V for Box Office

The film V for Vendetta is #1 this weekend at the box office.   I went to see it yesterday, so my money is included among those numbers.  (Although it was to the last bargain matinee - after 5 o'clock - of the day.  I do hate to spend ten dollars on a picture and then watch commercials.)

It's showing on three screens at the local multiplex and the theater was about half full.  The audience consisted mainly of college students and middle-aged women.  My daughter and I went together, so I suppose we fit both profiles.   When I asked if she wanted to go a few days ago she was most eager, and regretted that between school and St. Patrick's Day we would miss opening day.  She remarked that it was supposed to have opened back on November 5th of last year and then (the history major) recited from memory:

Remember, remember the fifth of November,

gunpowder, treason and plot,

I see no reason why gunpowder treason

should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes,

'twas his intent

to blow up the King and the Parliament.

It's nice to know that money spent on education proves useful. 

(The main character "V" wears a Guy Fawkes - who tried to blow up the British Parliament in the 17th century - mask and the above rhyme is something the British recite every November 5th.)

The premise of V for Vendetta was adapted from a graphic novel by Alan Moore by the Wachowski Brothers (who brought us the Matrix movies).  They are the producers, and their AD (assistant director) is the director.  The subject matter is also a bit controversial, since V is a terrorist.  Of course, it brings to mind the question of when does a terrorist become a freedom fighter. 

I knew I was in the company of rabid fans when a few of the young men showed up in Guy Fawkes masks.   They also shouted during trailers, "Superman SUCKS!"

The reviews are a bit mixed, and seem to be geared toward their readership.  Positives include those from The Hollywood Reporter and The San Francisco Chronicle and negatives from Newsweek and Washington Post.

I liked it better than I thought I would.  Then again, I enjoy wordy dialogue.  And when something starts as a graphic novel... well, no offense but I'm not disappointed if things are a bit simplistic.

The theater erupted in applause when it was over.  Outside, they were lined up for the evening shows.