Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 9 — See How They Fly — A Review

17th November, 2020.

I think I can safely say I’m feeling a touch better.

I was at the GP’s, earlier: for various reasons: as I mention in today’s Teaser.

And frankly?

I’ve got a course of antibiotics, let’s put it that way!

Hopefully, they’ll have an effect.

If they don’t, I have to phone back in a fortnight.

Keep your fingers crossed.

However, and as is traditional, by now?

I’m starting my review of the climactic episode of Watchmen, on the night I’ve seen it.

Partly?   I’ve got some bedtime reading I want to do: a short story collection by Arthur Machen, if you must know*.

Partly?   To get my brain in order.

And partly?   Because I want some sort of sleep, thank you!

~≈Á≈~

Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 8 — A God Walks Into Abar — A Review

10th November, 2020.

Right … it’s late — ish — on a Tuesday night.

And … ?   It’s late enough that going to bed with a James Bond novel — currently, I’m reading Diamonds Are Forever — is very appealing.

I wanted to get started on this post, though: to register a couple of points.

First?

My landlord was supposed to fix the main door of the building, today.

They’ve re-arranged it for the 20th!

Secondly?

I’ve seen the penultimate episode of Watchmen.

Things are hotting up!

~≈Á≈~

11th November, 2020.

Right … 

I’m now officially back: to tell you I’ve seen the penultimate episode of Watchmen.

But … ?   Do you remember me saying, only last night, that the door repair that had been scheduled yesterday, got rescheduled for the 20th?

It’s now been rescheduled for the 19th … 

I hate having to wait!

~≈Á≈~

Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 7 — An Almost Religious Awe — A Review

3rd November, 2020.

Hmmm … 

I have to admit, it’s a Tuesday evening.

You’ve possibly worked that out, looking at the date at the start of this entry.

Frankly?

It’s an evening on the day I’ve rearranged an appointment, and — currently — trying to register for the NHS eConsult service: so I can try and talk to my GP.

That’s … 

Well, that could be a lot simpler, let’s put it that way.

It wants my provisional driving license, a photo, wants to scan my face, what’s my NHS number — if possible — and possibly wants to sing to me.

Don’t even mention the SatNav!

At any rate … ?

It’s a Tuesday: so, given I have time?   I’m making a start of a review: of the next episode of Watchmen, series one.

I’ll finish it, tomorrow.

~≈😶≈~

4th November, 2020.

It’s another day, and another dollar.

Which seems appropriate: as, whilst I write, the BBC’s news channel is covering the US Presidential election.

Right now, Joe Biden has 227 of the required 270 electoral college votes: versus Trump’s 213.

Quite what will happen, I don’t know.

I hope Joe Biden wins: President Trump seems to be the least presidential President I can remember seeing.

But, at this rate … ?

We’ll probably only know for sure, by the end of the week!

~≈😶≈~

As a last thought … ?

If you haven’t read today’s Teaser?

I’m making goulash, tonight: after having to go back into town, today … to get peppers.

Which, if nothing else, means I have some more Nectar points on my loyalty card.

Hay ho!

At any rate, let’s move on, shall we?

~≈😶≈~

Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 6 — This Extraordinary Being — A Review

27th October, 2020.

Right … 

Unemployment has ups, and downs.

Frankly?   I would rather be earning money: rather than getting it courtesy of the taxpayer.

Regardless of how I’m getting any cash … ?

I have to admit: any way I can entertain myself is welcome.

Over the past few weeks?

You’ve possibly noticed that’s included a few TV shows.

Just recently?

I’ve caught up with the recently restored classic Dr Who story, Fury from the Deep.

But … ?

I’ve also been watching the 2019, HBO series, Watchmen: one episode at a time.

Then, usually, completing the review the following day.

Something I’m planning on doing as we speak.

Thus far, though?

Watchmen series one has been very impressive.

Tonight’s episode?

Even more so … !

Something I’ll tell you about, tomorrow.

~≈😵≈~

Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 5 — Little Fear of Lightning — A Review

20th October, 2020.

Right … it’s a Tuesday night, and frankly … ?

I’m wanting my bed.

That’s either my age, depression … or a knee that’s feeling older than the rest of me!

Either way … ?   And with various bits of me aching … ?

I wanted to get it on record: that I’d seen another episode of  Watchmen.

And will tell you more, tomorrow … !

~≈🙂≈~

Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 4 — If You don’t Like My Story, Write Your Own — A Review

13th October, 2020.

OK … 

It’s a Tuesday night: and frankly?

I’m umming and ahhhing about finishing this post, tonight … or leaving it until the morning.

We’ll have to see, won’t we?

I do know two things.

I’ve had a natter with a couple of neighbours, today.

Seemingly?

We have mail theft in action.

One set of neighbours have just received a credit card she didn’t apply for.

The last time that happened was a result of mail being pinched … 

Another neighbour … ?

Has had money taken from his bank.

The only thing that he could explain that by … ?

Was by someone pinching a bank statement from the mailbox … 

Ever get the feeling someone’s having a laugh?

