Review: Matrix Revolutions, The (2003)

"Matrix - Revolutions" - A Losing Battle
by Homer Yen
(c) 2003

Before watching the third and final installment
of the "The Matrix" trilogy, I had some
pre-conceived reservations about whether this
film would be as bodacious as the first two. 
Also, since "Revolutions" is sort of a conclusion
to this summer's "Reloaded" cliffhanger, I also
wondered if this would be significantly better or
different.  Or would it be more of the same?  I
have this same question as I eagerly await the
conclusion of the masterfully presented "Kill
Bill."

After immensely enjoying the first two
installments, I wished that I could say that
"Revolutions" was a worthy conclusion.  But I
can't.  It's an ambitious film, alright. 
However, it abandons the original spirit that
underlined its enigmatic appeal.  It is bereft of
the razzle-dazle, gravity-defying, slow-mo
effects that deliriously punctuated action
sequences in the first two films.  And this film
is just too darn busy.  I am reminded of my
thoughts on the Middle Earth saga, "Lord of the
Rings".  The first film, "The Fellowship of the
Rings," was beautifully crafted and well told. 
But the second film, "The Two Towers," was just
an overblown action film.  And so it is with
"Revolutions".

In this final installment, the last bastion of
human civilization known as Zion, is facing
annihilation as the war between humanity and the
machines of the Matrix world barrels to a
conclusion.  Neo (Keanu Reeves), Morpheus
(Laurence Fishburne), and Trinity (Carrie
Anne-Moss) work together in a desperate attempt
to save themselves from extinction.  Neo, our
unlikely messiah, continues his journey to the
machine world where he hopes to stop the war at
the source.  Along the way, he becomes locked in
an epic struggle with the resurgent Agent Smith
(Hugo Weaving) who continues to multiply in
power, number, and ambition.  Meanwhile, everyone
else is fortifying their defenses in anticipation
of their apocalyptic battle.

Ultimately, the film lacks a certain amount of
continuity and conviction.  Never mind the fact
that if you haven't seen the first two films that
this will leave you scratching your head.  But,
the storyline seems to take a lot of liberties
that we can not fully follow.  What is Agent
Smith's true agenda?  How does Neo 'see' the
things that he does?  Why do the constructs of
the real world somehow blur into the virtual,
alternate world of the Matrix?  Perhaps I'll find
my answers on one those chat groups that ponder
these issues.  Finally, the plot is minimal.  But
the film seems so long that you come away feeling
tired rather than invigorated, as I did in the
first two films.  Also, I was also unhappy at how
they slowly softened Trinity's character,
depriving her of her feistiness.

You can steadily discern my growing level of
disappointment.  But, there are certainly items
to enjoy.  The first scene is a whiz-bang
reminder of why "The Matrix" redefined action
films.  And several minor characters from
"Reloaded" enjoy expanded roles.    Meanwhile,
the film is technically brilliant, seamlessly
marrying live action with special effects.  But
having said that, all this will do is to keep you
interested but not engaged.

Reflecting upon the trilogy, the original was by
far the best.  It toyed with our perceptions of
reality and illusion.  It provided an underlying
philosophy that has diminished over the final two
films.  Our sense of wonder has lessened.  And,
what the Matrix has done is devolve from the
thought-provoking brilliant to just the
technically brilliant.

Grade:  B-

S:      1 out of 3
L:      1 out of 3
V:      2 out of 3

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X-RAMR-ID: 36252
X-Language: en
X-RT-ReviewID: 1217362
X-RT-TitleID: 1127201
X-RT-AuthorID: 1370
X-RT-RatingText: B-