A very good conclusion to an amazing trilogy of films

Rating: 9/10 (27 October 2004)

OK, let me first say that the first "Matrix" film is a crowning achievement. It stands on its own, and can appeal to most mainstream audiences. Most anyone can understand the plot.
But with "Reloaded" and especially "Revolutions," even the most hardcore sci-fi fans who usually get these kinds of films walked out of the last two scratching their heads. When walking out of "Reloaded," they assumed that they'd get clearer answers in "Revolutions," so most people cut "Reloaded" some slack (even though it's just as convoluted as "Revolutions"). This is why "Revolutions" is the most maligned Matrix film. The plots of the sequels was just too convoluted for mainstream audiences, and "Revolutions" didn't offer the clear explanations audiences were looking for.
They couldn't figure out why Neo had power outside the Matrix. Why could he stop Sentinels by thinking it? Why could he still see after being blinded by Bane, and see in a different way for that matter? The first film established how to get power within the Matrix, but that outside of the Matrix he was just another ordinary, but machine-engineered human being. So what was all this about?
Why was Bane also Smith? How could Smith be in the real world in someone's body?
How did Neo separate his mind from his body and end up at the Train Station place? What IS the Train Station?
What was the deal with the family of programs at the Train Station who were smuggling their daughter out? What specifically was Sati all about? They sort of make a big deal of her, especially at the end.
Why did the Oracle's appearance change (aside from the original actress dying before the third film was made)?
How exactly was Smith destroyed in the end? How exactly was peace made between the Machines and Man? Why not just have a plot where they destroy the Matrix?
What was the Merovingian (the French Man) all about? What was his purpose?
What was Seraph all about?
Zion was destroyed 5 times before without the Zion peoples' knowledge? How is that possible? Why did it occur? How and why were there 5 "Ones" before Neo?
Getting the answers to these questions is imperative to enjoying the plot. And yet, the answers are very, very vague in the film. So because of that, most people just thought that the Wachowski Brothers copped out and made a special effects film that's all style and no substance.
But the answers are there, and if one thinks about it, the film makes perfect sense. They just don't shove it all in your face like we're used to seeing with most films. So if one can actually grasp what the directors were trying to convey in the plot, for me anyway, becomes a much more enjoyable piece of cinema.
I won't go into answering all the questions above, but if you check out www.thematrix101.com , you'll find mostly what is needed to enjoy the plot.
Get over your first impression of the film if it was negative and check out that website for some answers. Perhaps if you understand the film, you might like it after all.