I can't understand the hate. Amazing movie.
Author: Chris (nikecjc@yahoo.com) from Richmond, Virginia
5 November 2003
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
We all know the original Matrix was easily the pinacle. But that's because it grabbed out attentions as something brand new. The first movie, if done correctly as the Matrix was, can open our eyes to new ideas we never considered in any strain of our imagination.
I'll admitt, Reloaded was a bit slow and perhaps a bit tedious at times. It was saved by an amazing Neo vs. Thousands of Smiths' battle, an even more amazing highway scene centered around Morpheus, and the appearance of the amazing Monica Belluci (a character I wish we'd heard more from the in the 3rd installment).Now as for Revolutions. Unless you're unrealistic or a mass-media critic, who all hate anything outside of artsy or useless Indy movies that get ZERO major release...you'll enjoy and perhaps love Revolutions.
You get clarity to a lot of questions. You get resolution. No cliffhangers. People die and people survive, I won't dare say whom. You are brought all the way from dispair to happiness. Instead of simply giving the cheesy ending, the Matrix's "end" is proper and sensible.Of course there are some plot holes, but I dare anyone and everyone to find a movie without numerous mistakes or unanswered questions. More and more directors should heed the advice of David Lynch and allow the audience to interpret a few things for themselves. Keep them thinking. (I won't open up a Lynch debate, that's for another time and place)
In the end, you'll enjoy Revolutions. It is action-packed with amazing special effects and the usual above-average acting and amazing creativity in the choreography of the fight scenes.Agent Smith shines in a stellar performance by Hugo Weaving. His words to Neo throughout his battle are stellar. His encounter with the Oracle, awesome. Keanu, Fish, Carrie-Anne, Jada, and others for the fight for good are also as sharp as they need to be.In the end, Revolutions is everything a true fan of the Matrix wants. And if they ask for more, they are not only guilty of being unrealistic, but also asking too much for an amazing trilogy.
A trilogy I believe should be held in the same breath as Star Wars (the original three), Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, and numerous other action-drama based trilogies. I'm sure I'll be adding the Lord of the Rings trilogy to that list, barring a collapse with the Return of the King (another debate for another time).
Revolutions is much more concise and to the point than Reloaded was. The action is much more focused and purposeful, mostly because the movie is working its way toward a conclusion, rather than an open ending or a cliffhanger like either of the first two movies. The dialog is geared toward answering unanswered questions rather than raising new ones, and even the new questions raised in the third film can be answered by watching the film again (watch all three a few times over and you'll be as pointlessly knowledgeable about The Matrix universe as I am!).
Unlike Reloaded, even the score fits well with every scene in the movie. I didn't care too much for the rave scene (the scene or the music) in Reloaded, but I can't recall a moment in Revolutions when any scene or sounds felt contrived or unnecessary. If nothing else, I was more disappointed that some scenes and characters didn't appear in the movie! For instance, the Merovingian and his goons were grossly underused in this film! Such an egotistical, maniacal character should be the focus of more attention than what he received in what is supposed to be the best movie of the trilogy.
(One thing I must say to any viewers who criticize the film because it doesn't look real enough or doesn't feel right: you need to stop thinking like an illogical human and treat The Matrix like what it is: something that isn't real. It's science fiction, and much of the action takes place in a computer simulated dream world that is described as an imperfect simulation of the "real world". That is all.)
I have been more involved in The Matrix than I have been in any other media phenomenon to hit pop culture, which means that it is simply, for whatever reason, the realization of an idea that works very well for me. The Wachowski brothers put together an excellent body of work with these films and accompanying works on various media -- so excellent, in fact, that I am easily distracted by discussion of The Matrix, both within the context of the story and above and beyond the story (symbolism, allegorical applications, etc.)
My only complaints were that the Merovingian was grossly underused, the fate of the Twins and some other characters was not explained, and the Kid's triumphant "The war is over!" at the end was a bit premature, given what we had just watched for the last two hours.
Finally, everyone should keep in mind that the machines have Neo's code, and whether Keanu Reeves comes back or not, his intellect may yet survive in the Matrix somehow...
Author: afaq888 from United Kingdom
29 May 2008
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
Let me first say i promise u will love the trilogy if u read thisHere we go with the basics.Zion is real! The Matrix is not.duhThe Matrix was designed to provide a mental stimulus for the human bodies connected to the machines as a source of power. This is the sixth version of the Matrix. There have been multiple versions of the Matrix because of a flaw in the program (kinda of like Windows). That flaw is giving individuals the ability to choose.
