V for Vendetta Photo

V for Vendetta

Starring: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, John Hurt

Directed by: James McTeigue

RS: 3.5of 4 Stars Average User Rating: 3.5of 4 Stars

2006

The DVD release of V for Vendetta -- in a spiffy two-disc widescreen special edition -- comes just in time to remind us of what we've been missing in this summer's refried epics: originality and ballsy ambition. Written by the Wachowskis -- Andy and his brother Larry -- and directed by first-timer James McTeigue, their assistant on The Matrix -- the film flies on a rhythm all its own. There's nothing Neo about V, the masked avenger who uses bombs, daggers and his telegenic charisma to take down a futuristic regime that has left him a burned remnant of its ungodly experiments. Hugo Weaving -- Agent Smith in the Matrix movies -- plays this terrorist grandmaster behind a fiberglass mask that makes his vocal wit and physical eloquence doubly remarkable. The source is the 1989 graphic novel by David Lloyd and Alan Moore that skewered the 1980s England of Margaret Thatcher. In the Wachowski update, England is a police state ruled by a Brit Bush (John Hurt) who strips citizens of their civil rights in exchange for protection from bioweapons of mass destruction. Here is an action film that is not afraid to stop for thoughtful debate, a wry laugh or a lesson on how to fry an egg for a pretty girl. That girl would be Evey (a revelatory Natalie Portman), a slave at a TV network. V's politicization of Evey is the film's core. V is inspired by Guy Fawkes (one of the DVD extras provides historical background), the Catholic vigilante who tried to blow up Parliament on November 5th, 1605. V is determined not to fail. The climax will give your DVD sound system a hell of a workout. But the fireworks are just icing on the cake. V is powered by ideas that are not computer-generated.

PETER TRAVERS

(Posted: Jul 25, 2006)

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V for Vendetta

Review 1 of 6

4of 4 Stars

V stands for VICTORY! I couldn't take my eyes off of this movie. It absolutely inspired me. It made me laugh, cry, cheer and reminded me just how thin the line is between good and evil. I love characters like V who can be treacherous and caring at the same time. This movie is a slick and sophisticated political thriller. The world needs more freedom fighter characters like V and less sugar-coated drivle that Hollywood pumps out on a regular basis.

Sep 9, 2006 19:23:51

Review 2 of 6

4of 4 Stars

I loved it!
Hugo Weaving did a superb job! The movie is deep and rich just like the first Matrix film! It's the best film on lossing freedom and the power of words. It was brilliant how he targeted symbols and used T.V. (our main distraction and fountain of mis-information) to get people to think about what's going on around them.

Aug 14, 2006 21:49:48

Review 3 of 6

1of 4 Stars

its the biggest load of left wing rubbish i have ever seen.the stars should keep out of polatics and concentrate on entertainment.

Aug 11, 2006 05:11:13

Review 4 of 6

2of 4 Stars

This movie is recommended rental. Having seen it the theater, the only reason I would see it again would be for the extras. The reveiwer is right that this is a ballsy, well-acted movie. Ultimately, this movie will leaves you frustrated to what exactly the point of the movie was.

Aug 1, 2006 12:59:07

Review 5 of 6

3of 4 Stars

Highly intersting and visually spectacular piece of fluff from James McTeigue, although the Wachowski Brothers' fingerprints are all over this puppy from frame one. Bravura performances from Portman, Hurt and the always wonderful Stephen Fry; special kudos to Hugo Weaving for creating such a finely layered and measured performance without the benefit of facial movement! Some ludicrous monets (I'll give you $5 if you think the Domino scene advances the story in any way), but overall moving and a welcome fresh breath in an incredibly putird summer for DVDs.

Jul 31, 2006 18:28:34

Review 6 of 6

4of 4 Stars

V FOR VENDETTA. SO MUCH BETTER THAN ALL THE SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS.A MOVIE WITH A PLOT THAT MAKES YOU THINK ABOUT WHAT GOVERMENTS CAN AND DO GET AWAY WITH, PLUS A HERO WITH NO SUPERPOWERS AND ALL THE BETTER FOR IT. IF YOUR HIREING A DVD THIS WEEKEND MAKE IT THIS!SEE IT

Jul 29, 2006 03:34:29

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