The Break-through Tale of an Unorthodox Hero

Rating: 9/10 (23 March 2006)

***This review won't spoil the plot**** So despite my usual concerns of seeing a movie on opening night (loud jerks, cell phones, and cramped theaters) I had to venture out to see "V for Vendetta" anyway. The trailer definitely captured my attention, and I went with high hopes.
What I found was quite a surprise. These days movies always portray "super-heroes" as ripped muscle men of few words who only utter slick catch phrases to give audiences their cheap chuckle amidst the story and action. "V" is a different story from the moment he graces the screen. Talkative in his British accent, and pretty much insane he breaks the mold of modern movie heroes.
Now, don't get me wrong I LOVE action, but that's not what makes this a great movie. The story is great, with a lot going on, but not enough to send you out of the theater confused. The only reason I didn't give this movie a Ten out of Ten is because a little more action would have completed the experience. The sequences that do take place in the movie are awesome and wreak of style. I know I saw Joel Silver's name in the credits, and it definitely has his signature style stamped on the effects. The new, headache causing "shaky camera" IS NOT used much , if at all in this movie, so a lot of viewers will be excited to see that.
Props to the writers of the graphic novel, to the Wachowskis', Hugo Weaving (man you create all the cool characters), and Natalie Portman for solid jobs and for silencing a packed house on opening night. You sent this guy out of the theater a happy camper. I give "V for Vendetta" an "A-", and I seldom give out anything above a "B". Until next time silver screeners... this is Hock putting another ticket stub on the wall of fame.