Watchmen (R)

Zack Snyder’s long-anticipated adaptation of the Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons graphic novel designated one of the “100 best English-language novels from 1923 to the present” by Time magazine opens after a nasty studio legal battle and plenty of griping from the ever-cranky Moore. The real question, though, is whether audiences will respond to how Snyder (“300”) has adapted the so-called “unfilmmable” story about who’s murdering the members of a retired superheroes group. Best guess? Yes. Fans of the comic will show up in droves, possibly clutching their Dr. Manhattan lunchboxes. Note to parents: Remember “The Dark Knight,” and take that R rating seriously. These are not your grandpa’s superheroes.

Phoebe in Wonderland (PG-13)

A little girl (Elle Fanning, Dakota’s sister) has trouble following the rules. Don’t we all? She finds solace in her unconventional drama teacher. The film boasts an intriguing adult cast Felicity Huffman, Patricia Clarkson, Campbell Scott, Bill Pullman but this small indie effort is going to have a tough time doing battle with Rorschach and his “Watchmen” cronies.

By Connie Ogle / McClatchy Tribuen