The first Matrix was designed as a perfect Utopia (see pt. I - Smith explains it to Morpheus; pt. II - The Architect explains it again) but humans did not accept it as real so they just kept waking up. It was redesigned to reflect our civilisation at it's last stage before it was taken over by the machines (the year 1999).The Architect's problem with this new design (the anomaly)of the Matrix is that it require individuals to think freely, i.e. choice. It was the Oracle that suggested he redesign the Matrix in this way. But since humans have choices, so must the programs sent to watch over them, i.e. The Agents, thus bringing us the problem that is Mr. Smith. In Reloaded,
The Architect continues to speak of the anomaly he is unable to get rid of, which is why at some point, he feels the only solution is to destroy the Matrix and those who are aware of it (the people of Zion) and start from scratch again.The Oracle says it clearly in Revolutions. Mr. Smith is the result of the anomaly trying to balance itself. Mr. Smith began to think freely (see part I where he is freaking out while interrogating Morpheous) and the result was a negative one. Realize this, he is a similar program to the One so he is far more dangerous than a normal individual who makes bad decisions. Mr. Smith's virus like behaviour happened in EVERY VERSION OF THE MATRIX.
The result would always lead to the same thing -- a system crash if they didn't quickly reboot the system. The same knee jerk reaction you have when you realise someone has sent you a virus.the one program was created to solve this problem. But each version of the One ultimately failed. Neo is different, in Reloaded he choose the door that led to Trinity, not the door that RESETS the program. Note: The Architect even noticed that Neo's experience in the Matrix was different than all the rest, realising he was the first of them to fall in love.
Onto Revolutions: Neo's choice has changed everything. The system is still threatened by Smith's behaviour, so the Oracle makes a new choice; one she has never done before because no version of the One has ever chosen the difficult path as opposed to easy one of just resetting the system. She allows herself to become merged with Smith in the HOPE that she'll be able to help Neo when the time is right.Neo makes another unique choice. He goes to the machines and asks for PEACE as opposed to simply destroying the system by going through the opposite door as all other versions of the One did. It was a simple as that to save Zion. Machines don't need very long to process that this may be a better idea than just constantly resetting the system.
At the end, Smith says to Neo the movies tag line - "Everything that has a beginning has an end," as the Oracle is speaking to Neo through Smith. Neo realises it all along, the only way to end this is to sacrifice himself. The Oracle noted that Neo and the Source (the computer mainframe, the Architect they're all one and the same so don't get confused) are connected which is why he can control machines outside the Matrix. He uses this connection to his advantage. He becomes a Mr. Smith and since all the Smith's are connected, the Source now has a lock on Smith and simply deletes him. Pretty simple huh? For those that like to dig deeper, than note the biblical references throughout the series.
Heck, the French Man (Merovigchian) is the Devil, just read the elevator button Morpheous presses when he goes to see him for the second time. The Architect represents God - i.e. the creator of the world and its destroyer whenever things don't go as he wants. He even has you to chose a select group of people to restart Zion again sort of like Noah's Ark. Neo is Jesus, the one who realises that peace and love is the answer, not war. And the Oracle represents the Holy Spirit - the consciousness that resides in all of us. It's a deep trilogy if you PAY ATTENTION.
Author: joshsaunders from Coffs Harbour, Australia
5 November 2003
Matrix Revolutions is a revolution of a movie and shows that the brothers wont stop at a half worked job. the attention to detail and cinematography of the real world makes you shocked at how much work was really put into this film. In my opinion no one will be able to match the hugeness of the matrix trilogy for a long time. a job well done and a movie definitely worth seeing, even if you didn't like the 2nd one.
Author: koala88 from Ýstanbul, turkey
10 November 2003
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
So we have reached the end of Matrix. This was an amazing trilogy with a lot of metaphors which everybody have missed. Third film have it's down & ups just like the second. The problem is, first film was so perfect that everybody wanted to see the rest like that. But after all, we have a very effective trilogy here and it only shows you are not ready if you didn't like the second or third film. From that point you are free to choose disgracing yourself by saying "this film sucks", "this is soo bad" etc. etc.
*****potential spoilers from now on**********
Now let's take a different look to the old question: What is the Matrix?I've seen Matrix as a "personal" story. I mean not "my" personal but this is the journey of a person in life/universe etc. We see lots of characters in 3 films which may be described as parts of a person like:
Morpheus: faith, wisdom. Trinity: emotions. Agent Smith: negative side of self. Maybe devil. Maybe cancer cells (please check how cancer cells spread in an organism). Architect: pure mind, logic. Merovingian: ego, self-opportunism. Cypher: fear accompanied by ignorance (also the opposite) Oracle: connection to higher-self or God or whatever you call.
Neo: This is the important question. Let's call it "I".Matrix: illusions that our mind (architect) and perceptions show us. Machines: so-called "external world" that creates illusions for us. It seems very hard to beat them.
