Based on the famed graphic novel by Alan Moore, "Watchmen: Chapter I" sets the well-known tale of superheroes in distress in an animated format. One by one the caped and masked crusaders of yore are either being killed off or disgraced. Who or what's responsible? And why?

For one thing, this flick's a one-off. With a futuristic Manhattan nocturne illuminated by bright neons amidst a dark tone you've got a raspy-voiced thug who's supposed to be a superhero interrogating everybody; a sociopathic meathead called "The Comedian" flung out of a high-rise out of his misery; a nude man in blue who flies to Mars; an effeminate blonde whose supposed to be the smartest man in the world; and a woman dying of cancer. Throw in a love story with the usual law chase tacked in the end and you've got your adult toon in a nifty package.

I had high expectations for this being a fan of cartoons (wholesome and otherwise) for the mature crowd. Like the comic it's based on I found it satisfactory and underwhelming. While watchable with the intriguing plot and quite appealing graphics the flaws rear out early on. Aside from the somewhat crude animation the disappointing script and storyline left a lot to be desired. It's as if some dork let loose with his social shortcomings highlighted his interactional inadequacy by stymying what should have been a deep and compellingly well-rounded thriller on the proverbial battle between good and evil. Instead what you get is a fairly run-down chronology of ho-hum characters with ho-hum lives and the obligatory fistfights and beatings inserted amidst a filmful of talk. With animations like this, 6 year olds with theirs have more fun.

At the end of the film there's a preview (albeit a too lengthy one) of the sequel to this film and it seems to hold more promise: seemingly more action-packed and less talky it bodes for a punchier, more consistent view.

Who's watching "The Watchmen" ?