Hugo Weaving may have struggled, trying to be convincing from behind a mask. Natalie Portman may have been out of her comfort zone in science-fiction. And overall the camera work was rather uninspired.

However:

The movie is concrete fun. The plot rides on a safe mix of a fast-paced story, intriguing and likeable characters, and Wachowski Brothers action as only the Wachowski Brothers can deliver--though it is a far cry from the life-altering novelty that The Matrix proffered. But it's unfair to hold V up to the goliath that is Neo, as he hails from an entirely different genre. Whereas The Matrix's hero underwent personal revolution, Vendetta's protagonist is filmed far less intimately--intentionally of course; he IS wearing a mask for a reason. Hm, I digress.

V for Vendetta is, as any geek would appropriately define it, frickin' sweet. But, being honest and contradictory to everything I've said so far, it's just not The Matrix.