V for Vendetta

Remember remember the 5th of November

People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.

I didn't feel as inspired by this movie as I thought I might. It's good -- it's silly - it's based on a comic book (this last fact is what made it tolerable for me.)

Natalie Portman looks great with no hair. She inspired an awesome band.

Brick

The rhythm of the language and new slang that is thrown around in this movie are fresh and very enjoyable indeed. There is a distinct 'film noir' feel and you have all the detective story archetypes to look to for your clues and plot development. There is a brain and a private dick with an old flame who he just wants to protect. There is a body and a mob-boss and murder a mindless muscle guy, a helpless dame, guns, drugs and a dangerous sex kitten...oh yeah, and it all takes place at a high school.

I left the movie feeling like it was a 2 1/2 out of 5 but as J and I talked about it, it grew on me. The setting in a high school lends itself perfectly to the film noir genre. There is passion and drama (quite literally when one of the minor characters holds court in the school theater) and you have wildly ranging emotions, betrayal and in modern high schools, danger. The plot was well told and when necessary my disbelief was easy to suspend. Great camera work, great film techniques, great writing and the fact that this is this writer's first major feature is amazing.