"V for Vendetta" is one of the best big budget blockbusters to come out of Hollywood in years.

Rating: 9/10 (19 March 2006)

"V for Vendetta" takes place in the future when Britain is in a fascist state. The people of Britain are no longer free to stand up for themselves and are being controlled by their government. The story begins when a girl named Evy (Natalie Portman) is attacked in an alley way and a masked man named V (Hugo Weaving) appears and saves her life. V's goal is to help Britain reclaim its independence and V will stop at nothing in order to help his fellow citizens' rise up and take back the rights that were taken away from them. But Evy is a key part to this story as it's up to her to discover the truth about V and herself in order to bring freedom back to a society that is overruled with cruelty, fear, lies and corruption. A great movie ensues
Wow! Why can't all big budget mainstream films be as good as "V for Vendetta"? I literally think this movie is one the best mainstream films to come out in the last 5 years. The movie not only contains some great special effects and action sequences but also a well written thought-provoking script and some great performances. Finally, Hollywood has made a film that is a perfect mix of both an independent film (great writing and acting) and a mainstream film (great action sequences and special effects).
"V for Vendetta" is a film that surely didn't disappoint me at all. The thing most movies like this lack is good acting and a half way decent plot. Not this movie, this movie is golden with a great plot and great acting. I think the main problem with Hollywood movies is that they lack one element or the other. When watching this film, you are hooked to it from the opening credits all the way till the end. The special effects are solid and aren't overused like in "The Matrix sequels" or "King Kong". There is enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire film. The movie keeps its audience both excited to see what happens next but it also keeps them thinking which is rare for a big budget movie.
At times, "V for Vendetta" seems to hit a little too close to home. Certain events the film addresses such as the fear element and government cover-ups don't seem like fiction at all anymore. I think this movie allows us to be entertained but also question what is going on in our world as well. It's a movie that provides everything that a normal Hollywood movie will contain special effects, action, a fictional hero but it also contains some realistic and thought-provoking ideas that many films of this nature don't normally produce.
This movie was directed by James McTeigue, a man who worked as assistant director on "The Matrix Trilogy". For being a first time director, this guy has the skills to pay the bills. Maybe the Wachowski Brothers helped him out but regardless he did an amazing job capturing all the excitement moments and the emotions of the characters. There are several amazing scenes in this film that just blew my mind including the final scene.
The Wachowski Brothers wrote the script for this amazing movie and I guess this movie can serve as their apology for the 2nd and 3rd Matrix which I deem as really bad films considering the first one was a Hollywood masterpiece and a one of a kind film.
As far as the acting goes, I am falling in love with Natalie Portman all over again. Her acting in this movie is superb. Her character is likable, realistic and believable. She has really come a long way since her career in film began. Her roles in "Closer", "Garden State" and now "V for Vendetta" prove that she has the ability to be one of the new leading ladies in Hollywood. Although Hugo Weaving's face is not seen during the film, I still feel the man did an excellent job as V. Even though he wears a mask during the entire film, you can still feel the emotions his character is feeling. It was a job well done. Stephen Rea also did an incredible job as Finch, the detective who was trying to solve the case of Code name V during the entire movie. He gave a fine performance. And finally all the rest of the supporting cast was great too. Everyone in this film did a great job.
So In Conclusion, if you're tired of seeing a big budget action movie that is all special effects and no substance, go see "V for Vendetta". If you like movies that have good stories go see "V for Vendetta". If you like movies in general you will probably like "V for Vendetta." It's a rare movie that so many audiences alike can enjoy and unlike most big budget films you can actually leave your brain on during it. It's an amazing feat by Hollywood and I can't wait to see it again. It's truly the first great movie of 2006. Let's just hope they don't ruin it with a sequel.
MovieManMenzel's final rating for "V for Vendetta" is 9/10. A big budget blockbuster that really delivers!