Disappointing but Not Bad

Rating: 6/10 (22 December 2003)

Even seeing Matrix Revolutions on an IMAX screen couldn't disguise the fact that the Wachowski Brothers had run out of gas. It's not that the film is so bad, as many have claimed, it's just not nearly as creative as the Matrix or even Reloaded. Nothing in Revolutions will surprise you, which makes it a disappointing conclusion to one of the most imaginative film worlds ever created.
On a positive note, it doesn't pander to the kiddies or devolve into the pathetically commercial manner of Return of the Jedi, with its Hallmark Ewoks and toy catalog film style. Now THAT was a terrible conclusion to a trilogy. At least the Wachowski Brothers stayed true to the tone they developed in the first two films, which counts for something. In a few years, the torrents of criticism about Revolutions will probably subside, and people will realize that this was a capably made film and that the three parts do form a fairly seamless whole.
Having said that, the Wachowskis would have been better off making one 3 hour sequel to the original movie, instead of stretching out a story they didn't have the inspiration or drive to maintain at the highest level.