Under the Hood

Like with the DVD release of the Dark Knight, though this time much earlier to coincide with the theatrical release, DC put together this short documentary as a companion piece cum extra to the "source" of the film, which itself is a take-off on the in-between chapters of the Watchmen book. Hollis Mason, the original Nite Owl in Watchmen, writes an autobiography chronicling the history of the costumed heroes that are a big deal in the 40s, then becoming less of a "fad" in the 1950s and then being outlawed, all with the prose of who was originally a NYC police officer. It's a series of interviews doen in faux 1970 style TV (even includes a few "vintage" commercials, one of the three actually quite funny), with an interviewer who gets the actors playing the characters to improvise (or maybe it's all written, I can see that very well being the case as well) on the subjects posed and raised. It's fun to watch and a little clever, but is mostly a cookie- it's got not much else really substantial out of it unless you have read the book. Certain characters pop up that are not in Snyder's theatrical cut of Watchmen (i.e. Captain Metropolis), and it doesn't run too long to over-stay its welcome. This said, the other little 'goodies' presented by Snyder and company - the other fake news segments on the likes of Dr. Manhattan that appeared online - were better.

This short mockumentary is produced as a side-feature to the Watchmen film. It basically offers a wealth of interviews intended to offer more depth and insight to the characters and the world they live in.

The biggest value in watching this feature would be in better understanding the history of the Watchmen's characters; history that's perhaps referenced in the main film, but rarely elaborated on. However, it's not like the film never gave too little information; everything in Under the Hood is extra credit, to satisfy those fans who might be curious to know more. It's pretty interesting, but in the end, it doesn't resonate as strongly as the main film, or the Tales of the Black Freighter, which actually told a relevant story. The best that Under the Hood can do is lend the film a greater sense of authenticity, and translate even more of the Watchmen comic for viewers. Otherwise, I was left feeling that this was a little pointless.

For what it's worth though, the film is consistent in keeping up with the look, style, and era of the main film. It uses simple, interview-style camera-work and editing, and it even has a few old-fashioned commercials thrown in. Acting and writing is not bad. Most sets, props, and costumes appear authentic.

Best recommended to Watchmen fans.

3/5 (Entertainment: Average | Story: Average | Film: Average)

I'm not a fan of the Watchmen, in fact I'd go as far as to say I really don't like it. I've never understood the appeal, I understand what they were going for but I just don't enjoy it.

Going into this little side piece from the 2009 movie, a 40 minute faux documentary piece I knew it never really stood a chance.

It's created in the form of a news show, a host interviewing the former heroes and looking back at their storied careers.

The fact they got some of the original cast involved is impressive, especially the excellent Carla Gugino and Matt Frewer.

The presentation is great, but this is aimed at fans and only fans.

The Good:

Great cast

The Bad:

I don't see the appeal

More than slightly boring

Things I Learnt From This Short:

Sani Flush cleans inside the bowl!

This faux news show featuring interviews with Hollis Mason (Stephen McHattie) and Silk Spectre among others about Mason's superhero expose 'Under the Hood' which runs 37 & a half minutes and can be found as an extra on the DVD of "Tales of the Black Freighter" (and presumingly on the upcoming special edition of "Watchman" as well) feels rushed and too cut and dried. Although this was supposed to be an old 1970's news show complete with commercials, it didn't really have that feel in the least so the general conceit of it just falls flat. Worth a watch for only the die-hard fans of "Watchman" and sadly not worth the time invested for anyone else.

My Grade: C-

Look if you like the Watchmen movie and/or the graphic novel then give this a watch. They did such a great job with it and it does exactly what it needs to: gives some background (like why some of the minutemen have the names that they have) and fills in small questions that you did and didnt know you had. So impressed with this.