The Watchmen and Coraline in 3D

I lump these two films together because they have many similarities:

A) They are based on highly-successful texts: a graphic novel and a childrens' novella respectively
B) They take place within the American modern world, yet are enhanced by terrifying and whimsical special effects
C) In spite of clever visuals, they drag on too long. I checked my watch several times.
D) They were strategically released around the same time by the studios: February/March swamp season. There is something significant about that decision which should not be ignored. These films are not to be considered for Oscar consideration nor to compete with summer blockbusters.

I had infinite expectations for Coraline. It is rare that I am so keen to see an animated film, but the trailer looked magical and engaging. The reviews were so glowing. But in spite of all the wonderment of this world created within a ram shackled house, the author failed to establish a journey. I didn't feel as if Coraline really went through a journey with lessons. It was a typical Wizard of Oz arch (there's no place like home) but the Oz she steps into is simply scary and disconcerting. There isn't really a conflict. There is a lot of shrill animated Terri Hatcher and loony side characters without any charm. Sure I loved the images -- the flowering garden, the mango milkshakes descending from the ceiling, the transitions between technicolor and sketchy grayscale. But if I want to see some excellent art, I will go to the MOMA. When I come to the theatre, I want a compelling story with my 3-D glasses.

The Watchmen also lost my attention even though it too had some merits. The opening credit sequence is one of the best I've ever seen and completely succeeded in expediating exposition in a fascinating way. However, the gang of heroes featured some major duds which caused issue with pacing. Dr. Manhattan...was...boring...each of his scenes seem to stretch out across time and space. The chick that played Laurie (a Swede)...yawn. Patrick Wilson, really? Must you always play pent-up sexual frustration types? Why are you in this movie? I don't really want to spend time critiquing this film because it is so epic and requires quite a bit to successfully support my case. But suffice to say, I was not entertained by a 2.5+ hour storyboard. When adapting from source text, decisions must be made, things cut, angles selected. In spite of all the danger abounding in Watchmen, the writers played it pretty safe so as not to alienate their fanbase. But the ultimate slap is an unmemorable movie buried in March.

Dull the pain with snacks from Shack Shake...now on the upper west side near the Natural History Museum.