The Matrix was the story of a zero
computer hacker who comes to the comprehension that the world he lives
in – the world we live in – is fake and that outside is the real deal.
By film's end, he would ultimately become somewhat of a superhero among
his new clique.
Just
a terrific story combined with great effects and some good
performances, the Sydney filmed science-fictioner grips like spikey
plastic shoes from the get go.
Those sequels, however? Well, does anyone really understand what the heck was going on there!?
"We can never see past a choice we don't understand"
And Morpheus old buddy, there is no way we can see past a plot point we don't understand either.
In fact, Matrix Reloaded
is littered with so much gobbledygook, and an abundance of confusing
plot subterfuge – that I dare anyone to decode it within one viewing.
I
guess you could say it's not unlike one of those gobstoppers you can
find in any candy store: Hard to chew, nice to endure, if you will.
The Matrix Reloaded
picks up where the first film left off with Neo (Keanu Reeves)
continuing to explore the world outside of the one we know as ours.
Having made the decision to believe in himself and accept his role as
"The One", he starts to assume greater command of his powers, but with
this new power comes responsibility.
Responsiblity like
fulfilling what Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) believes to be Neo's
destiny – to end the war with the machines – and also living up to the
expectations of those lives who depend on the choices Neo makes.
The
Machine Army begins to compress Zion. The Rebels brace themselves. And
Neo strives ahead in search of a further quest for the truth. All the
while, kicking, punching and skimming his way out of harms way.
The
action sequences are bigger and better, the effects are eye popping and
the story – apart from being mind boggling – stays one step ahead of
its audience at all times.
But it is that very story that also deters enjoyment in a couple of spots.
There
is a little too much partisan speeches and drawn out mockery and while
there is nothing wrong with exposition scenes, unfortunately some of
these moments deter from the action sequences, which are significantly
more entertaining than the plot.
On first viewing, the plot
seems to be all over the place. Large helpings of waffle sprinkled
throughout the film. Those who have seen the first film a few dozen
times might find it a bit easier to understand than those who haven't –
but all in all there is a little too much here.
Maybe it makes sense, maybe it doesn't – that will have to be decided upon repeated viewings.
The Matrix Revolutions undoubtedly lives up to that "second sequels suck" rule.
"Everything that has a beginning has an end"
Regrettably for fans of The Matrix
though, the final episode in the Wachowski's blockbuster sci-fi saga
isn't going to come without a galling price - namely, one very sore
rear end and one colossal headache.
Continuing on from the events of The Matrix Reloaded, Revolutions picks up the story with the now toothless Neo (Keanu Reeves) caught somewhere between the Matrix and the Machine World.
In
the meantime, the Zion military battle the Sentinel army, intent on
annihilating their civilization. When he can finally get out of the
halfway house he is trapped in, Neo plans to be the miracle that will
stop such obliteration.
If you were left baffled by the spectacular-spectacular that was The Matrix Reloaded
prepare to give your senses and understanding a workout once more. All
the dazzling effects and over-the-top action sequences that audiences
have been coming back for more and more of, is once again evident in
the latest chapter.
Unlike the previous two chapters though, there is a major letdown with the final Matrix installment.
At
the end of the day you will feel as if you have had the brain on high
for the preceding two and a bit hours for nothing, because that message
we have been promised – one that will apparently decipher all the mumbo
jumbo of the previous two movies – never comes.
In short, one is going to feel a little cheated...
Those
that have been loyal, stringent fans on the series up till now will
probably be looking for the Wackowski brothers heads on sticks by the
time the film rolls. At the end of The Matrix Reloaded,
it looked like the directing duo had grand plans for the next chapter,
in turn explaining to their loyal audience what it all meant – but
alas, they didn't. Don't. The answer never really comes.
Ok, so there is a lot more to The Matrix than plot, so besides the befuddlement, is The Matrix Revolutions an enjoyable last arc?
That
depends on what you hope the film offers. If outstanding special
effects, ear-piercing audio, well choreographed fight scenes and
drawn-out chunks of perplexing dialogue are your bag – then yes, you
will enjoy the final chapter in the ambitious trilogy.
If something new, novel and exciting is more your cup of Joe – you might want to start looking elsewhere.
If anything, The Matrix Revolutions
feels tired. Naturally, it's going to have the "been there done that"
syndrome attached to it, but at the same time, it doesn't even try to
inject anything new. How many long drawn-out slow motion action
sequences with guys flying in the air or that now annoying billet time
can one take?
Ultimately, it is going to be pretty clear by the end of The Matrix Revolutions that both it and Reloaded could have easily been cut to 80 minute movies each – or possibly forming to create just the one sequel.
There
is a lot that could easily have been cut out here – a large chunk of
the middle, the battle scene between the city and the sentinels, is
exasperatingly arduous, and even a pivotal death scene is stretched out
to a derisory duration.
Everything about the sequel feels bloated.
To
the film's merit though, The Wachowski's do deliver on a couple of
grand action sequences, especially the film's charged final fight
between Agent Smith (scene-stealer Hugo Weaving) and Neo, which is
nothing short of Pepsi cool.
Unfortunately, the rest of The Matrix Revolutions needed a couple of berrocas. Maybe that would have given it back its b-b-b-bounce.
Blu Ray DVD EXTRAS
Roadshow have done an amazing job porting everything they have released up till now with Matrix in the title over to Blu Ray.
In
addition to the movies, each disc contains numerous audio commentaries
(everyone from cast, crew and respectable film journalists contribute a
track) and a slew of featurettes about each film's conception and
realization. There are also promotional galleries.
The remaining
two discs include previously seen documentaries "The Burly Man
Chronicles," "The Roots of the Matrix" and "The Zion Archive”; a pop-up
trivia track and more.
Yes, it's a bit over kill… but fans will love the shit out of it.
It goes without saying that the audio and video quality of the set is amazing. The Matrix looks great, but Reloaded and Revolutions
look frickin' amazing – colours look natural and very detailed, and
unlike some of the images on the DVD, nothing looks noticeably broken.
All
three films have 1080p/VC-1-encoded transfers (framed accurately in
2.40:1 widescreen) and I can't imagine them looking any better – near
just as good as seeing them in the theatres.
The Matrix
movies are just as well-known for their groundbreaking special effects
as they are their sound design so I'm pleased to say the audio tracks
are also Christmas-y exciting.
The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 makes love
to your speakers for every minute of each film – but you will really
appreciate it in those high effects sequences like, say, "the bullet
time" moments. It really pops then!
Such a divine Blu-Ray release....even if you're still in two-minds about the sequels, it's well worth picking up!
Also in this set is The Animatrix,
the collection of animated short-stories that are somehow supposed to
tie into the Wachowski’s whacked out world. Never went for this myself.
Conclusion:
Movie 80% Extras: 80%
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