by Attezarf » Sat May 17, 2003 2:50 pm
I really wanted to like this film more than I did.. However, it's not NEARLY as strong as the original. It wasn't the worst film I've ever seen, either. I think a lot of the freshness has disappeared from the concepts.. And as mentioned by others, I guess I'd hoped to see something more inventive in the areas re: Zion, etc. What do these people DO all day? Apart from rest up for their next ritual 'Rave Night' evening?<br><br>I liked some of the action sequences. Many of which went on a bit too long, for my taste. There was a sameness to them. And some of the Locations (particularly the staircase foyer lined with armour) seemed a tad contrived to me. <br>The much ballyhooed "burly brawl" I quite liked. I found myself really enjoying it BECAUSE it was so over-the-top & overdone! I did detect a bit of funky CG work in small moments. But I think it was saved by all of the mindnumbing Compositing work they must've gone thru with Hugo Weaving. Who's probably my favorite Matrix character to watch, actually. Anytime the guy had a line.. my interest pricked back up. <br><br>The bigger problem for me.. is this Serialization Factor that occurs in the production of multiple sequels. I realize questions will be resolved in the next.. but at the same time, I'd like to see a more-satisfying conclusion to the current. <br>When 'serials' were a regular feature of the filmgoing experience in the 30's & 40's.. Audiences KNEW they were gonna be left with a cliffhanger, at the end of it. So it really didn't matter.. 'Serials' were only one part of the "warmup" to the main Feature, anyhow.. They played the same role as theatrical cartoons.. <br>But I don't think today's major motion pictures should be allowed to make one film a "warmup", for the next.. Don't leave me hanging!! It's annoying. And it bothers me that film executives have pushed so hard for these kinds of 'franchise' episodic properties. If they happen on their own.. fine. But to design them, that way? If I'd wanted to watch TV, I'd have just stayed home. I expect a little more for my money, when I go see a film..<br>Bad enough, I'm forced to sit thru 15 minutes of commercials, first.. Where's my remote?!<br><br>On another note.. I have to confess that Agent Smith's motivation for continuing to pursue Neo, was something of a mystery to me? He certainly didn't seem interested in attaining access codes, anymore.. Is it pure vindictiveness? Anxiety, over a job half-done? <br>And, I couldn't believe how poorly the Persephone character was developed. I imagine she'll be back again in 'Matrix Revolution'.. but does she need to be such a genuine throwaway character, here? Same goes, for the French guy..<br><br>Some of the problems I'd read about prior, in critical reviews tended to not be that big a prob for me, actually. I agree that this installment was a bit ponderously "wordy". Lotta big speeches made by sage actors, a la 'Star Wars: Episode 1'.. Though as someone who grew up in front of a TV during the 70's.. it was a bit of a hoot to see Anthony Zerbe, again. I think he must've played a villain in just about EVERY crime show I'd watched, during that period!<br>I'd also heard that because Neo has now (almost literally) become 'Superman', that he is also a lot less compelling to watch. I found that not to be the case. There was still more than enough character growth in his role, to keep me interested.. Particularly, towards the end.<br><br>Overall, I coulda done with a few less of the Set Piece fight sequences.. A better introduction as to why day-to-day life in Zion demands saving. Glad to see that sexual life still exists.. Agent Smith was fun, but his motivation was muddy.. I thought the highway chase wasn't really all that. Seems like I've seen bits of that stuff before in both 'T2' and 'Road Warrior'.. <br>I really liked the "door" concept & The Keymaster. Would've enjoyed seeing more of that concept, explored..<br><br>I still think episodes need to hold their own.. or they shouldn't be designed as episodes. It was fun to watch. But I wish it had been better. And, more satisfying..<br><br>-- Rich <p></p><i></i>
<br><br>Jackie Chan did almost all his own stunts ( back in his day )... those were pure, artistic movies that you can truely appreciate. Eventhough they say the Matrix actors had a year of physical training prior to filming, most of those 'moves' were still done with the aid of a computer. 
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