V For Vendetta – ****

Okay, it’s been more than 3 days now. . . .

I saw V For Vendetta recently. I liked it. But I liked it a lot more when I was walking out of the theater after the Rolling Stone’s Street Fighting Man was playing over the credits. Since then, I’ve been not as amazed.

First, a disclaimer- I’d like this movie even if it was a pile o’ poo, I’m a comic-kid, I like comic movies, comic books, etc. And I’m a big fan of Alan Moore. I liked V when it came out in book form long ago and had high hopes for this flick. But standing on it’s own, I’m not sure it’s the instant classic I had hoped it would be.

The bad thing is I only have vague feelings on why it’s sliding down my ranking scale as time goes on. Mostly, because I thought part of it could’ve been tightened up in the story I think.

Was Natalie good? Yup, but why not just get a British actress?

Was Hugo Weaving good? Very very good. If an actor’s that good without showing his face, then he’s damn good.

What about John Hurt? Meh. Yes and no. He’s always good, but here he’s just on the giant TV screen(s) as a typical totalitarian baddie. I think he’s only not on the TV/Monitor three times in the film- in a flashback to show his rise to power, “at home” crushing a glass of milk, and once during his demise. That last part is to show him stripped of his power, but it seemed to be anti-climatic because he never felt larger than life as an authoritarian figure, but more like the tiny wizard of Oz behind the scenes. Yeah yeah, I know some people could argue that last comparison- but if he really was the totalitarian ruler, he’d have more of a scary presence on and off the tv.

Stephen Rea was good. Actually, just about everyone was good. The dialogue was great too.

I think it’s sliding on my opinion meter because I felt maybe it was overrated. Or maybe I’m just disappointed because it was damn good, but not perfect and I’m taking it out on the movie.

I dunno. Go see it and tell me what you think. It’s a great fairy tale that lets the viewer get out of it what they want to.

Derek saw it last night. I liked his review and this line: “even though the ending was obvious — the ride was well worth it.”