Come on folks--meet them half way!

Rating: 9/10 (8 November 2003)

It should go without saying that viewers are drawn to (and repelled from) the Matrix movies for a combination of reasons: special effects, action, theme, story, philosophy, soundtrack, cast, etc.
In important ways, both Reloaded and Revolutions contribute to a great trilogy. Each movie raises bold questions that have preoccupied philosophers--classical and contemporary--and that deserve a place in our present consideration.
It seems to me that a key component to an appreciation of this trilogy is a modest exercise in suspending one's disbelief. The campy dialogue, cheesy love scenes, and over-the-top epic battles can be stumbling blocks if one insists on staying rooted in skepticism--if one insists that the movie-makers come to him/her, rather than offering to meet them half-way. The elements just listed are also found throughout the world's best classic literature: The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Illiad & Oddyssy, The Bible, Paradise Lost, etc.
We all can think of ways we think the movies could be better. No one will argue that a movie production team who places special effects at the top of its list is going to fall short in other crucial areas (character & plot development). It reads as if most imdb.com members had unwarranted expectations of the sequels in the trilogy, and communicated their disappointment through their votes. Unfortunately, this distorts these movies merit. Currently, Reloaded has an IMDB average of 7.3 and Revolutions 6.7--compared to The Matrix at 8.5. It is my belief that a fairer, more reflective audience would rate these movies much more closely. My judgment, for what it's worth--in order of their release 10-9-9. I express my gratitude to the hordes of artists and laborers who were involved in the awesome task.