The Final Chapter

Rating: Null/10 (11 November 2003)

Everything that has a beginning has an end. The tagline adequately describes the closing chapter of the Matrix trilogy. It seems, unfortunately, that the spectacle has left it's philosophically demanding plotlines behind in favor of really cool explosions.
Now don't misinterpret; the Wachowski brothers continue to push visual effects to the limit and beyond. Bullet time was the original brilliance, and they follow it beautifully in Revolutions. The battle for the human city of Zion was a special effects smorgasbord, both visually beautiful and realistically frightening. I sat with my mouth agape, stunned by the realism of the invading machines. It's pretty safe to say that we will not see a film with such gorgeous and well produced special effects for the next ten years.
The story, however, lags behind the impressive visual display. We again catch up with the usual cast of characters; Morpheus, Neo, Trinity and the many Agent Smiths, right where they left off in Reloaded. The first hour of the film is a bit slow, a little bit of catching up and a lot of dialogue. The action picks up as Bane, the crewmember who now is inhabited by Agent Smith, plots his attack. A tremendous fight between Neo and Bane picks up the pace and kicks the action into high gear.
Notice a pattern, though? Boring dialogue and sluggish plot lines dive into incredible action and special effects sequences. The first Matrix, however fantastic the action and effects were, was so good because of the dialogue and the premise behind the film. The sequels seem to be advancing the story in a direction with which they could use the most innovative effects technology.
Though the sequels don't live up to the expectations set by the original, that's far from saying they are bad movies. Compared to most of the garbage movie studios put out each Friday, I'd much rather see Matrix Revolutions. The story, while lackluster in comparison to the first, has elements everyone can relate to; love, fear, fate and the fight against oppression.

Most importantly, however, the story does bring closure to the trilogy. The Wachowski brothers are certainly not afraid to kill off some of their famed characters (in order to know who, you'll have to watch the movie) or to give the viewer a conclusion to the war that was certainly unexpected by most voracious fans.
I do wonder, however, if they set themselves up for yet another possible sequel. As conclusive as the ending was, there was enough ambiguity to be able to tie in another film. Go see this movie, and when you do, pay attention to the Oracle's last lines, and wonder to yourself if Matrix Resurrections is going to be next on the list.