A thanks to The Wachowski Brothers, James McTeigue, Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving.

Rating: Null/10 (18 March 2006)

*Warning: there are a few minor spoilers, but nothing that should ruin the movie for you.* I am a huge Alan Moore fan. He is arguably the greatest comic book/graphic novel writer ever. (Neil Gaiman still has time to pull ahead). This is in my opinion, of course. Anyway, I have read most of his works, and 'V for Vendetta' is my second favorite...Just behind 'Watchmen.' After seeing the terrible adaptations of 'From Hell' and 'League of Extraordinary Gentlemen', I did not want them to adapt anymore of his genius comics. I heard 'V for Vendetta' was being made and I shunned it. I ignored it. Even when the first trailer came out. I thought it looked bad...Because, well, the trailer was bad. But, I started seeing reviews all over the place saying it was spectacular and inspiring...It got me interested. I found out about the Wachowski Brothers love for the comic and Alan Moore...Gave me some hope. I was still extremely skeptical though. I kept reading good reviews over the next couple months, eventually gave in, and became really excited to see it. I got some passes to an advanced screening and attended on Monday night. I was nervous to say the least...I thought I had too high expectations.
I had a couple advanced screening passes. So, after waiting for an hour and half outside, we were let in. Then, we waited for about half an hour inside. The waiting was unbearable. Then, it finally started.
A little over 2 hours later, I was completely memorized. The movie was fantastic. I was so relieved. It's obviously the best Alan Moore adaptation. It may be the best comic book movie out yet...I have a really strong love for 'Hulk' and the 'X-Men' movies though. And it was a great transition from comic to the big screen...Probably the best they could have done. Even the changes were good. Not okay, they were good. There was only one thing they completely took out that kind of bummed me, but I know why they did it. The Wachowski's wrote an amazing screenplay. So good in fact, that I am able to forgive them for the third 'Matrix.' (I hated that movie). Everyone was spectacular. Hugo Weaving was DEAD ON...Especially when it came to the way he talked, and the fluent sentences he was able to pull off. Natalie Portman shines here...And it is probably her best role to date...If you have read Alan Moore's genius work, you will know what I saw when I tell you to wait until the "imprisonment" scene. She is amazing. Stephen Rea was perfect as Finch. And John Hurt pulled off a great pseudo-Hitler figure. I was also skeptical, seeing as they chose a new director to take charge....He only had experience working on the 'Matrix' movies. But, James McTeigue has proved himself worthy. The score/music was also terrific...The cinematography...Everything. The Wachoski brothers, who invented the "bullet time" craze used in a lot of films and video games now, decided to take it a step further...It's being called "knife time"...And as stupid as it sounds, it really was not bad at all. Sure, it will get ragged on, and isn't nearly as cool as "bullet time" the first time you saw it in 'The Matrix', but it really was not a terrible addition.
So, all in all, 'V for Vendetta' was spectacular. Moore would be proud if he was to ever see it, but that is doubtful. I applaud all involved...They deserve a long standing ovation. Congrats.
Seeing this made me realize that even though most adaptations are terrible, every once in a while, one comes along and totally blows me away. Some adaptations are be very well done. It is rare, but when it happens, it's good. I wish all adaptations were as good as this one, but at the same time, I don't mind seeing a bunch of crappy adaptations as long as it means one this great will be done eventually. This brings hope to me for the 'Watchmen' film that cant decide if it wants to be made or not...I would love to hear that people involved in this film took over for that film...But alas, I doubt that will happen. I trust David Hayter...Especially since Alan Moore himself said it's the best screenplay possible. I just don't trust Paul Greengrass...I guess we'll see.
"Those who are responsible will be held accountable." -V