So let’s talk about Watchmen. I saw it last weekend and plan to see it at least once more in the theater, which is unusual these days. But that’s only because it was a beautiful piece of work.

It was an almost unqualified triumph when you consider that for so many years, the graphic novel was deemed “unfilmable.” It was genuinely moving, whether through the ongoing acknowledgment that the film makers cared about the source material through the use of every specific line of dialogue or distinctive visual, or just through the many sensitive portrayals of the relationships in the story (the Jon/Janey thread in particular made me shed a tear in a way the book never did).

Sure, there are things that are different. But all of my disappointment – which was very minor – was really only centered on a few cosmetic changes in the last five minutes. Most of the big changes, including the oft-discussed climax, are so well thought out they actually make the story more thematically and/or emotionally resonant than without them. One minor dialogue shift toward the end gives Jon a more satisfying departure that underlines his rediscovered appreciation for human life. I would argue that in many places, the book had an intellectual impact, but the movie provides more heart. Yes, I think the movie improves on Moore’s original story, that’s what I said. Moore isn’t God…although the jury is still out on Dr. Manhattan.

The entire cast does a great job, even the frequently maligned Malin Akerman. I thought she was equal parts sweet, sexy and a bit disturbing, as Laurie should be. I liked Billy Crudup’s soft-spoken, quiet Jon/Dr. Manhattan (aided of course by plenty of well-done CGI). To me he nails the character in a way I might never have thought of myself – seemingly cold and detached, but sounding like a young boy lost in a world he doesn’t understand. And Jeffrey Dean Morgan, well, how can you grow to care so much about the reprehensible Comedian? Another great characterization. Even a small appearance by the always reliable Matt Frewer as Moloch is pitch perfect. But if I had to pick just one, Jackie Earle Haley walks away with the movie as Rorschach and should get an Oscar nomination. His performance made it possible for me to care about him so much that in his final scene, when he had tears in his eyes, I did too.

Ultimately this story is about identity. There are those that have embraced the fact that their true self is an external mask – Rorschach – some who struggle with trying to leave that behind – Dan – and some that refuse to accept that the mask/suit was their better self – Laurie. And it all comes through.

If I had one major complaint, it’s that the movie could definitely stand to be even longer. Almost three hours? Not enough time to get into the world of these people (even with that superb, emotional opening title sequence), and I’m very glad to know an extended cut is coming. Some of the things I wish were included might turn up there (one omitted scene with Hollis Mason I know for certain is in that cut), which would only mean I’d have even less of the little disappointment I felt. But they did the book proud and made a movie that is both a spectacle and a moving experience.

The one thing I can’t speak to, however, is what a non-fan or non-reader of the book will get out of this film, because I did feel at every turn that much of the movie only functioned for those who would know what’s coming next, so that every homage or nod or visual would have weight. But for those that come to this cold? Hopefully it will still have an impact, but I don’t know if it would be as profound or satisfying. I hope so.

UPDATED: Since writing this for my column appearing this past Friday, the movie has dropped over 70% at the box office in its second weekend, which says to me – and I usually hate making these kinds of blanket statements – that the mainstream movie-going audience doesnt know what to make of Watchmen. They’re going to see another Spider-Man or even Dark Knight, and instead they’re getting a very emotionally heavy, violent, sexually charged, thought-provoking look at identity and humanity that doesn’t fit their preconceptions of what a comic book movie should be.

I saw it again this past Saturday in IMAX – which I highly recommend, as this movie was made for that epic presentation – and I have an even higher opinion of it than before. It’s a brilliant piece of work, not just a beautiful tribute to the source material but a movie that stands on its own as a dark and moving rumination on where our hearts might lead us. I’ll be watching this movie for the rest of my life; I hope it finds a more appreciative audience in the years ahead via DVD and other formats.