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The Matrix Revolutions
is the final chapter in The Matrix Trilogy, or more accurately ‘saga’
if you include both The Animatrix and even the interactive game,
Enter the Matrix. The film picks up immediately after The Matrix Reloaded,
resolving its exaggerated cliffhanger in relatively short order. Once that
plot point wraps up, all the Matrix action you loved about the first two
movies is over. No more black leather, bullets flying, techno music pounding
action sequences are left in the series.
What is left is the machine assault on Zion. The
majority of the film revolves around the impending attack, and the actual
battle within the city. As the humans battle for their lives against the
machines, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) has taken over the Matrix in an effort
to destroy it. Meanwhile, Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss)
travel to the machine city to find a way to end the war. Neo offers the
machines a treaty, where if he destroys the powerful Agent Smith, the
machines will end the war.
The Wachowski brothers have stated that the two
Matrix sequels are really a single movie. If both Reloaded and
Revolutions were actually a single movie, it would be the most wildly
successful sequel of all time. But a five-hour sequel to a two and a half
hour film is not feasible. So the brothers Wachowski cut the film in two
with little adjustment to the story. This is evident with the poor
cliffhanger in Reloaded and the weak opening of Revolutions.
My feeling is if you release two movies, strengthen each so they can stand
on their own, independent of the other. Reloaded and Revolutions
do not.
Since Revolutions is the second part of
the sequel, it starts off at a disadvantage as an inferior film. Story wise,
Revolutions just ties up loose ends. The machine offensive, the Agent
Smith plot point, and the path of the One are the only reasons why
Revolutions exists. Why does this make the film inferior? Revolutions
does not contribute anything new to the concept of the Matrix.
Thematically speaking, the first film was based
on the idea that the world you know is a dream…“free your mind.” The second
film dealt with the concept of choice vs. consequence. The final film wraps
up loose ends, but it does so very well.
The centerpiece of Revolutions is the
battle between humans and the machines. It is absolutely incredible. The
special effects are perfection. This is the most intense battle sequence you
will ever see.
The climax of the film is the battle between
Agent Smith and Neo. This fight takes on more superhero qualities rather
than focusing on the martial arts genius of Woo Ping. While disappointing
for some, I found it rather enjoyable. The Washowski brothers have
consistently said that The Matrix, at its heart, was a comic book.
This fight proves that fact.
While critics are taken by surprise by this,
think about it. At this point in the story both Neo and Agent Smith are all
powerful equals. It makes sense that their final show down would be
superhero like. Additionally, all the thematic elements of Neo as a savior
come into play as he mediates the fate of mankind by putting his own life on
the line.
However, none of these elements can make up for
the fact that Revolutions does nothing more than tie up loose ends.
Moreover, this film lacks something from the other films. Black leather,
bullets flying, martial arts filled, techno music pounding action sequences.
One fight in the opening scene has these elements. It’s a great scene, but
it is fleeting and unsatisfying compared to other sequences in the series.
This is a big mistake, and it showed in the box office draw.
One other major missing link in this finale is
Gloria Foster, who played the Oracle in the first two films. She
unfortunately passed away before filming her scenes for the film. Her
personality and ability lent a lot to the story. But The Matrix is
bigger than any one person. The filmmakers could have used this to their
advantage in deepening the lore behind the Matrix and the Oracle. Instead
they use Mary Alice, a fine actress, but her performance attempts to mimic
Foster's. This was a missed opportunity to turn the Oracle into something
more interesting. Alice's performance just ends up making you miss Gloria
that much more.
The Matrix Saga
fizzles out at the end, albeit in an interesting way. It is certainly the
weakest film of the series, but better than most blockbusters. Ultimately,
The Matrix Saga is one of the best film series ever made. If you like
movies and action, you have to see this series. |
