Who's watching the Watchmen: The Next Evolution of Comic Books

What a cool graphic novel we have here. I mean seriously, it's good, REALLY GOOD! In the words of Neal Patrick Harris, it's Legendary! Now, with this ranting, I realize that everyone knows this. Everyone who has read the Watchmen has agreed that is one of the best graphic novels that they have ever read (including members of my family, though that is a bit misleading because this is technically the only graphic novel anyone in my family has ever read). I also know that this has nothing to do with the Avengers, but I had to get this kind of excitement off my chest.

I read this book because I saw the trailer for the movie and thought it looked trippy and colorful (saw it before The Dark Knight like the entire world). It was a curious trailer, a tantilizing trailer that made me want more. Before seeing this glimpse of the movie, I had settled down to a friendly game of cards and heard that the Watchmen was considered one of the best graphic novels ever written. I didn't really think about it until I saw the trailer and it perked my interest. So I hastily bought the book (which was really hard to find) using money that was going to go towards back-to-school clothes. I guess having no new clothes is the price I will have to pay, but at least I will be able to spread the Watchmen gospel.

In case you are not part of the comic world, Watchmen is written by Alan Moore (who also wrote the fabulous Killing Joke) and is (in my opinion) the first true look into the minds of real world crime fighters and superheros. It was a huge success and some say it is one of the best novels ever written.

As a basic review of the comic book, I thought it was a well written, well drawn, interesting character study of superheros/masked vigilantes (basically it did what it set out to do). Each character has their own back-story and their own problems. Thankfully, all of these back-stories and problems are interesting and carry siginificant weight to the overall themes of the book (like time or smiley faces).

Having so many interesting characters does, however, bring about certain issues. You begin to feel for the characters that you think are cool and loose interest in the main-plotline. For instance, I thought that both Dr. Manhattan and Rorschach were to the coolest people in the book. Being the cynical teenager that I was, I began to not care about the other side-bits (though I loved Nite Owls story, just not as much as the stuff with Dr. Manhattan and Rorschach). This made some aspects of the story tedious for me, but rushing through the random segments in this novel just made me really confused by the end. But if you take the time to read ever nitty-gritty detail, the book's complexity comes together perfectly. You have to start reading it knowing that this not an Archie comic.

That all being said, damn if this book is not one of the more interesting comic book experiences I have had. You get caught up in the world of Watchmen. You envision the book's alternate New York (and it ain't pretty). It's the kind of book that makes you happy that this medium exists. And that Rorschach is a really scary, interesting character who for some reason I immediately liked. That's rather bad considering he is pyschotic, but anyway...

I am totally ready for the movie version. It looks really like it be a really bamf film. If you haven't seen the trailer, I encourage you to check it out on youtube. If all of this stuff is news to you, watch the trailer, look at some photos, and see if you're interested. And if you like what you see, look all over the country for a copy of the book. If you know me, I'll let you borrow mine.

Oh how far we have come, the Maturity and Complexity of "The Dark Knight"

I totally realize that "The Dark Knight" has nothing to do with Avengers. If you could think of two completely opposite subjects to be included in the same blog, the Avengers and Batman might not be the two you think of, but they really have nothing in common. Except, maybe, that I like both of them. After watching this movie, I thought I would blindly follow many other bloggers in reviewing the summer's biggest film. Keep in mind as you read this that I saw "The Dark Knight" during the Thursday midnight showing and on a random Saturday afternoon with my parents.

In preparation for this new Batman instalment, I watched most of the other Batman movies again (with the exception of "Batman and Robin" which I saw a few months ago and didn't want to endure it again and "Batman Begins" because I couldn't find a copy of it). I found the original "Batman" fantastic thanks to Jack Nicholson portraying the Joker so well. "Batman Returns" was decent thanks to the hot Catwoman and Michael Keaton warming up to his role. "Batman Forever" was one of those "so bad its good" types of movies thanks to the awesome/campy performances by Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carry. Enter "Batman Begins," the origin story that was way overdue. Though flawed, it restarted the franchise after the unmentionable travesty that is "Batman and Robin." In "Batman Begins," the camera was too close to the action, the main villain played by Liam Neeson was not very interesting (though the Scarecrow was pretty cool), and it played out like a typical, no-frills origin movie. Having said that, it was a good film with a great sense of respect to the source material and good performances (with the exception of Katie Holmes).

