"The Matrix Revolutions” (Warner Brothers)
All good things must come to an end, even movie trilogies that have earned millions. So now we have “Matrix Revolutions,” the final installment in the “Matrix” series. For the past few years we have been introduced to Neo, Morpheus and Trinity. We have seen him there is a world within a world, and there is a fortress called Zion which is in danger. Neo has been called “the one” and if he is that special savior then he can save Zion. If he is not, then Zion will fall victim to the armies of the machines.
“Matrix Revolutions” deals with Neo (Keanu Reeves) and his efforts to vanquish the evil Mr. Smith (Hugo Weaving). Their battle will determine if the powerful machines will breach the walls of Zion and wipe out all life there. Neo is aided in his quest by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss).
This last segment of the trilogy doesn’t really answer all the questions raised by the first two segments, but it answers enough in general to leave audiences satisfied. Those who are hard core “Matrix” fans will analyze the dialogue and actions of this film for years to come.
For the casual viewer it is enough that there is a smashing battle between the residents of Zion and the machines. This battle takes up most of the time of the film and is an adrenaline producing movie miracle. The special effects which are created and utilized are staggering.
The same is true for the final confrontation between Mr. Smith and Neo. These two battle like super heroes in space and on the ground. They clash, they smash, they roll around in the mud. They appear to be indestructible but one finally wins, and that sets up the end of the movie.
Reeves appears tired and lifeless in this movie but that is in keeping with his role. Neo has taken on the responsibility for protecting mankind and it has drained him. So if Reeves seems to be sleepwalking through his part, well Neo is doing the same thing in his universe.
The rest of the actors – Fishburne, Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith, etc. – all are secondary characters in this final film. They have their moments but they aren’t the show. Only Mary Alice as the new “oracle” gets to be center stage for some of the meatier moments of the film.
The movie is rated R for violence and profanity.
“Matrix Revolutions” is not the final blast that audiences wanted. No one will leave the theater gasping in amazement at all that has been seen. Still it is an enjoyable movie that gives finality to the story. “Matrix” doesn’t go out with a colossal bang, but it doesn’t all end with a whimper either. You get a good, if not great, conclusion to the series. That won’t satisfy the purists, but for the rest of us it is enough.
I scored “Matrix Revolutions” an uprising 7 out of 10.
