andPOP » Watchmen

Sir Perry: Malin Akerman – Silk Spectre II/Woman Of My Dreams

Jordan Bortolotti — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:19:12 +0000

In my travels with andPOP I’ve interviewed just about everyone. From Matt Damon, to Katy Perry and Jeff Dunham, I’ve met some of the most famous people on the planet. So one would hope that I no longer get the pre-interview jitters. Until recently, I was thrown off my game by Watchmen’s leading lady, Malin Akerman. I nearly passed out. I wish I could say I was kidding. She was so attractive I started acting like a nervous eighth grader. However, once I got past the voice cracks and nervous laughter, I got a hold of myself.

What’s more surprising is that she was equally as nice as she was attractive. While Malin was getting her make-up touched up, she actually wanted to talk to me. She asked how long I had been working in the industry and how I liked my job. What’s even stranger is it seemed like she was genuinely having a good time. I was starting to worry that some of my questions may sour the mood.

Initially, I was a little nervous about bringing up the fact that she gets naked in Watchmen. Nevertheless, I knew my interview depended on it; so I did anyways. She was so cool it – didn’t even faze her. We also both agree that it’s frustrating to watch a sex scene with out nudity. Malin added, losing the costume and opting for the birthday suit gave the film a much-needed rawness. I definitely agree with her. Like the rest of the film, the sex scenes were believable and more authentic than the typical comic blockbusters. Watchmen is gritty and Malin was a perfect choice to play your not so typical superhero. Overall, the actress behind The Silk Spectre II was a great interview. In fact, we got along so well that I decided I was going to try something I normally wouldn’t.

It’s not the classiest play to ask for an autograph and some actors won’t even do it. For my friends’ sake, I knew I had to try. As if they wouldn’t already be envious that I had interviewed Malin Akerman, I needed something to remind them of it. Surprisingly, she gladly signed my Watchmen pin that I ‘borrowed’ from the press lounge. I was on a roll and I was starting to think there was some sort of connection between us. Maybe she was my soul mate? Could it be that I had fallen in love with a famous actress? Or perhaps it’s just the fact that she looks amazing in latex. Anyways, I finally mustered up the courage to casually ask for her phone number. As it turns out, she didn’t think her husband would appreciate me calling them at home. So, I left the interview with Malin’s signature with ‘xoxo’ written above it, but no phone number. I wonder if I will ever love again?

‘Watchmen’ Wins Weekend At Box Office

Joelle Tomlinson — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:50:32 +0000

After all the anticipation and hubbub, the weekend is coming to an end and the box office results are in: Watchmen (No. 1) grossed $55.7 million during its first frame, according to early estimates from Media by Numbers.

For a movie that did not revolve around high-profile celebrities, that amount of money is a solid sum. According to ew.com, Watchmen premiered in more theatres (3,611 to be exact) than any other R-rated movie in history, and it averaged an impressive $15,413 per venue, despite a potentially problematic long running time. It also scored the biggest debut of 2009 so far. Otherwise the previous numbers, Watchmen did not actually fulfill the general expectations that it’s hype predicted. It was merely the fifth-best opening ever for an R-rated movie.

Considering Watchmen’s hefty grosses from screenings at midnight on Friday and throughout its first day, the opening was labeled as a bit soft by critics. After attracting some major initial interest, banking $25.1 mil on Friday, the film’s audience dropped off dramatically during the weekend. It decreased to $19 mil on Saturday, and is estimated to make $11.5 mil today (Sunday).

Director Zack Snyder’s adaption of Alan Moore’s landmark comic book scored a CinemaScore grade of B from an audience that was largely comprised of older men.

Playstation Store Update for March 8, 2009

Daniel Levine — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 16:08:29 +0000

Here’s the complete list of the Playstaion Store Update for March 8, 2009.

It’s week four of the “PSN Spring Fever” section of the PlayStation Store, featuring games, trailers, and themes available for download!

Highlights this week include:

Watchmen: The End is Nigh!

Street Fighter Arena Category
In this custom category, we gather all Street Fighter themed items to commemorate the launch of Street Fighter costumes in Home!