Matrix Trilogy is the story of "I" who learns about itself/life/universe etc .You may consider it as a story of personal development. The illusions (matrix) that is created by the world surrounds us (machines) is everywhere. If you are not aware of anything, than you are lucky. But if you find some voice, some disturbing feeling inside (morpheus) you have to give a decision.
Listen to it (take the red pill), or forget about it (take the blue pill). If you listen to it, this voice takes you to a very interesting& primaly dark journey (to the nebuchadnezzar). In the beginning there will be times that you feel very bad, but by time you'll realize your powers (you'll see zion). You find a leading voice that shows the way (the oracle). In fact this voice gives you only one message: KNOW YOURSELF. But your mind tells you these are all nonsense, worthless crap (the architect). In fact the illusions are created by this very mind.
As the journey goes on, you realize some negative thoughts never stop chasing you from the beginning (agent smiths). If you ever get weak, these thoughts are ready to absorb you. You also need your emotions (Trinity) to end the journey - because there may be a time that your eyes are blind, you have to trust your feelings - but only to one point. You have to FULLY understand what you are to end the illusions. At that point you may open your 7 chakras or have a mir'ac (ascension) or see yourself as jesus - depending on the illusion that your own culture already gave you.
After that, your higher-self (oracle) may tell your mind (architect) that was a great play that is worth to experience. Your pure mind may not be happy about what has happened, but it knows that it lost the control - no separate part is in control when you have your WHOLENESS (or holiness)...
Author: ken_1969 from London, England
10 November 2003
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
IMHO, when the Wachokwski brothers came up with the idea of "The Matrix" they did not realise just what a hot potato it would be.
Before I go any further, let's not forget that both The Matrix and Reloaded are in the top 40 grossing movies of all time, and these are the first big budget movies the Wachowski brothers have done. For all Reloaded's slating by critics, it is the 13th highest grossing movie of all time. At $735,300,000 it almost doubled the Matrix' $456,300,000. These are popular movies, not art house movies. There is no question that Revolutions will join them in the top 40 - I predict in the top 15.
The second thing to remember is, this is a comic book. The Wachowski brothers are huge comic book fans, and anime fans. They envisioned this project as if it were a comic book or anime project, but they rightly predicted it would be so much cooler if they could make it as a movie.More, they had the determination to get it made. The studio system turned them down initially and so they `hacked into the system' by creating the excellent low budget movie, Bound as a showcase for their capabilities.
Then, Warner Bros didn't `get' the Matrix so when SFX costs were expanding during the early stages they closed it down. But not to be defeated, the Wachowski's pulled out all the stops to get the opening sequence with Trinity at the Heart O The City motel edited together, which blew the studio execs away and ensured they got the SFX budget they needed.I think these guys should be proud of themselves! They created a fantasy / sci-fi world which has it's own internal logic, breathed life into it, imbued it with layers of philosophy, intelligence, wit, but most of all with a hefty dose of cool.
For those who are whinging about the sequels being `such a disappointment' - go do better!Everybody I speak to seems to enjoy the Matrix on a different level, or likes many of the multiple layers of meaning, but I suspect none of us "get" all those layers - probably not even Larry and Andy to be fair! ;) But it's obvious from reading some of the comments here that a lot of people did not `get' the Matrix at all!If you are after standard dialog, plotting and the "satisfactory" ending in true Hollywood(TM) style, then you will be disappointed.
What many critics miss when they talk about how different Reloaded and Revolutions are, is that this is a story in three chapters with a beginning,middle and end. Each chapter has it's own challenges and needs, and the Wachowskis were willing to go the distance to get their movie done in accordance with their vision.Bullet time was the big thing in the original -Neo learns he can dodge bullets -but it was not needed in the second and third movie -Neo won't have to dodge bullets anymore. But they had their own challenges.I look at the Burly Brawl and Neo vs the Merovingians henchmen as stand out moments in terms of artistry and craft in sci-fi action movies. The fights are ballet.
*
Gaeta and his SFX team move the benchmark by rendering true `virtual stuntmen' in virtual worlds. Taking the `virtual stuntman' one step further, the adrenaline pumping freeway chase combining real and virtual vehicles makes for the most amazing car chase I've ever seen. Can you tell which vehicles are real and which are not? I couldn't!For those who claim Reloaded offered nothing new or original in the way of ideas - were you watching the same movie? In the first movie there's that jaw-dropping moment when Keanu wakes up in his pod in the real world. He's then led down a path by Morpheus who believes he is `The One'.
In Reloaded the Wachowski's take that message and turn it on it's head. The legend of The One is another system of control! Morpheus' faith is totally destroyed, along with his ship, and then another shocker (although I admit I predicted this from the first movie) he appears to have powers now in the real world. The final `shocker' is Bane, who we know is now Smith, inches from his enemy as a cliffhanger finale.
