'V' for Very good.

Rating: 8/10 (15 April 2006)

If, like me, the name Wachowski simply means The Matrix trilogy then be prepared to have your expectations confounded. Written by the brothers and directed by James McTeigue 'V' is an exercise in restraint on the part of both parties and it pays off. The marque of The Matrix was its gratuitous use of CGI and its incontinent level of nouveau-hippy cod philosophical clap-trap; thankfully 'V' relies on neither of these schlock crutches. The CGI, in terms of fight scenes, is kept to a minimum and the dialogue is fairly crisp and, overall, 'V' has a similar tone to Alex Proyas's 'Dark City' on which Mc Teigue was second assistant director.
Another strength of the film is its cast, largely unknown to a U.S. audience, of British actors and, thus, is not a 'star vehicle' while Natalie Portman proves, if proof be needed, that she is not just a pretty face. John Hurt's essential character is also mostly seen mediated by other screens and not encountered directly; a nice touch.
There are gaps in the story:for example, how did 'V' manage to get all the masks made in such an authoritarian environment? I wasn't sure, also, how 'V' got his powers such as they are (restraint again I suspect).
Despite and because of the above 'V' is well worth seeing.