Although not as in-depth as the acclaimed graphic novel, Zack Snyder's "Watchmen" is a compelling, visually stunning rendition that will amuse those who have read the novel as well as the average moviegoer.

The story of "Watchmen" is set in an alternate 1985, with most of the heroes having been forced out of their costumes by the government. The film starts just as the graphic novel does, with the murder of the masked vigilante known as The Comedian. This death unravels a series of events linked much deeper than any of the characters could have imagined.

Rorschach, arguably the most interesting of the characters, is a sort of detective masked hero. Having never bent to the will of politicians, he takes the initiative in trying to piece together this mystery.

The film takes a darker look into the world of the masked avenger than previous "superhero" movies like "Spider-Man." It is a very violent feature, more so than to the extent of which it was advertised. Obviously, the movie is intentionally not for kids.

The violence is brutally extreme in parts to say the least, but it is not too over-the-top or overdone. Some scenes may cause an uneasy feeling for those who become easily squeamish, as the bludgeoning of a skull with a meat cleaver or a very aggressive and violent rape scene.

The music in the film compliments the events superbly and makes for a great soundtrack as well. The costume design and set design are both very well constructed and well adapted from the novel.

The cinematography gives the film a great look reminiscent to that of "Sin City" and "300," Snyder's previous epic referenced numerous times in the film. Snyder's obsession with the slow motion effect is not so much overdone as it is amusing to watch and gives the film a very stylish look.

One of the great aspects of "Watchmen" is the cast and how well they portray the characters, Jakie Earl Haley, whose dark and ominous tone gives the film its spooky narration, is a perfect fit for the short and short tempered Rorschach.

On the other hand, Malin Akerman [Silk Spectre II] falls to pieces whenever she opens her mouth, although she does quite well in the action scenes. If the audience can ignore Akerman's overall wooden acting, they will most likely have no problem watching her on screen.

The story mirrors the novel immaculately and stays very true to the book, though making some minor, but nonetheless slightly irritating changes. There are substantial reasons for some of these changes, as with the ending, but fans of the novel will most likely pick out and criticize every little difference.

Viewers who have not read the novel may not necessarily be confused by the movie, but rather they may not be as attached to the characters as the fanboys, or fangirls. It is a slightly complex movie for the average person to grasp if they don't already understand the story.