"Matrix Revolutions"

"Matrix Revolutions"

Directed by: Andy and Larry Wachowski

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett-Smith

Rated: R (for violence, mild adult language, mild sexual situations)

Running Time: 128 minutes

Best Suited For: Matrix fans awaiting closure.

Least Suited For: Non-Matrix fans (and certainly those who’ve not seen 1 and 2).

The final chapter of the Wachowski brothers’ sci-fi trilogy, "The Matrix Revolutions," screams through theaters this week to execute what "The Matrix Reloaded" only promised—mankind’s final battle against the ubiquitous killing machines in the underground fortress of Zion.

Does "Revolutions" fulfill its obligation to Matrix fans? Well, yes and no—although I believe mostly yes. (However, I do offer one word of caution. If you haven’t seen the previous two Matrix films, don’t even try to understand what’s going on here. "Revolutions" jumps in exactly where its predecessor ended, with little fanfare or explanation. You’ll be utterly lost.)

First the good news: The battle for Zion is technically and visually impressive. "Revolutions" unleashes the most impressive action sequence (and it’s a very long sequence) that I’ve ever seen. For action/adventure junkies, this is really good stuff. ("Terminator 4": good luck in topping this one.) For the moment, "Revolutions" offers the ultimate in seamless, state-of-the-art CGI/live action macro carnage.

Meanwhile, back at the zen ranch, Keanu Reeves returns as the ultra-hip techno-savior Neo. Should you have missed the last two Matrix offerings, here’s the scoop: Most of mankind is obliviously enslaved within a computer-generated alternate reality called The Matrix. Those humans who’ve managed to escape have gathered in the bleak, underground city-fortress Zion—but the machines are closing in, intent on total destruction. A handful of true believers think that Neo is humanity’s only hope for salvation. But he’s running out of time.

Chief among Neo’s apostles is Laurence Fishburne––back as hovercraft captain Morpheus—and Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, Neo’s black-vinyled, gun-savvy babe. Best of all, Hugo Weaving returns as the snarling, renegade-program Agent Smith, who has cloned himself (a few million times) to ensure Neo’s demise. The problem (pivotal to "Revolutions’" story line) is that Agent Smith has grown so powerful even the machine race fears his destructive power. More than once, Neo and Smith match wits in "Revolutions" and the effects are awesome.

Now for the downside: For those seeking to discover a higher purpose to Neo’s existence, you’ll likely be disappointed. (In fact, the battle for Zion bulldozes over individual character roles—even Neo’s.) Some critics have suggested that the Wachowskis’ story ran out of steam shortly after the original Matrix was completed, and this appears to be the case. Neo’s subsequent ethereal journey is simply not that impressive. It breaks no new spiritual ground (and could have) nor offers wisdom any more profound than "what begins must have an end." Neo’s internal conflicts and doubts as mankind’s potential savior (is he or isn’t he?) continue to plague those around him and more than a few filmgoers as well. By the time we find out, many of us may no longer care.

Whether such fervent mythical overtones mire or enhance the trilogy depends on your personal tastes. There is (believe it or not) a deep and intelligent message in the Matrix trilogy—but in an action thriller, is this what an audience wants?

Again, the answer depends on your point of view—and how deeply you choose to delve into Neo’s substantial mythological id. Such density tended to bog down "Revolutions’" predecessor—and while the Wachowski brothers wisely revert to the original’s action-packed pace, in the film’s final moments they leave a good many questions only partially answered. Don’t expect every loose thread to be neatly tied by the end of "Revolutions." Perhaps the answers lie in the upcoming video and DVD set, where I’m sure untold millions will attempt to further read between the lines. And how savvy is that?

In a nutshell: If nothing else, "Revolutions" makes for good cappuccino banter afterward—and how many films can boast even that sway over an audience? As a whole, the Matrix trilogy provided some dazzling new moments and advanced visual effects and produced a tale far better than average. Perhaps the Wachowskis somewhat overextended their reach, but that doesn’t lessen the fact that they still have very long cinematic arms. The original, exceptional "Matrix" asked viewers, "What is real?" The somewhat ponderous "Reloaded" asked, "What is the purpose of that reality?" "Revolutions" teeters on the edge and wonders, "What’s next?"—posing change as an inevitable beginning and end. For those looking for the trilogy’s ultimate closure, well—you may not be completely fulfilled, although you’ll likely have one heck of a ride getting there.

Sometimes the journey will have to suffice.