Remember the Fifth of November

[wednes]

Woke up relatively early this morning. I've been doing that lately. It's helping me be more productive in everything except writing and editing...which I am accustomed to doing in the wee hours of the night. We had to be up in time to make the noon showing of V for Vendetta at the Showcase so we could be back in time for my first ever in-person visit with extraordinary Simpsons fan, derekfz. Purportedly, he'll be here in an hour or so.

Anyway, V for Vendetta was better than The Matrix. Much, much better.

V is blowing-shit-up-for-great-justice Love

Let me preface by saying that I have not read this graphic novel, but like most of you, am routinely impressed by Vertigo comics. As for the Matrixes, I was blown away by the original. I also loved the second one, but the third one made me wish they would have stopped after the first one. The ending was utter, utter crap.

We begin with a lovely young woman who looks strikingly like Queen Amidala, and an evil 1984 style Chancelor who bears an astonishing resemblance to Olivander the Wand Maker. This masked character whose voice is startling like that of Agent Smith saved the girl from some evil police. Once the main detective from Citizen X shows up, adventure ensues.
Aside from the movie being entertaining, well written, intricately plotted, and artistically stunning...I'm really pleased that it is coming out in this particular point of US history. (It is well known by now I am sure that I think Sept 11 was done with our governments complete approval (and probably help) and that the falling of the towers was an accident.) This movie asserts something similar except in England, so everyone had a cool accent. You have your deceptive and power hungry government using fear to control the masses and pass absurd laws to limit them. Even though people know they are routinely being lied to they basically do nothing but complain about it. Sound like anyone we know?
We are treated to lessons about perservearance, bravery, Guy Fawkes, the power of words and how people become virtually invincible when they attain fearlessness. And of course, that ideas and symbols last longer than any individual. And just when you think the movie will be all plot and almost no fighting, one of those awesome Wachowski Bros operatic fights breaks out.

There are a few very touching and moving moments, plus I was genuinely surprised by how it all turned out in the end. The little Portman girl is kind of growing on me; the costume she wore for the bishop was hilarious. And I have long loved Weaving and Rea. I was amazed by how much a character can convey without his face. Wow!! I'm sure everyone with an LJ has heard this many times already, but it's awesome. Go see it. And for once, nobody was loud or obnoxious during the film. And I got those little corndog bites I love so well.

My Illustrated copies of both Angels and Demons and Salem's Lot finally arrived today. Yay for that.
Whooo. I'm also reading a book called The Black Arts which is an old-school black magic primer (not a grimoire) from 1967. This is an original hardcover that so far is an intriguing and surprisingly good read. It was also a gift from K and N, whom I'll be vacationing with this weekend.

Comments

[abbagirl.livejournal.com]

Told ya it was awesome!! ;)

[wednes.livejournal.com]

That you did. I assumed it would be visually stunning and have cool fights...but I wasn't expecting to feel the full gamit of emotions. I was scared, angry, sad, I even laughed during the one broadcast.

[abbagirl.livejournal.com]

Yup. I tried to explain that it's hella powerful...

[rivetkitten.livejournal.com]

I pretty much knew it'd be worth the effort when I saw Stephen Fry. I don't think he's been in anything that I wouldn't watch and enjoy. I honestly didn't know anything about the movie going in, except that it was based on a graphic novel, so I wasn't expecting anything much, and got way way WAY more than I'd hoped for.

I saw it twice in two nights. (Of course I HAD to make my dad watch it, flaming liberal that he is.)

[wednes.livejournal.com]

LOL I agree, I didn't expect much from it and was pleasantly surprised and delighted.

[madush69.livejournal.com]

That sounds really good. I think Cathy and I will go see that this weekend. If you're interested in seeing it again, you could come with us. I'll drive. Have you rode in my 4 door LeSabre yet? It's way better than the Regal was.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I was not aware that you had a new car. Enjoy!

[madush69.livejournal.com]

Well, it was my Dad's. I'll call you soon. It's been forever.

[seraphina-prime.livejournal.com]

I agree with you about the Matrix series. The only good thing about the third movie was Smith beating the snot out of Neo. :)

V for Vendetta was fabulous, and my son and I are going to see it again this coming weekend.

I've long been a fan of Mr Weaving - yes, before PQoD. Much better choice for V than Purefoy, but I am biased.

P.S. I agree with all of your points and think that you are brilliant.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Brilliant?

Okay, I accept.

[princezna.livejournal.com]

I knew you would love V!!

That sounds like an interesting new/old read you've got there!

ha ha- you used the word, "Purportedly"

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Yeah, The Black Arts (which is not exactly what I posted, must have had Harry Potter on the brain) is pretty damn amazing. You'd never guess it was more than 30 years old.

[haroeris-astrum.livejournal.com]

I had my little scribble on that film :)

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I avoided reading everyone's reviews until I had seen it. Now I am free to go back and read them.

[haroeris-astrum.livejournal.com]

http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/quran/gay/long.html

[wednes.livejournal.com]

Damn, that's too bad.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I'm always a bit leary of the concept of taking one or two lines from something (like Christians seem to always do with their bible) and saying that's the point of the whole work. That's like saying the main point of Harry Potter is drinking unicorn blood. Just because it's in there doesn't make it the focus of the writing.

But yes, it does look like Muslim intolerance of gays has it's roots in their holy book. What a shame. I guess I just feel more comfortable thinking that ignorant, hateful stances on human issues are more the product of political ideology than religious teachings. I'm probably kidding myself.

That is a great link, BTW, I'll be sure to bookmark it.