'V for Vendetta' earns 4 1/2 stars

Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman star in 'V for Vendetta.' www.vforvendetta.warnerbros.com

"The Matrix” was a genre-bending smack in the face to the world of film. Since then, movies haven’t been the same. The sequels, “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions,” were incoherent pieces of cinematic techno-babble. “V for Vendetta,” the first post-”Matrix” film for the Wachowski Brothers, thankfully returns to the greatness of their little Sci-Fi gem from 1999. Only this time, the Wachowskis passed directing duties on to James McTeigue and just focused on writing the script instead of providing their over-the-top visual flair.

“Vendetta” tells the story of a futuristic Britain, which has turned into a totalitarian society, and of a shadowy terrorist known as V (Hugo Weaving), who sets out to take down the fascist government with acts of terrorism. Along for the ride is a young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman), who is taken in by V and used as an unlikely ally in his revolution. Think Orwell’s novel, “1984,” meets Frank Miller’s “Batman” by way of the film, “A Clockwork Orange.”

The film is based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore, “Watchmen.” Moore’s book is considered to be a cornerstone in the world of comics and one of the greatest graphic novels ever created. Being a fan of the original graphic novel, I was a little skeptical in wondering how the Wachowskis were going to condense Moore’s work into a two-hour film. Luckily, the Wachowskis follow the main plot line of the book and decide to skim over the more confusing parts.

McTeigue, who makes his directing debut with this flick, manages to create the first great film of 2006. He provides great direction and creates a pace that’s unbelievable.

The acting is top-notch. Weaving, who is behind a mask for the entirety of the film, manages to bring the character of V to life. Portman brings her A-game to this role and provides her best work yet. John Hurt, who starred in “Alien,” takes charge of every scene he’s in as the evil Chancellor Sutler.

Sure, the themes it tackles are commenting on the post-9/11 world of today, but what you have to remember is that these themes are taken directly from Moore’s book, which was written in the late-80’s. It will be interesting to see people’s responses to the flick, especially those who will just see it as an attack on today’s society. Hopefully, Hollywood will finally take recognition of a “comic-book” movie, something they should’ve done with “Sin City.” Hear that Academy? I’m talking to you.

Overall, the flick is extremely well made. Let’s just hope it will be remembered come awards season next year. In the end, it does what every movie should do: it makes you think. And I can’t remember the last time a movie did that.