Downloadable Games
Watchmen: The End is Nigh ($19.99)
The lines between good and bad have been blurred and crime and terror run rampant in the streets. And now Underboss – in a daring escape – has escaped prison and is ruling with vicious darkness. The city need saviors and only masked vigilantes answer the call. Play the demo and experience Watchmen’s unlawful brand of justice as Nite Owl and Rorschach team up to brutally take down the ruthless gangs and street thugs.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.23 GB

Add-on Game Content
High Velocity Bowling – Bruce ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add Bruce “Flyboy” Fitzpatrick to your High Velocity Bowling roster. Bruce is a real flyboy and world traveler. His ball control is fabulous, but he has to avoid heavy balls to protect his manicure. Download includes Bruce’s special Round the World ball, plus the new Fabulous Airways lane.
File size: 51 MB

High Velocity Bowling – Carmen ($0.99)
It’s time to bowl – High Velocity style! Add Carmen “Sordida” Sanchez to your High Velocity Bowling roster. Carmen is a homegirl from Cali with a chip on her shoulder and much to prove. But she only bowls barefoot, so her form leaves something to be desired. Download includes Carmen’s special Pink Butterfly ball, plus the festivous new Avenida de Bowlarama lane.
File size: 57 MB

Burnout Paradise
Burnout Paradise: Toy Car Collection ($12.99)
Want all the Toys? Want amazing value? This is the collection for you!
File size: 100 KB

Burnout Paradise: Toy Car Pack 1 ($5.99)
See some of your favorite Burnout Paradise cars as you’ve never imagined them. 4 of the fan favorites in Toy form.
File size: 100 KB

Burnout Paradise: Toy Car Pack 2 ($5.99)
Another 4 of the fan favorites come to you in Toy form.
File size: 100 KB

Burnout Paradise: Toy Hunter Cavalry ($1.99)
Introducing the Toy Hunter Cavalry.
File size: 100 KB

Burnout Paradise: Toy Hunter Citizen ($1.99)
Introducing the Toy Hunter Citizen
File size: 100 KB

Burnout Paradise: Toy Nakamura Firehawk ($1.99)
Introducing the Toy Nakamura Firehawk Bike.
File size: 100 KB

Burnout Paradise: Toy Carson GT Concept ($1.99)
Introducing the Toy Carson GT Concept.
File size: 100 KB

Burnout Paradise: Toy Carson Inferno Van ($1.99)
Introducing the Toy Carson Inferno Van.
File size: 100 KB

Burnout Paradise: Toy Hunter Takedown 4X4 ($1.99)
Introducing the Toy Hunter Takedown 4×4.
File size: 100 KB

Burnout Paradise: Toy Hunter Manhattan ($1.99)
Introducing the Toy Hunter Manhattan.

Burnout Paradise: Toy Jansen P12 ($1.99)
Introducing the Toy Jansen P12.
File size: 100 KB

Burnout Paradise: Toy Krieger WTR ($1.99)
Introducing the Toy Krieger WTR.
File size: 100 KB

NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM Pack 10 (free)
Download Storm Pack 10 and unleash the legendary Sound Ninja Sakon as your support character in battle. The Storm Pack 10 also contains new Ultimate Mission to engage!
File size: 100 KB

Prince of Persia: Epilogue ($9.99)
New Region: The Underground Palace
New Power: Energize
New Attack: Sprinting Clash
New Unlockable Skins
File size: 518 MB

Skate 2 Throwback Pack (free)
Unlock the retro gear and celebrate the past with some short shorts, knee high socks, tie dyed shirts and crazy sunglasses. While you’re at it, play some air guitar and throw out the peace signs with our classic gestures.
File size: 3.58 MB

Street Fighter IV Shoryuken Pack ($3.99)
Street Fighter IV alternate costume pack.
File size: 118 KB

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

“New” – No Doubt ($1.99)
“Dirty Pool” – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble ($1.99)
“I’m Cryin’” – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble ($1.99)
“Lenny” – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble ($1.99)
“Love Struck Baby” – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble ($1.99)
“Mary Had a Little Lamb” – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble ($1.99)
“Pride and Joy” – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble ($1.99)
“Rude Mood” – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble ($1.99)
“Tell Me” – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble ($1.99)
“Testify” – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble ($1.99)
“Texas Flood” – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble ($1.99)
Texas Flood (Album) – Stevie Ray Vaughan ($15.99) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Texas Flood (Album) – Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. Some tracks in this album are instrument-only and cannot be played by vocalists. Please make sure you have the latest Rock Band update.
File sizes: 17 MB – 40 MB (singles), 241 MB (album)