~≈Ô≈~

The other thing I wanted to tell you about … ?

Is yes: I’ve seen episode four of Watchmen, series one.

They had to include Time Is On My Side*, didn’t they … ?

~≈Ô≈~

Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 3 — She Was Killed by Space Junk — A Review

6th October, 2020.

Right … 

It has to be said: I watched episode 2 — Martial Feats of Comanche Horsemenship — of Watchmen, last week.

I watch it on Tuesday … and, having had the day I’d had?

Started the review on Tuesday evening.

Then went to bed: and finished the review on Wednesday.

Right at the moment … ?

It’s a Tuesday, I’ve just watched the third episode: and I’m going to do it again: get an early night.

But … ?

To keep myself motivated, I felt it important enough to get started on this write up.

Bed beckons.

But not before I tell you’ve seen the third episode of Watchmen, series one.

~≈🤪≈~

Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 2 — Martial Feats of Comanche Horsemanship — A Review

29th September, 2020.

Right … 

I have to confess, this is — quite possibly — going to be one of those posts I start tonight: on 29th September, 2020.

But may well finish, tomorrow.

In case you hadn’t guessed?

I got awakened, this morning, at just after 4 o’clock.

To find a drunk sleeping on my doorstep.

You can find out more about it in today’s Daily Teaser: here.

Yes: I ended up phoning the police.

Which is when my mysterious visitor decided to move on.

After swearing at me a lot.

Frankly, after all that … ?

I’m knackered: and going to bed.

But wanted to get started on this review: of what I’ve seen on TV, tonight.

Yes: I’ve seen episode two of Watchmen …

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd September, 2020.

23rd September, 2020.

Yes: I’ve had a late night.

Or, at least, comparatively late: compared to late nights I had when I was a teenager.

Isn’t is always the way?

At any rate … ?

I was up, watching Watchmen.

I have to say, I was impressed with Penny Dreadful: City of Angels and The Mandalorian.

Watchman?

Is a step or two above both.

~≈⇪≈~

Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 1 — It’s Summer and We’re Running Out of Ice — A Review

22nd September, 2020.

Laundry … ?

Laundry, laundry, laundry … !

I knew there was something I needed to do: take the laundry out of the tumble dryer!

Never mind!

I can do that in the morning.

Right now?

I’ve just seen a TV series: one that’s won awards.

One with superheroes.

Yes.

I’ve started watching series one of Watchmen.

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-2-2020: Friday

28th February, 2020.

Yes: it’s official.

I have an earworm … and I think I know what’s given it to me.

I’ve had my usual bowl of cornflakes, this morning.

And had the BBC’s teletext news, on whilst eating.

And noticed that a proposed safe injection site in Philadelphia had been cancelled: after wide spread opposition.

A safe injection site, so you know?   Is a safe area for addicts to inject: and something that used to be called shooting galleries.

Either way … ?

The line “In any shooting gallery, where promise are made,” immediately went through my mind … and let Dire Straits’ Tunnel of Love start banging through my head!

Lovely … 

~≈§≈~

Watching the Watchmen … again …

Well, yes …

But Adrian hadn’t seen it, bless him …

And I’ve got to admit, I’m still impressed … ish!

Now, long time readers of the ‘Old Peculiar’ will have realised I saw “Watchmen” in March, not long after it had its UK cinema release.

So being able to see it again, on DVD, was something of a treat.

But it was also nice to have Adrian’s reactions to it; his thoughts were — and I’m sure he’ll correct me, if I get him wrong — was that he liked the characters, but felt it could have been better done.

Or have had a touch more back-story, for each of them.

Which is where we have a problem, as he happily admitted; after all, I’ve read the original graphic novel, and he hasn’t. He was quite happy to point out I could fill in a lot of gaps.

I know that’s something I personally couldn’t disagree, though; having read the graphic novel, I’ve been able to take my time, and have a touch more insight into the story being told.

And realise that Zack Snyder would’ve had to make a longer movie, had he tried to throw in everything.

And, as I think I mentioned to Adrian, two movies would’ve been good. But I don’t think there was enough material to do three films, which always tends to play well, with the cinema going public.

He did get me noticing one thing, though; that the character of Laurie Jupiter — her with the shiny latex — could’ve been a touch better filled out …

In a back-story, or emotional way, before someone says anything … … !

We had noticed Night Owl has … quirks …

Yes, quirk is definitely the word, I think; after all, Dan Dreiberg is someone who pulse only gets racing, after he’s put on more rubber-wear than Laurie Jupiter, and beaten someone up.

Make of that what you will.

I do still think “Watchmen” is worth the time or money that one chooses to invest in it, from pretty much the reasons I stated when I first saw it, though.

The “Watchmen” … is worth watching!

The Daily Teaser.

You know, I’ve got to admit, I’m writing this with a copy of “Watchmen” in the background.

Which still looks as fantastic as it did, back in March. I’ve got half an eye on a sequence involving Doctor Manhatten.

The key one, of him being interviewed?

Wonderful stuff.

