The Matrix Revolutions Review
by Joel B. Kirk (joelkirk AT sbcglobal DOT net)November 6th, 2003
Matrix Revolutions
A Film Review by Joel B. Kirk
WHAT IT'S ABOUT:
As the sentinels race toward Zion, Neo attempts to journey to the machine world to ask for peace—in the manner of stopping Agent Smith, who is enemy to both man and machine.
MY TAKE:
If THE MATRIX was a snazzy introduction, and MATRIX RELOADED was a warm up, MATRIX REVOLUTIONS is an all out big-bang finale.
This film doesn't attempt to explain everything put to us in the last two films; it gives us a satisfying ending that may open up to new stories via the Wachowski's ANIMATRIX films, or video games like ENTER THE MATRIX.
The aspect that makes this a rousing action film, is the fact no one on the side of the humans seems to back down. Each person is willing to lay down his or her life for the other person (and even the 'will' to do so is a bit of reluctance as the enemy machines fall upon Zion).
This is Neo's story, but all the characters we've seen have been given ample time to show their part of the struggle:
Morpheus (Laurence Fishbourne), still believes Neo is the One, but toward the end has even he felt doubt?
Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), who somehow looks older between now and the first film, continues her tough female streak, only slightly dropping her defenses when she shares a moment or two with Neo.
Niobe (Jada Pinkett-Smith) is given a bigger and juicier part, especially in a certain scene where she has to show off her piloting skills. Like Trinity, she is a character who is tough, only to show a softer side during choice moments.
Commander Lock (Harry J. Lennix), although very seemingly an arrogant character, is very human. As all seems to be lost for the people of Zion, we definitely can feel his struggle to keep the defenses and morale together for whatever end may come.
Link and Zee (Harold Perrineau and Nona M. Gaye respectively) are given time, and complement their parts nicely.
Seraph (Sing Ngai) returns in a slightly bigger role, still cool and reserved.
Agent Smith returns; and, after two movies, we have grown to hate this character greatly. (Hugo Weaving has done his job!) Smith, can manipulate his presence in the 'real' world and machine world; this makes the character more of a haunting figure.
The Oracle, portrayed by Mary Alice (Gloria Foster, the previous Oracle had passed away during the production of the second and third picures) is the yin to the Architect's yang. She is trying to lead our heroes on the right path, while The Architect (Helmut Bakaitis) sits back and looks on with fascination as his 'creations' go about in a supposed programmed manner.
Merovingian (Lambert Wilson) shows up with his wife, Persephone (Monica Bellucci) only to relay a couple of plot points as to why we see a different Oracle. He then leaves for us to continue the story, which focuses on Zion's fate.
A minor character we saw in the second film Matrix Reloaded, Mifune (Nathaniel Lees), has a very daring, and heroic scene during a huge battle with the sentinels falling upon Zion. Influenced by anime and Sigourney Weaver's suit from Aliens, he leads a group in machine suits set around the docks of Zion to repel what they can.
Now, the question is: Do we really want this 'trilogy' to end? There are so many stories to tell about this universe, which has grown since it was introduced to us in 1999.
Whatever Larry and Andy choose to do with their amazing franchise, we can be sure it will be thoroughly entertaining.
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE NITPICKS:
-The shootout in Merovingian's club, the Battle of Zion, the climatic battle between Agent Smith and Neo. Breathtaking.
-There are many strong female characters and a host of various nationalities working together for a common cause.
-For those into gaming, they will remember we last saw Niobe and the Logos hidden from the impending sentinel attack in Enter the Matrix.
-The score by Don Davis is utilized more than the techno-rock as in the previous films.
-This is one action film where you REALLY feel for each one of the characters. Those machines never looked, or felt so scary.
MY RATING:
****1/2 out of *****
DIRECTED:
Larry and Andy Wachowski
WRITTEN:
Larry and Andy Wachowski
CAST:
Neo-Keanu Reeves
Morpheus-Laurence Fishbourne
Agent Smith-Hugo Weaving
Trinity-Carrie-Ann Moss
Niobe-Jada Pinkett Smith
Lock-Harry J. Lennix
Link-Harold Perrineau
Zee-Nona M. Gaye
Mifune-Nathaniel Lees
Persephone-Monica Bellucci
Merovingian-Lambert Wilson
Seraph-Sing Ngai
The Architect-Helmut Bakaitis
The Oracle-Mary Alice
GENRE:
Action/Sci-Fi/Thriller
RUNNING TIME:
129 minutes
YEAR OF RELEASE:
2003 by Warner Bros.
EMAIL: [email protected]
Copyright 2003 Joel B. Kirk
More on 'The Matrix Revolutions'...
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
