matrix_revolutions

The Matrix Revolutions

U.S. Release Date: 11/05/03
Running Time: 2:09
Rated: R (Violence, sensuality, and mild profanity)
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Ann Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett Smith, Monica Bellucci, Lambert Wilson, Harold Perrineau Jr., Harry J. Lennix, Mary Alice

Directors: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Producers: Joel Silver, Grant Hill
Screenplay: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Music: Don Davis
Studio: Warner Brothers

Revolution n.—the cycle of a phenomena; a radical change often accompanied by violence.

The Matrix Revolutions’ tagline reads: “Everything that has a beginning has an end.” To some, this closing chapter is initially nothing more than an overwrought disappointment; however, in hindsight, Revolutions is a fitting resolution to a monumental trilogy. With the third and final part of the Matrix saga, what once began in March of 1999 (The Matrix), now comes to a close and goes out with a bang.

Revolutions begins exactly where Reloaded ends. The plot picks up with the machine-controlling Neo (Keanu Reeves) and the Smith-possessed Bane (Ian Bliss) comatose. While in this coma-like state, Neo is stuck in some sort of limbo train station (on the edge of, or between, both worlds—the Matrix and the real world), and the only way to get out is through the smarmy Merovingian (Lambert Wilson) and the homeless-looking Trainman (Bruce Spence).

After making a deal with these two greasy men, Neo is removed from limbo to help fight against the soon-approaching swarm of sentinels and the continuously-multiplying, virus-like, angry God of the Matrix, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving). Neo and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) take off in an unexpected direction in an attempt to save all of humanity and find out in the end if Neo is truly “The One,” and if the prophecy can still be fulfilled.

While the first fifty minutes of Revolutions is packed with philosophical phrases and Freudian-like explanations of love and karma, the second half compiles enough action to allow the reel to be revered. And, although this is the most-inferior film in the trilogy, to use the word “inferior” when referring to any of the three blockbusters is simply unjust. Even though Revolutions may rev its engine a little too long for those who are antsy to get the ball rolling, once the film hits the gas, there is no letting up and not one single letdown.

If the Wachowski brothers truly intended on hypnotizing viewers with dizzying discussion and subtle religious symbolism, then the writer/director/producer siblings have accomplished their goal. The Wachowskis outwardly expressed the messianic aspects in this miraculous finale. For instance, Neo is the savior who greatly impacts all of those around him. Agent Smith is strikingly similar to both the multiplying demon named Legion, who Jesus exorcised, and the Anti-Christ. And, “The Source” is God—our end.

Watching Revolutions and then viewing the completed three-part series as one entity, is like gazing at a fireworks display for the first time. In this case, the Fourth of July arrived in the form of a November release date. In addition, the show impresses with tons of “Ooo”s and “Ahh”s audible from the crowd, and the grand finale leaves a life-lasting impression for the heart and a burning image for the mind.