It seems that despite the bleak economic times we are living in, there are thousands (if not millions) of Americans out there who have the financial means to spend $8 to $20 a head to see a movie about which they know little to nothing.  From what I’ve read, some of these clueless viewers were simply not aware that this movie just wasn’t their cup of tea, but too many of them were clueless parents.  Yes – apparently scores of parents out there didn’t expect that an R-rated comic book movie that has been billed as being darker than Dark Knight might contain levels of violence and nudity unfit for their young teens and tweens.  Again, I’m not really all that surprised – I’m a cynic.  But being a parent of two impressionable young ones, I have a hard time imagining myself making such a mistake (I spent a week debating letting my daughter join me in seeing Iron Man).

I think the part that takes me a little bit aback about this is that the information is readily available.  For one, the source material has been around since the mid-80s.  Secondly, the movie rating system is not new or confusing and the reasons for ratings are often listed on the same sites where many of these patrons likely bought their tickets.  Finally, in my recollection, many of the previews did show as much of the violent nature of the movie as they could without requiring elevated ratings themselves.

But I’m not complaining.  I actually find it somewhat amusing – especially in light of the fact that all of said people paid for tickets.  The movie enjoyed a successful opening weekend and has made decent box office numbers given the March opening and the R rating.  Whether those ticket sales were from customers who made it through the entire film is somewhat less important.  I will point out to anyone who is unaware, though – the DVD release will supposedly be about 45 minutes longer and include MORE violence and nudity that was cut from the theatrical release.  So if you are at all squeamish, I suggest you don’t watch.

The film adaptation of the graphic novel was brilliantly executed – there was little if anything that die-hard fans could take issue with.  There was almost nothing left out (at least nothing essential – and that which was will likely be on the DVD).  Almost nothing was edited or toned down or added  And as such, the movie fit together well and was masterfully written.  It was over 2 hours long and I could easily watch it again.

From a non-comparative stance, the casting and cinematography couldn’t have been better.  All of the characters seemed realistic and none were over-shadowed by the talent that portrayed them.  The special effects were fantastic and the backdrops all felt authentic.

For those completely unfamiliar with the graphic novel, here is a basic synopsis:  it is the year 1985 in an alternate version of our world where non-powered costumed vigilantes became common and accepted in the times following World War 2.  And due to their intervention (as well as that of one true superhero), the US won the Vietnam war in a short time and Nixon went on to serve several more terms on a cold war mandate.  The film opens to one of these costumed heroes – long since retired – being attacked and murdered in his apartment.  The remainder of the movie follows the investigation of this murder and on the way explores the past and secret lives of many of the super heroes who knew him.  And every one of them seems to have flaws as great as their strengths.

Despite my ringing endorsement, this movie is not for the squeamish.  Do NOT take your children to see this movie.  I didn’t even take my wife and I think she is probably glad I didn’t (if she did go, she would likely have enjoyed it but regretted it).  This movie starts off with violence and ends with violence and there is no shortage of it in between.  Plus there is sex and questionable behavior … and a glowing blue dude who rarely wears pants.  I myself would have been happy to see significantly less of the blue member.  So with those warnings put forth, if you are still interested then please go see it.  It was well worth the cinema experience.