It is a great movie. Loved it. But if you never read the comic book or heard of it then it might be a little too subtle and complex for the general audience. Too much was edited for the theather release. (havent watched the Director's cut but he added about 30mins of footage, hopefully solved that issue)

It is not mainstream comic action. It brings super hero into reality with real world problems. It shows that superhero is not all mighty and powerful as the mainstream comic superheros. See how a super hero is actually just another person.

One of the reason why the comic was such a big deal was the story telling. Each issue(12 issues in all) has some excerpt of each character, told in newspaper articles, in psycology reports, etc... Which was why they said that the movie could not be made. That is also why you say there is a lot to talking and character building because that is what the movie is about. A detective movie with complex characters who so happens to be superheroes. (Read:not a superhero/action movie)

Watch it in that frame of mind and you will enjoy it more, if you want action then go watch Ironman or Dark Knight. This is not an action movie.

Will get it once I get a BD player(waiting for the PS3 slim to come out... )