Released: 02/17/06

Viewed: 2:30pm 03/01/06

Starring: Konstantin Khabensky, Vladimir Menshov, Valeri Zolotukhin

Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov

Fox Searchlight Official Site of the movie

Russia got so fed up of all these American trilogy franchise masterpieces, that they decided to make their own, and in the process put a handful of our blockbusters to shame. It's no Matrix or Indiana Jones but it certainly kicks the crap out of the Mummy movies.

Night watch is part one of that trilogy that deals with themes that may not surprise you. It's filled with good vs. evil, vampires, children with mysterious powers. The best ideas are the best ideas for a reason. They work. And even in Russian, even with subtitles, even with a few minor pacing problems, it definitely works here.

Anton Gordetsky is a lost youth who finds his true purpose during a desperate attempt to regain a lost love. He discovers secret abilities. Abilities that qualify him to become a Nightwatcher. Nightwatchers are creatures of good that police the activities of the evil, making sure they don't cross any lines. The evil creatures of the world have their own Daywatchers that work the opposite beat making sure that the truce between good and evil stays properly balanced. Think Cops with shirtless hillbilly criminals that are invisible and trying to suck your blood.

They've got super powers and they use them. We're treated to a lot of cool conceptual action with morphing cat ladies and wireworks galore. It all looks sharp and is very believable in the adapted environment. It's further helped by spectacular work behind the camera. Beautiful angles and calculated compositions make the film as much a work of art as it is knock down drag out vampire flick.

If you're turned off by subtitles ? don't worry. There's enough action to fill the void, and if that weren't enough the subtitles are ALIVE. They're part of the environment, part of the atmosphere. When someone screams the subtitles grow and break apart. It's cool enough that you won't mind doing a little extra reading.

The one fault I found with the movie was the pacing. It seems to drag a bit in the middle and I'm not really sure why. It's not like the plot gets too thick or the action too sparse, but I do feel like things could have been stepped up a little. "Get to the point" you know?

I'd like to stay away from spoilers and just tell you that they've really gone the extra mile to create their own story here. Societies, history, prophecies and the like are all carefully constructed to Lucas proportions. I got the feeling that I could point at one of the random characters in the background and say "what's that guys story" and be met with a novel length biography detailing everything from lineage to sperm count. They've truly created a world of their own.

Nightwatch is fantastic ride as they educate you on the past and slowly reveal the new challenges of the future. It's a film worthy of its cult status. And most cult films aren't.

Rating: 7 out of 10

I liked it a great deal, but dropped some points for the pacing problems. It took me out of the film that much. There is hope though? This movie has actually been out since 2004 with its sequel coming out in Russia this year. Of course it's become so popular that a US produced one is now in the works and will no doubt feature like, Paul Walker or somebody. I'm ok with bringing it to the US as long as they stay true to original themes and the original spirit that made these Russian versions so good. The major benefit I can see is that the funding would be behind it. We might be able to see that dude turn into a bear this time. They tease you so bad ? "Yep, I can change into a bear." Then why don't you, jerk!?

DVD worthy?: I'm on the fence. The movie alone was good but not awesome. I do feel it would be better with a complete set so part of me would like to wait and see if they continue the story and I would just buy a full franchise. As a stand-alone though, I'm not so sure.

If you liked this movie check out: Constantine

Constantine had the same sort of feeling to it. Lots of interesting ideas centered on this hidden world of good and evil. The comic I did points to a better series of movies to check out, but Constantine retains the same grit that Nightwatch captured so well.

I liked Constantine, but didn't love it. Most people down right hated it, but some of that I feel is a little misguided. It had a lot to live up to being based on one of the greatest comic books of all time, and one of the most real and truthfully bad ass characters in comics history, the movie could never live up to the fan boy expectations.

Like many movies (Godzilla Aeon Flux), it was a half way decent movie that may have been excepted better if it were disassociated from it's source material. As Constantine, it's a poor adaptation. As Keanue versus Heaven and Hell, it's a cool little movie.

Trailer Hitch: "Where's Mamma!?"

Ok, there were no new trailers before Nightwatch so I decided I want to talk a little more about The Hills Have Eyes. I've pretty much decided that I will not see this movie because it's too freaky. I can deal with horror, I can deal with gore, it's the deformed monster aspect that is wigging me out. Not that I have problem with deformities. People are people. But exploiting that in the interest of horror is a little much.

It is effective. To me anyway. If I were to see it I do know what the comic would be. In the trailer someone actually screams "Where's Mamma!?". I'm sorry, but that is the funniest thing in the world. Couldn't tell you why, it just tickles me. So if there were a comic it would just be me laughing hysterically after the guy says that. So it's probably a good idea I'm not going through with it.

If there are any brave souls out there that would like to write a guest review for The Hills Have Eyes, shoot me an e-mail and I'll happily do a comic to go along with it. I'll even put you in the comic if you can provide a photo. Let me know.

Vote Bonus:

Vote today to see my version of a Jedi Vampire. It was actually kind of fun with all the tattoos and stuff. Sort of would like to explore it more. Maybe make a proper meme out of it over at LJ.

Non movie related stuff:

Had an interview go up yesterday over at Stumblebum Studios. Lots of fun, a couple of twist questions that I really enjoyed. Want my deep thoughts on Pictionary? Look no further, the answers are within.

The man behind the interview also happens to be behind one of my favorite new reads Cultural Void. It just celebrated it's 1 year mark, but I've only been reading for a couple of months, so I'm still in the lovey dovey stage. Soon it will turn to bitter phone calls and accusations of cheating with other web comics. Until then? it's magic. Thanks for the interview and the great comics, Dave.

I'm happy to report I'm participating in guest week over at The Outer Circle. Like last weeks guest spot over at Hell Ain't So Bad I became a huge fan of the strip in the process of researching the guest spot. TOC is a fantastic devilishly funny read told from the perspective of the creator that knows he's in the comic. Comes out daily too so there's always something waiting for you. Definitely worth your time.

Man, there's tons of stuff going on. I'll need to save some of it for the next comic. And that comic will be one devoted to the Oscars. That will go up tomorrow. Sorry to anyone asking for advice on this past weekends movies. Those comics should be up later this week. In summary: Ultraviolet - Violently craptasticle. 16 Blocks - A little slow but worth the walk. Thanks for reading!