Dark & Depressing

Rating: 6/10 (5 November 2003)

*May contain spoilers* We all know from watching the previous two films, that the "real world" is not a pretty place. There's no sun under the thick cloud cover and tarantula-like machines rule most of the world. Knowing that part three's final battle with the machines would occur in the real world, this dark, depressing atmosphere was to be expected.
What was not expected, however, was that the Wachowski brothers would abandon so many of the elements that made the first two films so popular. There are far less "bullet time" scenes, and where they do exist; they fall short of the level of creativity and awe of the first two films. One may argue that fans that feel this way were jaded from the amazing ideas of the first two films, but I feel this is an objective perspective. The scenes just aren't as exciting or innovative this time.
Most of the movie is what we expect. There are next to no real plot twists, other than seeing some of our favorite characters die. The machines invade, there is a fireworks-gun power battle in Zion and Neo does what he feels he must do to save the world.
In the end, we're left with the confirmation that the war has ended, but for how long? There is also an uncertainty with what truly becomes of Neo. I thought a final film in a trilogy is meant to put together all the loose pieces, but this one may create as many as it solves. It feels kind of like the end of Terminator 3, that there is more ahead? or at least should be.
All in all, the action was intense throughout and the acting solid as usual. It's just not like the first two films, not as fun. The first two films are the kind of movies most people will watch time again because they are awe-inspiring and take the viewer to many different places. This film takes us on a one-way path into the darkest depths of hell, which I'm uncertain the vast majority of people will be excited about revisiting.
IMDB Score: 6/10