Review: V for Vendetta

As usual, my review is being written somewhat late.

This Saturday, I went to go see V for Vendetta at the local IMAX. I have to admit that despite my excitement, I was very worried. I am a big fan of the comic and have read it countless times, and while I knew that some things would change I was unsure of what Hollywood would do with such a story. I knew that Alan Moore, the original author of the comic, had requested to have his name removed from the credits, but also knew that Moore’s frustration with D.C. Comics was a heavy influence in that. Also, after the intestinal scrape of Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions, I didn’t have much faith in the Wachowski brothers.

What a relief!

The film held true to the story in all the best ways. Those ideas that would require clunky exposition in such a medium were carefully adapted, which while changing some of the subplots, effectively rendered the movie much more accessible for an unfamiliar audience. Alterations in the film also served to clear up ambiguities and factual errors in the original script (at the time it was written for comics there was a nuclear war involved as no one knew the true extent of such a war would be). In addition, the movies added thrills and action that propel the story along.

I would love to comment more on specific scenes from the film, but I really don’t want to spoil it for you. I will say that if you loved the comic, you will love the movie, and if you have never read the comic, you will after leaving the theater.

I was also going to use the blogger privilege of being unprofessional and bash a few critics for their obvious lack of research into the source material, but I’ll refrain. After all, good web karma is something I should keep in supply. :D

In short, go see this film. And if you get a chance where you live, see it on an IMAX screen. You won’t be disappointed.

Seen the movie? Agree/Disagree? Think I am full of it? Leave a comment!