The film comes from the comic book series of the decade.

Rating: 10/10 (18 May 2006)

I go to the movies maybe once a year, generally to see something like Micheael Moore's newest film. But I've seen this thing three times already. A good friend who writes comic books for DC pushed the ten-issue series of this story on me several years ago - I'd never read a comic (oops - they're called graphic novels now) and actually gasped for breath several times after turning a page. There is real power in this thing. I'm sorry the author (Alan Moore - a truly brilliant and inventive man) was not given the control he had hoped for - he even took his name off the credits. But I believe most of his vision and political understanding was maintained. Natalie Portman is nothing short of brilliant- and is a very different sort of actress - a true anti-celebrity. In a radio interview on NPR, she asked not be insulted by being called a "movie star" - She absolutely refuses to take part in the star bullshit- won't go anywhere near the scene, though her acting skills and remarkable, strong quiet beauty would most certainly put her near the top rung of that ladder quickly. She is also very very serious about the meaning and importance of this particular movie. John Stewart had her on the Daily Show and suggested that right wing and mainstream critics would savage the film (they did) and she said "I certainly hope so. WE REALLY NEED TO HAVE THIS SORT OF CONVERSATION"
So go see it. Bring your friends. Have them bring their friends. Rent the thing, get some pizzas and TALK about what it says about the features and the ultimate fragility of illegitimate power. We really do need to have this conversation. Enjoy the thrill. Listen carefully to the short statements of Malcolm X and Gloria Steinem while the credits roll. And find a copy of the graphic novel - the artist - David Lloyd is the perfect match for writer Moore. You'll be glad you did.