So, more with the deconstruction yesterday. Marta Murvosh, Lisa Costello and I watched a double feature of the director's extended cut of Watchmen (2009) [ imdb ], followed by Mystery Men (1999) [ imdb ]. Those movies are oddly well matched. First, cynical superheroes in a dying world (with some odd echoes of Incredibles, intended or not). Then, earnest not-quite-superheroes in a world sort of like Bladerunner filtered through Pleasantville. Plus, Herkimer Battle Jitney! And Geoffrey Rush! And bonus Tom Waites! In both cases, the superhero dialect is turned on its ear in different directions. If we'd had time, we could have watched Kick-Ass (2010) [ imdb ] for the trifecta.
I like to be entertained. I like to think. (Even through the chemo fog.) Watchmen and Mystery Men were a great way to do both those things and have a hell of a good time. Gently (and not-so-gently) mocking love letters to the superhero genre.
As The Shoveler says: "We've got a blind date with destiny... and it looks like she's ordered the lobster."