Now I finally get to "The Dark Knight," one of the most hyped movies of my generation. Does it live up to most of the hype? And the crowd yells "YES!" Now, let me point out that it is not the greatest movie ever made, it will not solve all of the world's problems, and it does not summon a happy elf who gives each viewer a pot of gold. It is just a great movie, and one of the best films this year.

As you can tell by my brief analysis of the Batman franchise, I value a Batman movie based on it's villain, not on the Batman. Because of this, I think that "The Dark Knight" is the best film in the series. Heath Ledger is so badass as the Joker, it just makes me tingle inside. He is creepy, funny, unique, and is going to inspire my Halloween costume. Absolute spot-on. I value the Joker as one of the best villains ever, and Heath does him justice. Way to go out with a bang. After watching this movie, you will be licking your lips oddly and laughing with glee (I know I have, maybe I'm just crazy). This guy must be seen to be believed.

I think that "The Dark Knight" comes together very well in the story department. It truly feels like an epic movie not just in its length, but it's complex characters. Unlike most big summer films, the thing that holds this film together is the performances. Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman, Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie, and Gary Oldman all contribute something to the story. These performances also complement the script (which is very well written). The audience gets a feel for these characters as the great acting brings them to life. Christopher Nolan learned how to stage action sequences while continuing to apply his great visual sense. The action scenes are kickass too (espcially with the Bat-a-cycle which likes to flip large trucks over). Another plus is that Two-Face looks scary as shit. All in all, its a very well crafted film with a legendary performace by Heath Ledger.

By why does Batman sound like he is possessed! JEEZZ!! For some reason, Bale likes to talk with a really stupid low voice whenever he has the mask on. And compared to the other people in the movie, Gordon's wife can't act at all. Her sobs are grating on the ears. But even with these nagging issues, this is an absolute must-see movie for any Batman, superhero, or summer movie fan. It's also a good film for anyone who enjoys the healing power of laughter. WHY SO SERIOUS! HEE HEE HA HO HA HA HEE HEE HA See I told you the Joker rubbed off on me.

There are Knitting Needles, Old Ladies, and Aunties in "The Girl From Auntie." Welcome to Paradise!

Now I will be the first to admit that certain people scare me. Random strangers offering hugs, the Joker/Evil clowns, zombies, and evil old ladies with knitting needles. Unfortunatly, not all of these kinds of people are in one Avengers episode, but the one that got we scared of evil old ladies was "The Girl From Auntie." This was the first episode that I watched and went "wow." This is the episode that got me hooked onto the Avengers. "This is the most random, weird, and yet strangly interesting show" I thought to myself as it played out. This is the best second episode to watch (or the third) as it doesn't really establish Emma's character (because she is captured). By the way, that's the plot to this episode. Oh and there is an evil old lady who kills people with knitting needles.

There is also a fake Ms. Peel who has blonde hair and reacts like its all in a days work when six dead bodies land in front of her. So there you have it. Steed comes back from holiday early, sees the new Emma, knows something's up, and follows the dead bodies. I swear someone wrote this on the back of a napkin. The main plot, mind you, not the script which features some of the Avengers best moments. For instance: The cab driver who amuses himself with Steed's holiday gear, Steed's own interpretation of himself ("Be there in a couple of giffs. Hoaty Tooee!"), Fffitch (with two small ffs, "My nerve endings are positivly tingling!"), and of course Emma's new bikini (which is not on Google images). Some of the best stuff. This is truly an episode that must be seen to be believed.

