The original "Matrix" didn't need any sequels!!!

Rating: Null/10 (17 November 2003)

Let me explain my vision of the `trilogy'.
(1) The original `Matrix' is not just a one more superb movie in the world. IT IS A NEW RELIGION! You'll see! I (as, I'm sure, everybody at the subconscious level) had got it at once, because the revolutionary idea of the possibility to find ourselves somehow plugged into the computer generated dream world is even less refutable than the idea of any other already existing religion! Look at what the computers can do now, and just imagine what will they be able to do in some 5-10 years. And what if the original `Matrix' is the accidental direct hit made by the unruly brains of Wachowski brothers (or whoever had suggested them it)?! Can anybody of you disprove it? Don't get upset, because nobody can. (Just in case, I'm saying I'm kidding). Moreover, all the factors, which the successfulness of any movie rests on, such as, casting, direction, design, costumes, performance, photography, etc. where absolutely flawless, while profoundness of some would-be modest thoughts brought by the `Matrix' requires the special thanks (like `Everybody falls for the first time'; it is possible to be the One, not being very smart; `You're waiting for something, may be, for the new life'; some gift reveals itself only in the extreme situation; `Free your mind!' and so on). I think, it has a great positive psychological influence on the audience, because it stimulates people to live and not just exist, it awakes the One in everybody for the everybody to believe in him/herself and start acting in some sphere of his/her life. That's why this movie had become the universally recognized masterpiece. I've met nobody who thinks it is bad or even ordinary, no-bo-dy, except those too gloomy in terms of computers.
CONCLUSION: The original `Matrix' should not have any sequel. It didn't need any sequel, letting everybody imagine its own way of destroying the Matrix and beating the machines. However, the millions of fans hungered for the story to go on, and the rules of the show business just forced Wachowski bros to earn more money on it. And let's be fair - in `The Matrix Reloaded' they did their best to justify hopes of the overwhelming majority of the audience, while the hopes of the most fastidious people were `dissatisfiable' by nature. It would be as impossible as trying to add something to the masterpieces of, say, Mozart.
Therefore, I would recommend consider the original `Matrix' separately from the other two parts. In this case you'll definitely feel a sense of relief!
Mark: 20/10 (!!!)
(2) `The Matrix Reloaded' is a very nice action, looking like a thrilling computer game. While in the original `Matrix' Neo was just to believe in himself, in the `Reloaded' he had to explore his obvious super-abilities, understand the reasons of different things' existence in the Matrix, and, finally, find out his own true calling. I think, all these points were shown and developed in the movie almost optimally. To improve it, may be, several monologues/dialogues should be relieved of the extra sophistication to make them comprehensible for all people, and not just for a real fan ready to rewind them for hours to get the point.
Mark: 9.5/10
(3) `The Matrix Revolutions' is, unfortunately, the black sheep which every family has. There are tons of flaws in it which were generated by one main problem: laziness or tiredness of the Wachowski brothers' fantasy. Among the most evident flaws I would mention the following: (a) too much attention paid to such boring characters as Sati & Co; (b) too long (and, again, boring) sentimental scenes of different characters; (c) too primitive tactics and behavior of both machines (which were just flying together and waiting for Zion to spend all its ammunition:) and commander of Zion (who didn't hit upon such easy ideas like, for example, leaving some ships and the big mechanical worriers in reserve) (d) no worthwhile video effect within first 60(!) minutes; (e) vagueness of the story's end; etc.. So, the `Revolutions' is a real disappointment for the thinking part of the audience. Anyway, it is far more than just viewable.
Mark: 7/10
I would also add that the `Matrix' (as well as its sequels) was the first movie which became increasingly interesting and clear for me upon each next review, because every new time you see it, you discover some hidden details or links helping to comprehend the whole picture more properly. If I'm not alone in this respect, then it is really a kind of revolution in the world of cinematography.