despite the news of the sudden demise of francis magalona this past friday, i was able to see the movie “watchmen” after i got off work. i reserved my ticket online two days before, but had second thoughts on the day itself about seeing the movie, since i knew nothing of the comic book franchise and worried that i might get lost in the movie’s plot and storyline. but i thought that this might be a chance for me to be acquainted with the group, plus if director zach snyder did a very impressive job on “300,” then this might be worth seeing as well.

in a nutshell, it’s not your typical superhero movie of heroes versus villains. surprisingly, it’s a “generational” movie about superheroes of the 1940s and 50s, with some their children carrying on their parents’ legacy (except for doctor manhattan who stopped aging) and adopting their namesakes and continue what they started.  it’s also set in an alternate timeline of 80s america, where the term limits of the president was lifted, therefore having richard nixon still the incumbent president.  the story starts with one of the original members being murdered and the crusade of another devoted member finding out whodunnit while trying to solicit the help of the others in the team.

the plot unfolds amidst the twists and turns of each member’s relationship with their fallen comrade, and how they continue to live their lives in the present setting where society has forgotten them and they themselves trying to have a life outside of their more popular alter egos.  the movie takes you on a roller coaster ride of flashbacks and sub-plots, of emotions and principles.  i would believe that the person who watches this movie who doesn’t check his or her brain at the theater doors won’t be able to understand or keep up with the continuous bombardment of narrative dialogue while trying to find out for themselves who the murderer is.

what i liked about the movie is the constant presence of conflict.  be it among the superheroes themselves, within each one, with society, and with their desinty.  there was one line that really stood out which was mentioned by the mother of silk spectre II.  i don’t remember the exact words, but it goes something like, “the future gets dimmer and more bleak, while the past, even with the most gruesome of events, keeps getting brighter and brighter.”  i really don’t know why that line stuck, but i guess it has something to do with where we peak in our lives, be it professionally, personally, or whatever.  once we reach that, everything is downhill moving forward.  for silk spectre II’s mother, she had the height of her powers, abilities and fame and is headed towards insignificance.  i suppose all old people are like that, but you’re left to wonder if other superheroes share the same sentiment as her’s.

the movie was a good watch for me.  it was worth paying an additional 45 pesos to my usual carpark rate (i initially thought of moving to another carpark near the theater but decided against it eventually), and having dinner by myself (again).  the theater was sold out for a 7:45pm screening which is a good sign that the movie will earn big at the box office.  i would recommend this movie to anyone who wants to be entertained in a different way by a superhero movie.  it’s definitely the start of another big and highly anticipated summer movie season.  up next, nicholas cage’s “knowing.”