Guitar Hero World Tour
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

“Break It Out” by Vanilla Sky ($1.99)
“C’est Comme Ca – Les Rita Mitsouko ($1.99)
“In the Shadows” by The Rasmus ($1.99)
European Track Pack 03 ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack for Guitar Hero World Tour featuring “Break It Out” by Vanilla Sky, “In the Shadows” by The Rasmus, and “C’est Comme Ca” by Les Rita Mitsouko. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.
File sizes: 39 MB – 42 MB (singles), 135 MB (track pack)

Game Demos (free)
Watchmen: The End is Nigh Demo
The lines between good and bad have been blurred and crime and terror run rampant in the streets. And now Underboss – in a daring escape – has escaped prison and is ruling with vicious darkness. The city need saviors and only masked vigilantes answer the call. Play the demo and experience Watchmen’s unlawful brand of justice as Nite Owl and Rorschach team up to brutally take down the ruthless gangs and street thugs.
ESRB Rated M
File size: 1.23 GB

Wanted: Weapons of Fate Demo
For centuries, a secret fraternity of assassins has brutally executed kill orders dictated by the Loom of Fate. Your destiny is to become their ultimate weapon. Kicking into action where the hit film, WANTED, left off, you are Wesley Gibson – an uber assassin and heir to a legacy of power, hunted by a renegade faction of The Fraternity. Master and arsenal of deadly skills to protect the secrets of your killer coalition … or blow them all away!
ESRB Rated M
File size: 815 MB

Age of Booty Trial Version
Fight for pirate supremacy in this game of strategy and cannon-blasting action that’s fun for all ages. Sail the high seas alone or with friends as you build your pirate empire by plundering villages, sinking ships, and sending your enemies to the briny deep! Upgrade your ships with new, more powerful weapons, and explore 25 different maps or create your own to share. Download the multi-player, online demo today!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 45 MB

Game Videos (free)
Midnight Club Los Angeles: South Central Trailer
File size: 44 MB (HD)

Watchmen: The End is Nigh Rorschach
File size: 12 MB (SD)

Watchmen: The End is Nigh Nite Owl
File size: 12MB (SD)

Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection Trailer
File size: 37 MB (HD)

Tom Clancy’s HAWX PS3/YouTube Upload Video
File size: 57 MB (HD)

Tom Clany’s HAWX Gameplay Video
File size: 63 MB (HD) 83 MB (1080)

TV, Movie, and Blu-ray Trailers (free)
Watchmen: Sets & Sensibility
File size: 181 MB (HD) 302 MB (1080)

Watchmen: Minutemen
File size: 120 MB (HD), 199 MB (1080)

Watchmen: Dressed for Success
File size: 164 MB (HD), 273 MB (1080)

Watchmen: Attention to Detail
File size: 123 MB (HD), 205 MB (1080)

Breaking Bad Webisodes (x 5)
File size: 803 MB (HD)

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li Trailer
File size: 15 MB (SD) 56 MB (HD) 73 MB (1080)

PS3 Themes
MLB 09 The Show MLB Theme (free)
File size: 1.62 MB

MLB 09 The Show Team Themes (x5) (Orioles, Pirates, Padres, Mariners and Nationals) (free)
File Sizes: 1.65 MB – 1.70 MB

Bunnies Pinups ($0.99)
File size: 5.13 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP
Downloadable Games
* Killzone: Liberation($15.99) (also available from PS3 storefront)
The Helghast Return!
As the fate of the planet hangs in the balance, one soldier is sent on an impossible mission.
- 16 intense single player missions
- New Weapons and Vehicles – drive an ISA hovercraft and Helghast tank
- Ad Hoc Mode features, including two-player coop Campaign mode, six-player Multiplayer battles, and Game Sharing
ESRB Rated M
File size: 510 MB

Game Videos (free)
* Winter Dew Tour Videos (x8) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File sizes: 11 MB – 25 MB

