MOVIE - THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS - Review Rating $$$$$ $ (OUT OF 10)

STARRING - Keanu Reeves (Neo), Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus), Jada Pinkett Smith (Niobe), Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity), Helmut Bakaitis (The Architect), Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith), Mary Alice (The Oracle) & Monica Bellucci (Persephone).

DIRECTORS - Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski (Bound, The Matrix & The Matrix Reloaded)

When I reviewed The Matrix Reloaded I hypothesized that the diminished impact of the second installment had a lot to do with the fact that times had changed. The essence of my argument was that the sequel no longer reflected "the prevailing socio-historical forces" that were a significant contributing factor to the success of the original film. In hindsight, after watching The Matrix Revolutions, I think the explanation for this phenomena is much simpler.

What struck me the most watching The Matrix Revolutions was not that the audience was no longer blown away, by the premise of being a virtual cog in a massive machine, but that the characters themselves no longer were either. There is, contrary to the original film, a remarkable lack of questioning about the significance of the mind boggling circumstances the characters find themselves in. The mistake made in the second and third installments of this trilogy, in my opinion, is taking the premise for granted.

That mistake may have been intentional. It appears that the Wachowski brothers were intent on transforming Neo into a modern day "Savior". What was once implied is no longer subject to debate. The numerous analogies between Neo and Christ, Mr. Smith and the Devil, and the Architect and God, are too obvious to warrant further discussion. While the merits of pursuing this singular focus may be debatable the nature of the message is not.

Using science fiction, to promote religiosity, is not a new concept having also been recently employed in the film Signs, to name just one example. In this instance, however, it manages to squeeze the life out of an otherwise original premise. The audience I watched the movie with appeared singularly unimpressed with the religious implications of the film's "significant" moments.

The Matrix Revolutions also suffers from an overextended "battle to end all battles" scene. This installment, like The Matrix Reloaded, is guilty of being a little too impressed with its own special effects at times.

While The Matrix Revolutions is better than The Matrix Reloaded I have decided to give it a lower rating for two reasons. First, and foremost, if you haven't watched the first two films there is absolutely no point in going to see this movie.

Secondly, from my perspective at least, the direction the trilogy has taken makes the "dramatic conclusion" much less interesting. What started with so much promise has morphed into a convoluted and lengthy sermon. The Matrix Revolutions should have been called The Matrix Revelations.

The problem, with The Matrix Revolutions, is that while its true that "everything that has a beginning has an end" I wish the ending had been better.

Running time - 130 minutes

Check out my TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2003 & WORST MOVIES OF 2003 lists.

Alternative Reviews:

Roger Ebert's Review

Newsweek Review

Peter Travers /Rolling Stone Review

Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

Matrix Revolutions Official Web Site

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