This episode suffers from what I will call "looney Avengers." "Epic" and "The Man Eater of Surrey Green" have this problem. It might just be too ridiculous for some people who want all of their Avengers (at least reasonably) serious. But give this one a shot if you saw one other episode and liked it. It's this show and "The House that Jack Built" that started my addiction to the series.

For those who have just switched on to the Avengers, I do not present "Who's Who???"

Sorry rabid fans, I have been away for few days on important business. "Its a matter of life and death Mrs. Peel." "Mrs. Peel, we're needed." "You diabolical mastermind, you." These were some of the phrases that I wish that I uttered during my time of absence.

So "Who's Who???" This is the one episode where John and Emma really kiss. And I mean REALLY KISS! Now this might seem stupid, but believe me it's really rewarding to people who want to see their relationship kicked up a notch. Its also one of the few episodes where Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg take a backseat to the supporting actors. This is because, of course, there minds have been swaped with two criminals. So now (after the swap) the criminals look like Steed and Emma, while Steed and Emma's minds are in the criminal's bodies. I think. It goes something like that. The new Steed and Emma do a great job, some say they do better than Patrick and Diana (in their new roles obviously, not in playing the Avengers). That's the whole episode in a nutshell. Its a very novel show. It is made up of a gimmick that is held well throughout the entire episode. You get to see Steed behave like a bad-guy and you see Emma do the twist. They also shoot a lot of people in cold blood (which I find rather horrible).

Besides the gimmick and the great acting, there is really nothing else to say. Nothing paticularly exciting happens (except a lot of people get shot). When the new Steed and Emma get captured, they just escape right afterward. There is no tension, no drama, no suspense. It's just a cool idea. No more and certainly no less. If you want action or a great plotline, watch another one of my top ten. However if you like wit, sharp writing, and some great acting, you should check it out. But be warned. This episode is only really effective if you know how the real Steed and the real Emma behave.

A Touch of Sex, The risque attitude of "A Touch of Brimstone"

"A Touch of Brimstone" is by far the most sexually explicit Avengers episode. Because of this, it also one of the most popular episodes. This was one of the shows that put the Avengers on the map. If you haven't already seen the photo from "A Touch of Brimstone" at the bottom of my blog, check it out because this photo single-handedly brought the Avengers to America. This photo of Emma Peel is one of the more suggestive outfits that she wears throughout her two seasons. This episode also features some S&M aspects with people being whipped and there is plenty of drinking going on. Basically, this episode lives up to its name in a very PG-13 fashion.
It also helps that this is one of the best episodes in terms of plot, characters, and ideas. The show revolves around devastating practical jokes that are ruining British international relations (exploding cigars used by a Russian peacemaker, rubber scissors to cut the Hall of Friendship tape). This jokes lead to the Hell Fire club run by a man called John Cartney (played by Peter Wyngarde who I last reviewed in "Epic") with his "girl" (Carol Cleveland from Monty Python) and "friend" (Colin Jeavons who plays Lord Darcy). All of John's realtionships with other people are relative. Peter Wyngarde gives another steller performance as Cartney who is just as smarmy as he is eccentric. I personally prefer his multi-personality performace in "Epic," but he does fine here. Of course the main draw for this episode is Steed and Emma (and her outfit). Steed comes off as more of a badass in this episode (cleverly passing the various Hell Fire tasks including drinking from a giant goblet, "To the brim, Willy"), and Emma has more sex appeal as the "Queen of Sins" in the final act of this episode. In my opinion, this episode also has one of the best final fight sequences with Steed showing off his fencing skills.
There aren't nearly enough Steed/Emma moments for my liking though. There is one cute moment where Emma pours Steed's drink on some girl hanging onto Steed, but thats about it. The biggest draw for this episode is the whole Hell Fire club idea, not Steed and Emma's realtionship. This is an unfortuate trade-off, but it is still an excellent episode. Cartney's behavior is also more like a Joker. Maybe he should have been the villian in the Joker episode. Ohh... the possibilities....
If you want erotic with your Avengers or just a damn good time, give this one a shot. It doesn't disappoint and is probably the Avengers episode that most Avengers fans have in their top three. It is that well liked.

