V for Vendetta

***1/2 Stars

"Remember, remember, the fifth of November, gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot."

It's an action adventure, it's controversial, its a political thriller and much more. From the creators of the Matrix trilogy, V for Vendetta is the first big hit of 2006. Based on Alan Moore and David Lloyd's ground-breaking comic books from the late 1980's V for Vendetta tells of a totalitarian Britain in a futuristic setting. A young woman named Evey (a bald Natalie Portman for half the movie) is rescued from a rape and beating by a masked vigilante known only as "V" (Hugo Weaving who is perfectly cast). V is mysterious character who is skilled in the art of combat and deception. He urges his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about who this man is, she also discovers the truth about herself and that spirals into who she becomes.

This is an action thriller that refuses to let you have a moments breath. It requires incentive, concentration, and an open mind. Do not look at this as an attack on our government. Look at it as a "what if" situation. America is in their 2nd Civil War, the world is falling apart, and Civil Liberties have been taken completely (taken more than what's morally right). If you aren't ready to see explosions in London then stay away, but go to this movie and expect a damn good time.

The Hills Have Eyes

** Stars

The Hills Have Eyes is no classic to the horror genre, but manages to rise to the level to satisfactory if what you are expecting is torture porn.

16 Blocks

**1/2

There is a purpose to 16 blocks. What that is I cannot tell you. It's basically another movie of the Bruce Willis assembly line. Of course there's nothing wrong with that.

The Pink Panther

**1/2 Stars

Starring: Steve Martin

I can't recommend it, but I wouldn't discourage you from seeing it...that much.

Oscar Results

Best Picture: Crash
Best Director: Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain
Best Original Screenplay: Crash
Best Adapted Screenplay: Brokeback Mountain
Best Actress: Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line
Best Cinematography: Memoirs of a Geisha
Best Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote
Editing: Crash
Foreign Language: Tsotsi
Sound Editing: King Kong
Best Song: It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp
Best Sound Mixing: King Kong
Original Score: Brokeback Mountain
Art Direction: Memoirs of a Geisha
Documentary Feature: March of the Penguins
Documentary Short: A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age
Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener
Makeup: Chronicles of Narnia
Costumes: Memoirs of a Geisha
Animated Short: The Moon and the Son
Live Action Short: Six Shooter
Best Animated Feature: Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Best Visual Effects: King Kong
Best Supporting Actor: George Clooney, Syriana


CRASH UPSETS BROKEBACK! This is the second greatest upset in the history of the Academy Awards...the 1st: Shakespeare in Love over Saving Private Ryan.

Capote

**** Stars

Philip Seymour Hoffman: Truman Capote (Which one is which?) This performance will haunt you, shock you, and blow you away. This is the year for Hoffman.