***MAJOR SPOILER ALERT*** Then we get to Revolutions. I admit, it's more an Evolution than a Revolution, because unlike Matrix to Reloaded there was no 4 year gap for technology to advance. But as a sequel to Reloaded it is a far better movie in that it takes us to the denouement.Along the way to the finale we have some more super cool moments. Neo, blinded by Bane, sees him for what he really is, and beats the crap out of him. Superb! The APU/Squiddy battle royale in the dock is tense, emotive, and powerful.
But does Revolutions cop out and take us down a predictable path? No!Neo does not lead the humans into war with the machines and free them by force Why? Because WAR IS BAD. Instead, he co-operates and negotiates with the machines in a common goal.Both he and Trinity sacrifice themselves to win the peaceAnd finally the `super brawl' -Smith vs Neo - the guy who said this is no better than the fight between Superman and General Zod in Superman II should go watch that dated movie again honestly! I have been reading comic books for over 20 years, and this is the best superhuman fight scene ever brought to film, bar none.
But again, does it end with Neo kicking Smith's butt? No, it has a more subtle and more powerful ending. Here is Smith, the ultimate nihilist, death personified, vs Neo the existential positivist. The humanist. And he wins by having the courage to accept his fate.Agree with it or disagree, this trinity of movies is visionary, and it rocks!
Author: rcannux from São Paulo, Brazil
8 November 2003
I found it a very good movie, a very good end for the final one and showing among the 3 movies , 3 different perspectives. The first one from the point of view of the humans in the matrix, the second one the point of view of the humans outside the matrix and the third one the real one and how it is. I like the ending cause it was unexpected and of course it didn´t pleased the geek fans cause the geeks only think with one type of analisys not froma movie point of view too. Of course it´s not perfect but it evolves the idea and keep adding new and very interesting characters like Sati!
Author: Mokey B from Sydney, Australia
6 November 2003
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
No part of this 130 minute movie was either boring or confusing. The whole thing held a load of meaning and the story was rich. The action was spectacular, and editing was where it should be. The amount of screen time for the characters was appropriate, the acting was okay, Hugo Weaving was excellent. Fight choreography was top notch, special effects are best you can get at the moment, music score goes down as a favorite.
This is a movie to see, it is part three of three of a popular mainstream movie series ending satisfactorily with this installment, Matrix: Revolutions. In saying that, I would like to comment on the bad feedback. All those who said it lacked story, well remember, it is part three. Consider all three movies, three acts of one story. No, don't consider, know that to be the case! This remember is half of a 4 1/2 hour movie, so put Reloaded and revolutions together, you get one story narrative, add Matrix to the front of that, you get over six hours of action, story and drama, all ending in a big action packed final.
To the home made critics and pro's, it ended how it ended and could not have ended any other way! People were expecting everything to come together at the end, from Persiphone to the train man to the twins, who by the way are dead! No, that is not the driving force of these trilogies, but it is too end the war against the machines! We find out that Smith is Neos negative, created by the matrix to balance the equation of the programming. We find out why neo stopped those Sentinals mid air, he had touched the source when he was with the Architect and is now connected with the machine systems! What more do you want. The merovingian is a powerful program in the system, he is merely trying to destroy the oracle, (reason unknown and not necissary)and just wants to create trouble.
The war ends with Neo making peace and cleansing the matrix of Smith, letting him infect Neo, who now is connected directly with the machine city, and is able to delete smith. Neo had to sacrifice himself for everything.In the end it was satisfying, it is fun and exciting, thought-provoking and emotional, just like the original. In fact the first matrix is exactly like this movie, it is just not fresh anymore which affects our expectations. This movie is as deep, so deep many don't understand and misinterpret the fact, this move is like life. When in life is all our problems or mysteries solved? We don't have to like everything in life, but the main thing is, we must try to enjoy it!
I liked the movie because there was more action than explaining comparing to Reloaded. I really liked dramatic scene where people of Zion fought against machines. Of course there's lot of philosophy to find other weird things for example how Neo killed Smith -program and how he can destroy machines easily in the real world. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad when the movie doesn't explain some scenes for example how/why Seraph survived when he was with The Oracle. At least it gives freedom to figure it out by yourself.I recommend this movie not only to Matrix -fans but also to people who like movies where a strong faith in something wins the sense and impossible becomes possible.
Author: Xebec from Frederick, MD
8 November 2003
I loved the first Matrix and the last one, but I only liked the second one. Reloaded went somewhere far from what Wachovski could afford to develop, and I afraid they were just busy planning visual effects and forgot about time limit of screenplay. The brothers put to many things in it, but in fact Reloaded has neither clear beginning nor ending. I was thinking how could Matrix finish, but Revolutions was much better than I expected. Many Hollywood patterns (boring pathos, soap opera, stupid jokes) but spectacular beyond any limits + great (although with many questions) story 9.5/10
