Review: Matrix Revolutions, The (2003)

THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS (2003) / ** 1/2

Directed by Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski, from their screenplay.
Starring Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne. Running time:
129 minutes. Rated AA for violent scenes by the MFCB. Reviewed on November
11th, 2003.

By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN

Synopsis: Zion, the sanctuary of those people freed from slavery to the
computer-controlled virtual world of the Matrix, has been located by the
machines, and invasion is imminent. Neo (Reeves), the prophesied saviour
of mankind, undertakes a suicidal mission to the machine city with his
lover, Trinity (Moss) to try to stop the attack. Morpheus (Fishburne) and
Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith) race back to Zion to join in its defense. And
within the Matrix, the rogue element Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) continues
to accumulate power at a seemingly unstoppable rate.

Review: The first "Matrix" was a phenomenon: exciting yet possessing
thematic weight, and full of gorgeous eye-candy to boot. "The Matrix
Reloaded" was a lesser creature; it boasted frequent glimmers of what made
the original so good, but only amidst a glacial plot which finally
accelerated into an almost indecipherable climactic infodump. But still,
"Reloaded" set up plenty of questions about the Matrix -- both historical
and philosophical -- which would surely pay off in "The Matrix
Revolutions", right? Sadly, almost inconceivably, the answer is no:
"Revolutions" is like a lobotomised version of the first "Matrix". There
are still fantastic action sequences, supported by breathtaking effects
and wire work, so there's little chance of getting bored. But it's all
sound and fury, signifying... not much. The main characters continue to be
shadows in search of personalities; some of the interesting supporting
players such as the Merovingian and Persephone are reduced to mere cameos
(yet, regrettably, we get more of Clayton Watson's embarrassing turn as
Kid); and the whole thing culminates in a confrontation between Neo and
his enemies which seems to play out in a certain way only because the
filmmakers require it. "Revolutions" sees the "Matrix" phenomenon finally
fizzle out, and the Wachowski brothers have only themselves to blame.

Copyright © 2003 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
Archived at The Popcorn Gallery,
  http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sps/movies.html

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X-RT-RatingText: 2.5/4