The Watchers

Monica: So who watches the Watchmen?

Paige: We do. I mean did. Twice.

Monica: Yeah, it was pretty sweet.

Paige: Sweet?! It wasn't just sweet. It was fantastic! It was awesome! I so loved it. It was the comic book, but bigger and brighter on the big screen. If you're a fan of the book, I think this is the best movie interpretation they could have done, short of the inevitable director's cut, which I must say I'm greatly looking forward to.

Monica: Well, it was pretty good.

Paige: Huh. You're not exactly showing the enthusiasm.

Monica: Oh, I liked it, don't get me wrong. Just not like you did.

Paige: Well, if it wasn't the bestest thing you ever saw, what do you think about it?

Monica: Uhm... well... How do I put this... How old are we?

Paige: Do you mean human years or doll years?

Monica: Human, I guess. It's hard enough thinking in doll time.

Paige: Well, I suppose we're about twenty one?

Monica: Yeah, that sounds right. So the movie takes place in 1985. So what the hell do we know about 1985? We're the 9/11 generation, sis. I don't know anything about that Vietnam stuff. Talk about hard to relate. And who the hell is Richard Nixon to me? That is so yesteryear. I have enough trouble thinking about last year let alone twenty!

Paige: Well, I suppose you might be right. But RB filled me on everything. He was an '80s kid after all. But hey, if you know anything about the cold war, just imagine what a difference those superheroes would have made. It's mind blowing. They were amazing, even if they didn't have super powers. Well, everyone but Dr. Manhattan.

Monica: Yeah, and what's with that? They're all like... normal screwed up people. Iron Man was awesome, even if he did drink like a fish. Spiderman was awesome, despite his being all nerdy. But that Rorschach guy? He was just mean and paranoid, and let's not even talk about his issues. I do have to say, though, Dr. Manhattan had a really nice... butt. Giggle

Paige: Uhm, yeah. He was... well formed. But besides that, I think that's the whole point of the movie. Before Watchmen the comic came out, every comic was like Spiderman and Iron Man. They just weren't really human, you know? And now this movie is doing the same thing. Every bad review I've read said just what you said. It wasn't Spiderman. Well no duh! It's not supposed to be. I'm hoping this movie does to Hollywood what Watchmen did to comic books. I'd like to see things with real people, not all that feel good fluff. No wonder Hollywood has been complaining that people aren't watching movies like they used to. It's because they keep coming out with mindless crap.

Monica: Hey, I like mindless crap... I mean light entertainment. I don't want to go to movies to watch depressed people. I just want to have fun and not think for a couple hours.

Paige: That's because you don't like thinking in general. No wonder you didn't like it. All you do is go see stuff like Paul Blart: Mall Cop. Huff

Monica: I did not go see Paul Blart. Even I have my limits. And I didn't say I didn't like Watchmen. I did. I just wasn't all jump around excited. You can't seem to sit still for one minute thinking about it.

Paige: That's because it was perfect. A perfect movie about a perfect comic book.

Monica: Well, I can think of better things to get all hot and bothered about. In fact, there's one thing around here that can get me wiggling in my seat. Where is RB anyway?

Paige: Sigh He's around here somewhere. I think he said something about re-reading the comic.

Monica: Oh goody. I think it's time for a little distraction from all that depressing stuff.

Paige: You know, sometimes he just likes having an intellectual conversation. That's why we get along so well.

Monica: Talk is for pansies. I like to get more... physical. Smirk

Paige: Ah. Now I know what you really liked about Watchmen. I think a little scene aboard Archie may have been to your liking.

Monica: Yeah, I can see being really worked up after a good fight. And those costumes were pretty swank, especially peeling out of them.

Paige: Ooh, grand idea. I'll see if I can find a Silk Specter outfit somewhere.

Monica: Now you're talking. Nothing like a little spandex to get the blood pumping.

The Watchmen

Paige: Hey sis. I think we're really overdo for a conversation. What do you say?

Monica: Oh oh.

Paige: What?

Monica: This is going to be one of those, isn't it.

Paige: I have no idea what you mean.

Monica: Well, you have that serious look, which I know means that today's title has nothing to do with the upcoming movie and that you want to say something serious. I really hate serious. I told you I hate serious, right? Really. Hate. Serious.

Paige: Well, it can't be all fun and games, now, can it?

Monica: Well, why not?

Paige: Because. RB has been really struggling lately. He's had a lot on his mind, and I think it's our duty to help him sort it out. Don't you?

Monica: Sigh Well, I'll do anything for RB. You know that. But geez, do we have to, you know, be serious?

Paige: Sorry, no other way to do it.

Monica: Oh, ok. I suppose. Slump

Paige: Ok, I wanted to talk to you about guilt.

Monica: Oh you have got to be kidding! Why should I feel guilty about anything?

Paige: See! That's what I need. I didn't mean you should feel guilty. I figured you could help RB figure out all this guilt stuff he's been going through. Who better than you to set him straight?

Monica: Oh, I feel so honored.

Paige: Well, you are the expert.

Monica: Hey, if RB should feel guilty about anything, it's that he's feeling guilty. I know he's one of those new age sensitive guy types, and that's sweet and all, but really, he needs to get a grip. He's not doing anyone any favors. Guilt isn't about dealing with your stuff, its about running away.

Paige: Ooh You got that right. He really has been running away from things. Poor guy has even been hiding away from his friends. That's why I thought we'd speak up. If he won't, who else will?

Monica: Well, if you put it that way, then he should forget all this guilt crap. If anything he should be ashamed of himself.

Paige: Hey, be nice!

Monica: No, really. I mean, RB hates causing others pain, right? The guy can't smash a mosquito without feeling bad. So if he's feeling guilty it's because he feels bad about hurting others. But by running away that's exactly what he's doing. What did you tell me about that class you took? Shame based versus guilt based cultures, right? Well, someone needs to slap him upside the head and set him straight because all that internal struggle stuff isn't doing him any good. Now that's a good use for shame.

Paige: You shouldn't use my words against me, or RB. It's not good.

Monica: But am I wrong?

Paige: No, you're not wrong. Sigh

Monica: So there. I'm always right.

Paige: Oh, I didn't say that.

Monica: You might as well have. The blonde is always right. But hey, not to change the subject, which I most definitely want to do, but what's with today's blog title anyway?

Paige: Well, the movie is coming out tomorrow, and I'm so looking forward to it, but I thought it might make a good metaphor for what RB has been going through.

Monica: How so?

Paige: Well, part of the problem is that he feels he's been taking all the responsibility for stuff. The thing is, one person can never be responsible for everything. It takes at least two to have a conflict. So if someone is screwing up, who takes the responsibility to fix it?

Monica: Oh, I get it! Uhm... everyone has to to take responsibility. Who watches the watchmen? The watchmen watch each other!

Paige: Not bad. Plato would be proud. Yes, that's what I mean.

Monica: Still, I believe we can only be responsible for ourselves. So how does that fit in?

Paige: Yeah, you're right. Still means RB can't do it all by himself. He's feeling guilty because he thinks he fell down on the job, so to speak, but there was no way he could do the job by himself.

Monica: Well then, he should stop feeling guilty, shouldn't he. Smile

Paige: Oh so clever. Yes, you're right. You're always right. I worship at your feet you're so right.

Monica: Ah, now that's the way it should be. Mind massaging my foot while you're down there? Yes, a little to the left. That's it...