The Matrix - Recycled

Rating: Null/10 (7 November 2003)

In the Matrix series, the Wachowski brothers pay tribute to many literary and film works. They stitch it all together, throw in some humor, invent effects, make it their own creation and serve it all up as an enjoyable package.
It is probably not possible to enjoy these films to their full extent without a grounding in classic science fiction, knowledge of computer programming constructs, some familiarity with various religions and a "tongue in cheek" sense of humor.
Possible spoilers below.
To be specific, all three films draw heavily on a 1970 radio play, "I Think We're All Bozos on This Bus" by The Firesign Theater. One scene in The Matrix Revolutions is a nod to the 1950 AJ Deutch story "A Subway Named Moebius".
The programming constructs of assignment and independent and dependent variables vs fuzzy logic are presented as necessary components in the realities of The Matrix. Logic and antilogic are also presented as a way to maintain balance. The notion of compiler-compilers is used so that programs can produce programs giving rise to the next generation of software.
The Matrix Revolutions also tips its hat to Star Wars, Dune, Alien, Robocop and Toshiro Mifune. And I knew that I had seem that body armor before... Wasn't it just in Spy Kids 3D?
Clearly this is a movie for grownups. The action is slick, the effects are amazing, the imagery is great. While it is a flawed movie, some scenes are too long and some minor points are left unresolved, overall this is a movie with humor and content and many ideas to tickle the mind.
Many thanks to the Wachowski brothers for an enjoyable romp! 8 out 10