V for Vendetta was a bit of a surprise to me in that it turned out to be a good movie. CGI while a bit lacking in quality/realism, was used appropriately and not to excess as tends to be the case with the Watchowskis. There were the numerous little details characteristic of the creators, but were not force-fed to the audience like with The Matrix trilogy. The plot had a few twists that were very unexpected, but only combined to improve the depth of character. As has been hinted at, a great many contemporary issues found their way into the primary story that may raise some political ire, but I and those I've spoken to found it a bit refreshing and trendy for it. Of course, these same attributes may make this popcorn flick appear very dated in not too many years.

Something that was quite the surprise and a first for a Watchowski film -- there was actual acting. Hugo Weaving did a quite good job of it fooling those who didn't know he was in the film into wondering just who the actor was. It was a bit overdone, as is expected when trying to act through a mask. There were a few lapses into Agent Smithisms of clipped speech with the rolling enunciation, but they were rare. Comparatively, Natalie Portman's acting was quite stilted and forced, but her primary role as eye candy was successful even with a shorn scalp.

Before this film was released, the joke title I found a few times was B for Better than The Matrix Reloaded. We promise. Turns out to be true and is a return for the Watchowski brothers ... er, not sure if that's still technically accurate ... the Watchowski siblings to the earlier, better film making days of The Matrix rather than the Hollywoodized sequels it spun off.

- JP