"Epic" is EPIC, a film-buff's masterpiece!

"Too Many Christmas Trees" might have been the episode I think is the best, but "Epic" is one I hold closest to my heart. I am a film-buff and I love strange things. Therefore this episode completes me. It is a surreal, funny, and stupid walk through movie land and I liked every minute of it. This is certainly not an episode for everyone. The gaps of logic, overacting by Z. Z. (me), and the ridiculous final act make it hard to love for some people, but easy for people like me.
This is yet another "Emma episode" and plays out like a comedic version of "The House That Jack Built." The plot and the setting are different, however. Emma Peel is in her first snuff film (this might have been the first snuff film idea ever). The episode is set in a crazy movie studio rather than a crazy house. This show also has the pleasure of my personal favorite guest performance by Peter Wyngarde who assumes no less than eleven different personas and acts well in every one of them (except maybe the evil scientist one). My personal favorite is when he plays the gangster (top left) and tosses a coin up in the air similarly to gangster in the movie "Some Like it Hot." I also like how is tired after every performace suggesting how hard it is for any person to put on so many costumes. Wyngarde did a brilliant job in "Touch of Brimstone" and did an excellent job here.
Its the little touches that make this episode work. From Emma being part of a Z. Z. Von Schnerk logo (RARRR!) to Z. Z. Von Schnerk's random antics (Animal Vitality!) to Steed getting over the electrical fence (prop staircases), the episode just comes together really well. Also, any person with any appreciation for film history will get a kick out of Emma opening a saloon door just like in a Western.
This is a strange episode in that it seems to polarize Avengers watchers. People either love it or hate it and there is very few people in the middle ground. It says a lot about an Avengers watcher whether they liked or disliked "Epic." As it stands, I love every second of it. It might not be your cup of tea, but it is worth watching because of Wyngarde's performance and the various nods at film genres.

"Too Many Christmas Trees" and the pleasures of an Evil Santa Claus

I apologize for the disturbing picture on the left. It frightens me as I write this blog, but I thought it would set the mood for my "Too Many Christmas Trees" review. The main reason that I vote this episode as the best is that it takes a concept that is ridiculous by design (telepathy) and makes it cool. It reverses the Emma episode making it the first and only "Steed episode" that I have encountered (correct me if I'm wrong). It also contains some of the most funny, touching, witty, and entertaining Emma/Steed moments of the entire season ("I have always fancied myself in one of these," says Emma referring to the bed. Steed replies, "So have I-I mean, I have too.") Classic. And what's cooler than an evil Santa?

In this episode, Steed is under mind invasion by a group of telepathic people. He is the only one under attack, but Emma is by his side, trying to figure out what is wrong with him. It is interesting to know Emma's agenda without entirely knowing what is going on in Steed's mind (more mystery).

"Too Many Christmas Trees" also features some cool dream sequences which everyone loves featuring some chilling camera work (camera cuts back and forth from the guillotine, to Steed, to the basket lady as Steed waits to get his head chopped off, mimicking the cutting motion of the approaching saw). The side characters aren't very interesting (except maybe Janice Crane), but the rest of the episode makes up for it. I also think that the hook for this episode is one of the best hooks in any episode ever. It used to scare the pants off me as a child (stockings are transformed into a dead man's feet).

What else is there to say? This is a personal favorite of Pactrick Macnee's. Emma looks good as Oliver Twist. Metronomes make people sleepy. Santa should never be on a playing card. Butlers are very creepy. Never trust any mysterious people in your dreams. This is the closest thing that Avengers gets to perfection. And how ironic? A perfect Chirstmas show. This is one episode that you will want to see year round (and be sure to wait for the wonderful tag).