Lots of potential but ultimately disappoints

Rating: 6/10 (29 May 2006)

A film that had so much potential and, sadly, falls short. Both thematically and technically it is flawed, leading to a disappointing result. Still, it is decently well-made and intriguing at times, but ultimately it is crushed under the weight of its message. I couldn't help but be reminded of 1984 constantly throughout the film, and kept contrasting this film to the Orwell novel. There is no question in my mind that the novel is far superior - it deals with similar issues in a much more subtle (and effective) manner. There is no superheroes to be found in 1984. Unfortunately, the same can not be said of this film, and that is its downfall.
The basic story is too clichéd to really make an impact, and it is even further bogged down by pointless sub-plots (I found the 'lesbian fairy tale' to be utterly pointless and do nothing but slow the pace down) and numerous dead ends. Too many questions were left unanswered for the film, and its message, to make a powerful impact. There are some interesting ideas at work here (I liked the notion of the United States being embroiled in a second civil war) but they are poorly handled. The characters are mostly stock heroes or villains (the masked vigilante, the damsel in distress, the cop looking for redemption, the evil dictator) but the actors fill out the roles nicely. Weaving, though we don't see his face, does a great job with the dialogue, and Portman is good. Of the supporting actors, Rea is by far the best, making his character quite believable. All in all, though, the theme of the movie is lost amongst the action scenes and confusing story.
The budget was lower than I would have thought, and it showed on the screen. Some of the visual effects were nice (especially the final shot of the Parliament buildings blowing up) but the sound mixing is simply dreadful, sometimes so bad that you can't hear the actors talk. The directing is merely adequate, and the editing is faulty sometimes. And the action scenes were far too Matrix-y for my liking. Try something new, Wachowskis.
Overall, this was a good film, but something felt off throughout it. I can't put my finger directly on it, but it's "like a splinter in my mind, driving me mad". The acting was good at times and not at others, the dialogue ranged from superb to downright cheesy, and the technicalities of the film wavered horribly. I guess the best word to describe this film is inconsistent. Still, it was well-made and thought-provoking, and that is enough for me to give it a B.