On movies: Matrix disappoints

On the heels of May’s “The Matrix Reloaded,” an incredible, yet

unfairly criticized sequel to the 1995 mega-hit, comes the third

and final installment of “The Matrix” trilogy. And while “Reloaded”

left me believing The Wachowski Brothers could do no wrong when it

came to their phenomenal film series, “Revolutions” sadly proved me

wrong.

The film isn’t horrible, but since it is the final chapter of

one of the most popular and successful film series of all time,

being okay just isn’t good enough. The biggest tragedy is not the

film itself, but the fact that the series has come to a close and

this is all we have to show for it.

I would have rather the screen went black halfway through the

film and a message began to scroll up which read, “Due to the

inferiority of this film, the filmmakers have decided to stop its

continuation and hope to release a new and improved version someday

in the future.” Something like that would have been less of a let

down to me than the movie I saw instead.

One of the biggest problems with the film is its overall feel,

which differs so much from the sleek coolness of its two

predecessors. “The Matrix” and “Reloaded” were chock full of

memorable characters whose apparent fetish for black leather and

trench coats made them appear suavely confident in their

hand-to-hand and bullet-ridden combat with their nemeses.

Those characters return, but they take a backseat to the

robo-squid Sentinels, and other, less interesting characters.

Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) has little more than a cameo in

“Revolutions” and Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss)

disappear from the screen for such long durations of time you begin

to forget they are in the movie.

Two of the main characters share a rather emotional and

important moment in the film, though since the movie never really

succeeds in pulling you in in the first place, the scene is not

able to achieve its desired impact on the audience.

Thankfully not everything about the film disappoints.

“Revolutions” does have some truly eye-popping special effects.

Although it lacks the sort of preceding tension and buildup

necessary to make it the epic brawl what it should be, the final

battle between Neo and Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) does include the

most amazing punch in the face ever filmed. The extensive Sentinel

attack on Zion is also pretty impressive to watch.

Neo may or may not be able to save mankind, but “Revolutions”

proves that it takes more than just outstanding special effects to

save a movie.

2.5 out of 4 rams

MOVIES IN BRIEF

“Elf”

Actor/filmmaker John Favreau (“Swingers”) gives movie audiences

an early Christmas present with his latest film, “Elf.” Will

Ferrell, who is quite possibly the funniest man in America, gives a

hilarious and award-worthy performance as Buddy, a man raised by

elves at the North Pole who comes to New York to find his birth

father (James Caan).

Buddy is less rowdy than Ferrell’s Frank “The Tank” character

from “Old School,” but he’s just as funny. The film makes you smile

throughout and its homage to old, stop-motion Christmas movies

provides an extra clever touch.

4 out of 4 rams

“Love Actually”

As the film’s poster states, “Love Actually” really is “the

ultimate romantic comedy.” Instead of just focusing on one romantic

storyline, the film gives you several. So if romantic comedies tend

to make you sick, “Love Actually” may make you especially

nauseous.

For adults looking for a feel-good date movie, though, this film

is one of the best romantic comedies in years. The cast is

excellent and the numerous characters are surprisingly developed.

It’s as sugary-sweet a film as you’re likely to see, but equally as

funny.

3.5 out of 4