The Matrix Revolutions

The Plot: Neo makes the hardest choice he ever made as he decides to go where no human has ever dared -- into the heart of Machine City. There, he strikes a deal with the machines: he fights the powerful renegade program Smith in exchange for peace.

Zion, on the other hand, prepares for the war that is inevitable. It is the ultimate showdown between men and the machines.

Neo and Zion stand together on the threshold of victory or annihilation in this last saga of the Matrix trilogy.

The Review: In this last chapter of the trilogy, the final battle between the men and the machines is set in the dark terrains of reality. As it is the decisive battle, it is but fitting to end it in the real world, with all its dark splendor and kick-ass CGIs.

I found the setting the most desolate, the most dreary ever, but then again, what do you expect from a 'Machine City'? Hence, the scenes shot from inside the Matrix was a sight for sore eyes, particularly the immaculate train station, a stark contrast to the desolation and dreariness that is the 'real' world. It was also a treat to have seen a bit of the stunts I've come to expect from The Matrix: the upside-down fight scenes with the Merovingian's goons was a very welcome surprise; and the conclusive battle between Neo and Smith was equally awesome. That particular fight scene was a bit overplayed though, as I could do with a little less rain and a little less flying. But I can hear the production people saying, 'Alright, you guys, you've seen enough stunts to last you a lifetime. It's time to end this the right way.' And end it they did...with a big bang.

Movie Quotes worth 'Quoting':

The Merovingian: It is remarkable how similar the pattern of love is to the pattern of insanity.

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The Kid: Neo, I believe.

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Capt. Mifune's speech: Alright, this is it. You all know me, so I'll just say this as simply as I can. If it's our time to die, it's our time. All I ask is if we have to give these bastards our lives, we give 'em hell before we do!

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Agent Smith: Mr. Anderson, welcome back. We missed you. Do you like what I've done with the place?

Neo: It ends tonight.

The Rating: 9/10.

Photos courtesy of www.imdb.com

The Matrix Reloaded

The Plot: It's the same old Matrix, but with upgraded agents and cloned Smiths. Neo (Keanu Reeves), Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carie-Anne Moss) are back, with reloaded skills: Trinity's a devil at bikes, Morpheus' combat skills take on another level, and Neo flies. The gang is back, fighting a whole new ensemble of exciting villains. They do not stand alone, however, as they are joined by their fearless allies. Together, they struggle to fight the inevitable: the downfall of Zion, the last human enclave.

The Review: The Matrix Reloaded was my first look of Zion. And while the place was more dreary than I expected, one thing's for sure: the people of Zion know how to p-a-r-t-y.

The second installment to The Matrix trilogy surpassed its predecessor. Just when I thought nothing more could amaze me after The Matrix, the directors surprised me with reloaded jaw-dropping stunts and eye-popping visual effects. Although most of the stunts and effects were done in CG, the results were spectacular. That everything can be done when done with computers holds true in this sequel. The people behind the movie pushed the CG to its limits and they delivered...in style. Back too is the black trench coats and Ray Bans ensemble, but with more flare and fashion. Only Keanu Reeves can come out looking yummy in that costume after fighting a dozen or so Smiths. The Oracle said he turned out okay. Are you kidding me? He turned out waay better than okay.

Unforgettable Scenes:

- The Opening salvo with Trinity

- The fight scene between Neo and the Chinese guy

- The fight scene between, or is it among, Neo and Smiths at the park

- The fight scene between Neo and Merovingian's goons

- The spectacular Freeway scene

Movie Quotes worth 'Quoting':

Link: He's doing his Superman thing.

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Neo: (to a dying Trinity): I know you can hear me. I'm never letting go. I can't. I just love you too damn much.

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Bane: Oh God.

Agent Smith: Smith will suffice.

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Agent Smith: Mr. Anderson.

The Rating: 10/10.

Photos courtesy of www.imdb.com

The Matrix

The Plot: What is the Matrix? This question has been nagging Neo (Keanu Reeves) for ages. His desire to have the question answered had him following the white rabbit, unplugged from the world as he knows it, and catapulted to the reality of the time.

It is 2199, not 1999, as Neo, also going by the name Mr. Anderson, believes it to be. There are no buildings adorning the sky, no trees lining the boulevard, no people crowding the streets. The world in which Neo lives is a fake, a deception spun by machines controlling humankind. Reality is the desert, the darkness. Will Neo embrace his fate of being The One who will free humankind from this deception? 'Buckle your seat belt, Dorothy, because Kansas is going bye-bye.'

The Review: Take the red pill and let Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and his gang of freedom fighters show you just how deep the rabbit hole goes. The Matrix is the ultimate in visual inventiveness; the ultimate in shaping tomorrow's film making; the ultimate in mind-blowing stunts. It's the cyberthriller you'd want to see over and over again, and your amazement at its inventiveness never wavers. I've seen the movie a couple of times over and I'm repeatedly blown away. And that's NOT even counting the flowing, black trench coats and Ray Bans ensemble. Classy.

Unforgettable Scenes:

- Trinity's daring escape from the agents

- The Combat Training between Morpheus and his new recruit, Neo

- The Rescue of Morpheus

- The fight between Neo and Agent Smith at the subway station

Movie Quotes worth 'Quoting':

The Oracle: You're cuter than I thought. I can see why she likes you.

Neo: Who?

The Oracle: Not too bright though.

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Neo: I know Kung Fu.

Morpheus: Show me.

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Neo: There is no spoon.

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Agent Smith: Mr. Anderson. (Classic.)

The Rating: 10/10. Whoa.

Photos courtesy of www.imdb.com

Phone Booth


The Plot: Stuart Shepard (Colin Farrell) is one of the many straight-faced lying publicists roaming the streets of Manhattan. One ordinary day, after making a call from the phone booth he's been using to cheat on his wife, the same public payphone rings. Stu does what normal people would do: he answers a ringing phone. Big mistake. The caller (Kiefer Sutherland) doesn't want Stu to hang up.

The Review: The simplest setting I've come across: Phone Booth was shot entirely from, well, a phone booth. Colin Farrell did a brilliant job in this one-man show, dishing out the right amount of cockiness and fear the situation called for. Kiefer Sutherland deserves special mention notwithstanding the fact that he just lent his voice to the movie, appearing briefly towards the end. I'm so used to Kiefer's voice by now, having undergone a '24' marathon. His portrayal of the psycho sniper was done with such devilish glee, it perfectly matched Farrell's intensity. Nothing was overplayed in this minimalist drama. I guess the next time a public payphone rings, don't answer the call.

The caller: You'd shoot me if you had the chance, wouldn't you?
Stu: With a big fucking smile on my face.
The caller: There's the spirit.

The Rating: 7/10. Colin and Kiefer. 'Nuff said.

Photo courtesy of www.rottentomatoes.com