V for Vendetta is an enjoyable film. I liked it. It’s not going to wow anyone with revolutionary effects, and if you’ve been paying attention to world events it won’t cause you to ask any new questions. It does entertain, but given the subject matter I wish I felt it had done more than that. It’s likely to be ineffective at provoking thought in anyone who’s already been polarized by current events, in any case.
I did enjoy seeing Stephen Fry, who adds a relatively lighter element to a fairly dark story. Hugo Weaving’s performance is notable for his engaging portrayal of the central character without being able to resort to facial expressions. It stands out all the more when you realize that you don’t miss seeing the eyes and face of the character, that he’s communicating so well with body language and tone that you’re immersed in the story anyway. Natalie Portman holds up her end well enough that I’m led to forget about her participation in George Lucas’ unholy trilogy. She displays none of the accent drift of, say, Ladyhawke’s Matthew Broderick, so her somehow un-British looks are easily, er, overlooked.
Overall, about a 7+ out of 10. I’d have been happy with a direct to DVD release concurrent with theatrical, but the studios just aren’t that brave yet.