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PCR # 189  (Vol. 4, No. 45)  This edition is for the week of November 3--9, 2003.

This Week's PCR
Movie Review
"The Matrix Revolutions"

Movie review by:
Michael A. Smith

Three stars

Movies are rated 0 to 4 stars

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THIS WEEK'S MOVIE REVIEW
"The Matrix Revolutions"
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Warner Brothers     
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith and Mary Alice
Directed by: The Wachowski Brothers
Rated: R
Running Time: 2 hours 9 mins


The final chapter in the "Matrix" trilogy has arrived. And, while it's not as jaw-dropping as its predecessors, it does offer a satisfying ending to a most enjoyable story.

We pick up the story 20 hours before the Machines are due to break through the underground city. While Morpheus (Fishburne) and Trinity (Moss) help prepare for the inevitable upcoming battle, we learn that Neo (Reeves) is caught between worlds. In order to find him, Morpheus and Trinity consult the Oracle (Alice). In a nice bit of story telling, the Oracle explains why her appearance is not as they remembered. Alice took over the role from Gloria Foster after Ms. Foster passed away shortly after completing the second film. Assisted by the Oracle's assistant, Seraph, they make their way to where Neo is and attempt to negotiate his release. They all realize that there is little time to be wasted as the machines move closer and closer to Zion.

While not as breathtaking or, for that matter, ground breaking, then the first two films in the series, "The Matrix Revolutions" does allow for some great emotional moments. For fans of the special effects, there are two great set pieces here. When the sentinels first begin to attack, the soldiers don a weapon that makes them a cross between the AT-AT walkers in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "ED - 209" from "Robocop." Just the magnitude of the weapons used in this attack sequence keeps you on the edge of your seat, as does the inevitable battle between Neo and Agent Smith, which is literally witnessed by hundreds of thousands of Smith duplicates. Their showdown is a fine example of the power possessed by both and the lengths each will go to protect their chosen worlds. The entire cast does a fine job, with extra credit going to Jada Pinkett Smith, who does wonders with what could have been a one-dimensional role.

While the possibility of another film is left open, both the Wachowskis and Reeves have said this is it for them. If that is so, then the story ends with many questions answered and a few left to ponder. On a scale of zero to four stars, I give "The Matrix Revolutions" Three stars


This week's movie review of "The Matrix Revolutions" is ©2003 by Michael A. Smith.  All graphics this page are creations of Nolan B. Canova, ©2003, all rights reserved. All contents of "Nolan's Pop Culture Review" are ©2003 by Nolan B. Canova.