So, you've watched the movie!
I agree, "Day watch" was far better then "Night watch". As they say it here, in Russia, the NW opened the line of truly well-filmed russian movies like "State Councilor" but it was still not high-quality. It was like a presentation of new russian abilities. We wanted the world to know that Hollywood is not better for us then our own movies.

I liked Galina Tunina in the movie best of all. She was able to play a man in a woman's body so convincingly!
I also liked the ending. Did I understand it right, you've already read Watches-series of Sergey Lukianenko? Then you must know that they've changed not only the ending but the whole plot. Not entirely but still... It was thoughtful.

So, I consider it a 'must watch' movie for everyone. It's interesting and amusing and full of love and makes you think. I agree there are a lot of our cultural references but I find them pretty explainable for foreigners.

Did you like the music?

P.S. And did you spot Sergey Lukianenko in the row of students in the scene, where Anton in Olga's body comes to get Svetlana from her classes?