“The Matrix Revolutions”
By Kevin Brooks, Revelry Writer
Fans have waited six months to watch the thrilling conclusion to the “Matrix” trilogy, and sadly enough it went out with a mediocre bang.
“Revolutions” begins right where “Reloaded” ended.
In 20 hours, the machines will dig their way into Zion on a seek-and-destroy mission to kill all the unplugged humans.
Meanwhile, Neo (Keanu Reeves) still remains in a coma lying next to an unconscious Bane (Ian Bliss), who we learned has been cunningly hijacked by Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving).
From the moment the movie starts, it is revealed that Neo is trapped in limbo between the real world and the Matrix. Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) set off to rescue him, but revealing any more details would spoil this movie, which contains a few surprises.
For six months, fans have speculated how this sequel would end. Many of the fans’ endings would be better and more interesting than the simplistic way the Wachowski Brothers took.
Both “Matrix” and “Reloaded” contained a big “What the…” moment, which is partly why fans love this story. “Revolutions” did not contain this element.
One problem was the movie was too choppy. It jumped from scene to scene with hardly any flowing transition. Before anyone realized it, the end was near.
Also, the story was sacrificed in “Revolutions.” Fans were promised an answer to all their questions at the end of “Reloaded,” but this Matrix fan walked out of “Revolutions” hardly having gained any more knowledge about the Matrix than when leaving “Reloaded.”
Too many questions are left unanswered, but maybe this was the Wachowski Brothers’ intent. It was just disappointing.
Despite the lack of story, the action and visuals were done well.
The sentinel invasion and the final fight between Neo and Agent Smith are a beautiful sequence of events.
Even though this movie lacked in number of action scenes as compared to “Reloaded,” the scenes can hold their own.
Unfortunately, the movie ended too early. Even though it is 2 hours and 10 minutes long, this movie could have gone on for another two hours.
Although the conclusion raises more questions, fans know this is truly the end of the trilogy.
Despite its flaws, “Revolutions” still entertains, and true fans should get to the theater and see how the trilogy unfolds.
Fans have waited six months to watch the thrilling conclusion to the “Matrix” trilogy, and sadly enough it went out with a mediocre bang.
“Revolutions” begins right where “Reloaded” ended.
In 20 hours, the machines will dig their way into Zion on a seek-and-destroy mission to kill all the unplugged humans.
Meanwhile, Neo (Keanu Reeves) still remains in a coma lying next to an unconscious Bane (Ian Bliss), who we learned has been cunningly hijacked by Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving).
From the moment the movie starts, it is revealed that Neo is trapped in limbo between the real world and the Matrix. Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) set off to rescue him, but revealing any more details would spoil this movie, which contains a few surprises.
For six months, fans have speculated how this sequel would end. Many of the fans’ endings would be better and more interesting than the simplistic way the Wachowski Brothers took.
Both “Matrix” and “Reloaded” contained a big “What the…” moment, which is partly why fans love this story. “Revolutions” did not contain this element.
One problem was the movie was too choppy. It jumped from scene to scene with hardly any flowing transition. Before anyone realized it, the end was near.
Also, the story was sacrificed in “Revolutions.” Fans were promised an answer to all their questions at the end of “Reloaded,” but this Matrix fan walked out of “Revolutions” hardly having gained any more knowledge about the Matrix than when leaving “Reloaded.”
Too many questions are left unanswered, but maybe this was the Wachowski Brothers’ intent. It was just disappointing.
Despite the lack of story, the action and visuals were done well.
The sentinel invasion and the final fight between Neo and Agent Smith are a beautiful sequence of events.
Even though this movie lacked in number of action scenes as compared to “Reloaded,” the scenes can hold their own.
Unfortunately, the movie ended too early. Even though it is 2 hours and 10 minutes long, this movie could have gone on for another two hours.
Although the conclusion raises more questions, fans know this is truly the end of the trilogy.
Despite its flaws, “Revolutions” still entertains, and true fans should get to the theater and see how the trilogy unfolds.
B-
“Elf”
By Leslie Branton, Revelry Writer
The Christmas season has officially begun with the release of Will Ferrell’s latest movie, “Elf.” Ferrell’s insane physical comedy and childlike wonder, with the help of a great supporting cast, come together to produce one of the best Christmas movies in years. The film is just as hilarious as the previews imply.
Ferrell plays Buddy the Elf, an orphan who was raised by elves. As a fully-grown man, his clumsy antics lead to his discovery that he does not fit in the elfin world. He sets out to find his father in New York City, who does not even know of his existence, and along the way combats modern cynicism with pure childlike innocence.
His biological father (James Caan, “The Godfather” trilogy) is the typical workaholic publisher and absentee father and husband to his family. Buddy’s entrance into his life results in a chaotic and hilarious downward spiral, where eventually everyone learns to believe in the magic of Santa and Christmastime.
What would a misfit elf be without his misfit love interest? Zooey Deschanel plays Jovie, an employee of Gimbel’s department store who wears an elf costume. Her sarcasm and wit are a perfect foil for Buddy’s obliviousness and trust. She also displays an excellent singing ability similar to Judy Garland’s and other stars of Hollywood’s golden age.
Director Jon Favreau (“Daredevil”) pays homage to the Christmas film classics. Buddy leans over a bridge on Christmas Eve that was noticibly similar to the same famous scene from “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The North Pole scenes appear to be straight out of the 1964 animated classic, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Buddy’s snowman best friend is a dead ringer for the Burl Ives character. Even Buddy himself shares similarities with Hermey the Elf from that movie, who was also a misfit and found his true calling as a dentist.
Only Ferrell could keep up an unwavering childlike mentality for 90 minutes. This film outshines previous comedies such as “The Santa Claus.” While there is the immature and toilet humor, this is a film for all ages that is not overwhelmingly saccharin sweetness. Fans of “Old School” will enjoy it just as much as those who are too young to know who Will Ferrell is. The movie is a charming beginning into the Yuletide season.