Anyway, here’s today’s questions …

Q1) July 22^nd, 1298, saw William Wallace defeat at the Battle of Falkirk; by which forces lead by which English king?

Q2) Today in 1812 saw Arthur Wellesley defeat the French at the Battle of Salamanca; how was Arthur Wellesley better known?

Q3) July 22^nd is also the birthday of actor Willem Dafoe; in which 1988 Martin Scorcese film did he play the central character?

Q4) July 22^nd, 1934, saw the mortal wounding of John Dillinger, known to the FBI as ‘Public Enemy No. 1’; who plays Dillinger, in the upcoming film, “Public Enemies”?

Q5) And finally, today in 1965, saw Sir Alec Douglas-Home step down as leader of the Opposition; which means he was leader of which British political party?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) Who was elected as Labour Party leader, on the 21^st July , 1994?

A1) Tony Blair.

Q2) More to the point, which British constituency did he represent?

A2) Sedgefield.

Q3) July 21^st, 1970, saw the completion of which dam?

A3) The Aswan Dam.

Q4) And in 1831, Leopold 1^st became the first king of which European country?

A4) Belgium.

Q5) And finally, the James-Younger gang — led by Jesse James — pull off the first successful what, in the USA?

A5) Train robbery.

Enjoy those, folks! I’ll catch you later!

Who Watches The Watchmen … ?

9th March, 2009

Well, I was, tonight, along with my two kid sisters, Anna and Ruth.

I’ve got to say “Thank You”, there, by the way; – that was me birthday treat, for this year.

And I’ll admit to being impressed … Ish.

Now, as my long term readers may have gathered, I’m usually red hot about hot movie adaptations of novels – graphic or otherwise – being as close as possible to the source material, whilst making the – hopefully minimal – changes and cuts needed to make a workable film.

In one sense, I think Zack Snyder’s take on Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s text succeeded; – what’s on screen is justified by what’s in the original source material.

Including the changed ending.

Although that isn’t what’s in the original graphic novel, it does match “Who Watches The Watchmen” in intent; unlike Ridley Scott’s film version of the Thomas Harris novel, Hannibal.

Or that’s my thinking, anyway.

I do know any really radical changes would have caused an absolute uproar.

But it’s also where “Watchmen” does suffer a bit; – Mr Snyder’s a fan of the original graphic novel and made a very commendable effort to get as much on screen as possible.

Which means it does drag, a bit.

Hence the ‘impressed-ish’ comment I opened with.

But fans won’t be disappointed, I think, particularly with the very strong ensemble cast: Jackie Earle Haley’s performance as Rorschach stood out.

It’s not a match for the late Heath Ledger as the Joker, in Dark Knight.

But it did catch my attention.

And a bloody good performance.

It’s just a shame that there isn’t an Oscar available for best Ensemble cast, though; – this, I think, would deserve a nomination.

I don’t think it would get it; – genre movies generally don’t.

But it’d be nice to see it happen.   I’m just happy the Peter Jackson cut of “The Lord of The Rings” was rather blessed, in that regard.   Saying that, the Tolkien books have been around for just shy of six decades.   That, along with Jackson’s superb work in making the films, gives the  “Lord of the Rings” series a lot of respectability.

Back to the “Watchmen”, though.

Let’s mention the soundtrack, shall we?   Briefly?   Because it’s absolute rock solid stuff.

Which is what caught me about the opening titles, I’ll admit; – a scene-setting, potted history of the Watchmen universes history, set to Bob Dylan’s The Times, They Are A Changin’.

Actually, I think Bob Dylan’ll earn a bob or two, from it; – they used  the Hendrix version of All Along The Watchtower, as as well.   As Dylan wrote it …

Talking of timing, by the way, Zack Snyder must’ve seen “Apocalypse Now”; – there’s a very well timed use of Ride of the Valkryries.   I don’t think Francis Ford Coppola had Doctor Manhattan in mind, but …

But, anyway …

I’m pleased to have seen Watchmen.

I am.

It’s a tough job, turning such a complex graphic novel into a film.   Snyder’s done a workmanlike job of it, though.   It could’ve been better paced, I think, but that’s countered by the simple fact that what’s on screen is justifiable by what’s in the book.   It’s a very dark, murky graphic novel, turned into an equally dark, murky film.   One that won’t necessarily appeal to to your average 18 year goth kid, I think.   Plenty of them, there, last night …

And it won’t be for the squeamish, I think — if anything, the movie’s* a touch more graphic than the graphic novel — but it’s a good, dark, complicated flick, that you’ve got to concentrate on, to keep up with.   Read the book, on this one, folks; – you will need it.

* The sequence with Rorscharch in gaol are somewhat more over the top than the original.   And while both the film and the book aren’t exactly lovefestª’s, they both make the link between costumes and bonking perfectly clear.   You’ve got to wonder about Alan Moore’s lovelife, sometimes …

ª And both Anna and Ruth agreed a certain blue person had treated a certain other character rather badly.   Anna’s word’s?  “Well, he could’ve put a ring on her finger …!”.   I swear, she’s starting to sound more like Gran, every day …