PSP Themes
* MLB 09 The Show MLB Theme (also available from PS3 storefront) (free)
File size: 543 KB

* MLB 09 The Show Team Themes (x5) (Orioles, Pirates, Padres, Mariners and Nationals) (also available from PS3 storefront) (free)
File Sizes: 509 KB – 542 KB

* Bunnies Pinups (x2) (also available from PS3 storefront) ($0.99 each)
File Size: 344 KB – 345 KB

* Metal Battalion Maidens (x3) (also available from PS3 storefront) ($0.99 each)
File size: 576 KB – 634 KB

PSP Wallpaper (free)
* Killzone Liberation Wallpapers (x6) (also available from PS3 storefront)
File size: 89 KB – 160 KB

Watchmen Movie Review

Eric Emin Wood — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:22:30 +0000

I saw Watchmen with a friend who had finished Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ masterwork last week, and both of us had the same reaction: what would someone who hadn’t read the novel think of it? It’s a meticulous, impressive-looking movie, directed with obvious reverence for the source material and care for the film being created, but it was impossible for us to be fully engaged by the story, because we kept comparing every shot, every line, every choice director Zack Snyder made, to the comic.

Here’s my theory – someone who hasn’t read Watchmen will be blown away by this film, because it reproduces the comic’s central appeal: You’ve got your heroes, you’ve got your villains, you’ve got your costumes and gadgets and action sequences and grandiose plans to take over the world, all wrapped in a solid noir mystery; but for those demanding more from their literature (and Watchmen is literature – that’s a fact, not an argument), there’s more – literate philosophy, silver-age-style artwork packed with details wrapped in more details, a chilling comic within the comic, and more atomically detailed backstory and alternate history than you can shake (insert obligatory Dr. Manhattan genitalia reference) at.

Much of that is retained in this translation. What’s lost, at least for viewers like me and my friend, is the unmistakable sense that you’ve witnessed art. Finish the book and you know you’ve read a classic; finish the film and you know you’ve seen a great movie (or at least a film made by someone who wanted to make a great movie), but you haven’t seen art.

Here’s what Snyder and his team got right:
- The opening: there’s a reason nearly every advance review mentioned Snyder’s use of “The Times They Are A-Changin’” – it’s brilliant. Backstories are conveyed, characters introduced and alternate history created with a terrific handful of brief, colourful sequences.
- The look: many sets and setpieces, including an iconic newstand, the death of the Comedian (which opens the story), the Nite Owl’s lair, the Minutemen and Watchmen (the superhero teams)’ photo ops, and a character’s stint in prison, appear lifted directly from the comic. Newsreel footage and talk show appearances feel authentic.
- Rorschach and Dr. Manhattan: of the five protagonists, these two are the best reproduced. Manhattan, the only genuine superhero of the group, is played by Billy Crudup, who reuses his quiet tone from the American dub of Princess Mononoke. Rorschach, a vengeful sociopath, is brought to life by Little Children’s Jackie Earle Haley, who puts on a gravelly voice and retains his American accent (the character was originally Polish), and wears an eye-popping inkblot mask that’s continuously shifting.
- The action sequences: there aren’t many, but the ones that exist are exciting and eye-catching, with brutal choreography and Snyder employing his trademark slow-cam for the most bone-crunching moves. Dr. Manhattan may be the only “super” hero, but you’ll know why the others put on their costumes.
- The soundtrack: In addition to “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” Jimi Hendrix’s cover of “All Along The Watchtower,” Leonard Cohen’s “The Future,” and Mozart and Philip Glass (who didn’t compose the score, unfortunately) pieces are perfectly used.
- The sex: much has already been written about Patrick Wilson and Malin Ackerman’s coupling, which is more erotic than anything to grace a screen since… (When was the last time on-screen sex was erotic? The Reader?)
Here’s what (in my opinion) could have been improved:
- Ozymandias: the protagonist given the shortest shrift in the novel is predictably given the shortest shrift in the movie, but he still gets enough screentime to leave an impression. My complaint is that actor Matthew Goode is at least ten years too young for the role (though he does a good job with what he’s given).
- Nite Owl and Silk Spectre: my problem isn’t with the actors (Little Children’s Wilson and The Heartbreak Kid’s Ackerman, respectively) or their ultimate role in the story, but rather with their initial characterization. Much like Martin Sheen’s character in The Departed, Wilson and Ackerman’s initial scenes are cut short (an early fight with a street gang is clumsily intercut with a Dr. Manhattan interview, which is far more interesting), and the overall effect makes them weaker characters. (To be fair, they’re also the least nuanced characters in the book.)
- The score: Tyler Bates scored 300, so it’s more than likely nepotism is involved here, but he’s not exactly lacking in work, and Watchmen cries for a classical soundtrack. What has Philip Glass recorded lately anyway?
- “Hallelujah”: I literally grew up with Leonard Cohen – he’s the first musician my parents introduced me to – and the man’s written at least half a dozen songs that would be perfect for a sex scene. His overplayed hymn to lost love isn’t one of them.

