From the new stills on its IMDb page, it looks like Watchmen (2009) will truly capture the atmosphere of the graphic novel (or comic book miniseries, depending on when you read it). The street scenes are dressed to reflect the era and location in which the story takes place; New York City, 1985.

You may be asking, “Jeff, how the fuck are we supposed to relate to a story about a time before I was born and a place that became irrevocably changed in late 2001?!?”

Well, not only does Watchmen address an event similar to 9/11, you Kanye West-loving whipper-snappers are all now wearing the same ridiculous shit some people thought was the cutting edge of fashion in 1985.

You may now be asking, “Jeff, haven’t there been enough fucking superhero movies?!?”

This is a brilliant story that not only address the logistical realities of a “Justice League” type group of heroes, but also takes into account how political attitudes toward such a group of heroes might flow along with the national/international events of a given historical epoch. For example, WWII is hailed as a glorious war, and costumed superheroes of that time would probably be held in similar regard. Vietnam War era superheroes might face a public-opinion backlash similar to what the government and military felt…

And you may now be asking, “Jeff, wasn’t that what Mystery Men was all about?!?”

Touché!

Helmed by 300’s Zack Snyder, I think it looks like a very promising film. The production stills of the superheroes in their costumes are pretty damn interesting. They are based on other heroes’ costumes, but done with a very high production value, and some even resemble the gilded outfits from a classical epic (i.e., 300).