEN 2 - SQUID'S REVENGE by panicdawg	Jan 7th, 2009 03:48:19 PM

I don't know why by TiPPiDa	Jan 7th, 2009 03:53:28 PM
.. but I cant take the japanese seriously. Maybe its thier anime or thier taste in music, or thier over-exuberance or maybe I watched too much Iron Chef or something. I mean even the conversations on these boards are starting to sound like it. "Fukui-san, the challenger seems to be broiling the squid in a mixture of sake and soy sauce." "The Challenger going with a squid in a classic sake and soy sauce while Iron Chef Sakai opting instead to mince the squid and cover its flavour in a wasabi cream broth, untraditional, and unlike the original recipe Iron Chef Sakai boldly leaving the squids flavour to the background to focus on the feiry wasabi cream." After all the trailers, all the promotional material, and the the raves from people who have actually seem some or all of the movie, you whiney purists are still going on about the fucking squid. WHAT SAY YOU CHAIRMAN KAGA?! IIIIIRON CHEEEEFFF-UUUUUUUU
Put on Pink Floyd's Animals by Abominable Snowcone	Jan 7th, 2009 04:10:29 PM
and either get drunk or high, or both.
DANNYGLOVER... by uberman	Jan 7th, 2009 05:08:50 PM
Tounge in Cheek:) I mean you no harm. Peace brother!
Here's the thing... by whofan71	Jan 7th, 2009 05:46:15 PM
..we know the Japanese love tentacled monsters, at least in their porn animee (sp?)...so If WB, or Fox, or whoever realy wants this movie to fly in the Japanese market...I'm just sayin.
good idea abominable by El Borak	Jan 7th, 2009 06:48:41 PM
might do that later.
Box Office is impossible to predict by TheLastCleric	Jan 7th, 2009 08:14:40 PM
Had you told me a year ago that Dark Knight would break 500 million domestically, I would have laughed at the very idea. I really have no idea how Watchmen is going to do financially but WB has done a good job at getting the advertising out there and the actual film looks great so who knows?
Guest starring Robert Culp as the Squid by Tindog42	Jan 7th, 2009 08:19:35 PM

Guest starring Robert Culp as the Squid - part 2 by Tindog42	Jan 7th, 2009 08:22:19 PM
I remember when the Ozymandias’s plot was revealed in the comic attending a meeting of a local Science Fiction club meeting and listening to a continuous sting of complaints about how it was a rip off of a ‘Outer Limits’ episode (‘The Architects of Fear’). Which of course “RUINED” the whole story and that Alan Moore was a hack. Personally I had no problem the plot device or the ‘alien squid’ in the comic. As to the changes made for the film adaptation, I’ll wait to see the final version (Fox willing).
You are a retard... by schnipple	Jan 7th, 2009 09:30:06 PM
I don't really like the Watchmen. I found the story not dull and not that exciting. I'm just pointing out the fact they are making a major alteration on it to fit their (snyder and studio's) sensibilities. NOT Moore's and the fan's. Do you understand what I am talking about. They are making major changes to it to sell it to you middle class frat boys who want to think things like the Watchmen are cool as long as it doesn't disturb your delicate sensibilities. Again, I don't care. Never liked the series. I just think its preposterous they altered it to this degree and the 'new' fans of the graphic novel are supporting it because all of a sudden the studio is marketing it to them as being faithful to the property. It just is not. You fuck wit.
"The Importance of the Squid..." by archer1949	Jan 7th, 2009 09:41:41 PM
Sounds like a new catchphrase.
from the director of mediocre movies comes by noiretblanc	Jan 7th, 2009 10:32:49 PM
a movie adaptation of the only graphic novel (comic book series) that is celebrated by people who have an academic fetish of literature. out of everyone who could have possibly directed it, especially just as comic book movies have become relevant to some of those same types of people, but in the realm of film.
This movie will TANK!! by batzilla	Jan 7th, 2009 10:39:39 PM
Mark my words you dildos! This movie will get no higher than 15% on RT. True story. Watchmen? LAWLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!
The problem isn't "no squid". by Royston Lodge	Jan 8th, 2009 12:36:00 AM
The problem is that we all know what that "blue explosion" almost, probably, most certainly, really is. If the "blue explosion" is what I assume it is, that's not just a little change. That's a big change. That, and putting The Comedian on The Grassy Gnoll in 1963. These aren't small changes. I think what really bothers me though, is that the cat's been let out of the bag so soon. If my first exposure to these plot points had been on opening day, sitting in a darkened theatre, I probably woulda said to myself, "whoa. Didn't see that comin'." Instead, I had to see it in a trailer?!?! That's like putting the ending of The Sixth Sense in the trailer!!!
The other reason I don't like the change. by Royston Lodge	Jan 8th, 2009 12:45:00 AM
It's way too similar to Keanu Reeves' Day the Earth Stood Still. When Veidt was the one laying some squid down, it was deliciously ambiguous. On the one hand, he's supposed to be the smartest man in the world, but he's shown to be a total tool. He's supposed to be a hero, but what he does is totally evil. But then it looks like his insane plan might actually work, and so he's redeemed. And then the diary turns up that will presumedly blow the lid off the whole scam. But it's a crazy conspiracy paper that nobody believes that gets the scoop, so who KNOWS what's gonna happen next?! That last chapter in the book caused SUCH internal moral conflict in the reader. By shifting the climax from Veidt to the "big blue explosion" (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) it destroys all that ambiguity. It/he IS the smartest, most powerful, and most dangerous entiry on Earth, so OF COURSE it/he's going to be the one to bravely make the great sacrifice at the end. The act is no longer morally ambiguous, it's heroic self-sacrifice as only a Hollywood cliche can be. This movie was supposed to be the great "non-Hollywood" comic book movie, and this new ending (assuming it actually is what we all think it is) is PURE HOLLYWOOD CLICHE!!!
archer1949 by quicksilver80	Jan 8th, 2009 07:00:19 AM
and don't forget "Frat Boys"...it's getting old, even more than "bailout"
Want it to be great but 300 sucked by Mr Gorilla	Jan 8th, 2009 10:56:54 AM
Seriously. The reason Nolan was exciting for Batman is that he had made Memento and Insomnia. The reason Singer was exciting for X-Men is that he had made The Usual Suspects. All these early films were about a lot more than 'cool visuals'. They had ideas and clear thinking. 300, on the other hand, featured lots of men from one of the least free (as we understand it) societies ever, screaming in slow-motion that they were fighting for 'fre-e-e-e-e-edommmm!' Was the whole thing meant to be taken straight, or ironically? I don't know, and I'm damn sure that the director didn't know either. Now, THE WATCHMEN is a brilliant, dense book with loads of ideas. As much as I LONG for it to be a success, does the track record give me much hope?
Riiiiiiggghht by Orcus	Aug 14th, 2009 08:30:13 AM

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Awesome Japanese WATCHMEN trailer with tons of new footage! Come see!

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