The problem is that as someone who has read the comic, I can only speculate what someone who hasn’t will think; I can never know. Perhaps a Watchmen neophyte will find the story confusing, the flashbacks jarring, and witness the experience slack-jawed, wondering when the story is going to begin (hint: the flashbacks are the story). Personally I think Snyder made the right choices, telling Alan Moore’s tale in broad strokes and cutting nearly everything that didn’t relate to one of the five main characters. Reading other reviews, I suspect my initial theory is correct: those who love the movie haven’t read the comic, while those who have know they’ve witnessed something, but they’re not sure what.

Here’s the other thing: I’m not one of those fanboys who demanded fidelity to the comic. The opening is one of the best sequences because it was one of the only new ones. My favourite sequence in the novel (Manhattan’s meditation on Mars) is one of the slowest in the film. I’m not going to say shifting the lynchpin event to the war on terror instead of Vietnam would have been correct, but it was on the right track. Those who haven’t read the comic may have heard that Snyder changed the ending. The fanboys are wrong: he didn’t change a thing.

Graphic novels are not movies. Sin City, still the adaptation’s high-water mark, worked not because Robert Rodriguez used the comics as a storyboard, but because he turned them into an exercise in filmmaking. Both mediums have their strengths. Watchmen the graphic novel plays to its strengths. Too often, Watchmen the movie does not.

If you haven’t read Watchmen and think you would enjoy the movie, see the movie. Then read the book.

Watchmen Interview

Robert Ostfield — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:10:22 +0000

Jordan loves movies but Watchmen really struck a chord with him. Was it the beautiful and talented Malin Akerman who has a fantastic performance in the film? Was it the amazing plot? Was it the fact that Jordan always wanted to be a super hero? All of the above are true. Check out our interview with Malin and Jordan’s brief stint as a super hero.

My Chemical Romance To Cover Bob Dylan For ‘Watchmen’

Eva Lam — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 07:22:31 +0000

My Chemical Romance is set to cover a classic Bob Dylan tune for the upcoming “Watchmen” movie.

Director Zack Snyder told MTV News that MCR frontman Gerard Way, being a “huge fan” of the graphic novel on which the film is based, made the first move.

“Honestly, he contacted me, just as a fan,” Snyder said of Way, who studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and is working on a comic-book series for Dark Horse called “The Umbrella Academy.”

“[He wanted] to say like: ‘I hope the movie’s cool.’ And then we went, ‘Hey, maybe we can do something.’”

Snyder, who previously directed the epic “300,” revealed that they are currently working with MCR on putting together a song for the end titles, with one of the possible covers being “Desolation Row” off of Dylan’s 1965 album “Highway 61 Revisited.”

The director said he has listened to some of the band’s initial Dylan demos and described them as “pretty freaking cool.”

MCR’s cover aside, the movie’s soundtrack is set to feature original versions of songs from the ’60s through to the ’80s, including Jimi Hendrix and Simon & Garfunkel.

Created by Alan Moore, the “Watchmen” series was first published from 1986 to 1987 and revolves around a group of unconventional superheroes who are forced to confront a conspiracy.

The graphic novel made it onto Time Magazine’s 2005 list of “the 100 best English-language novels from 1923 to the present,” where it was praised as “a heart-pounding, heartbreaking read and a watershed in the evolution of a young medium.”

The movie, starring Patrick Wilson, Billy Crudup and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, will hit theatres in spring 2009.