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I saw _Matrix: Revolutions_ on opening night and was very satisfied with the conclusion of the series. What could have been a very predictable ending in which Neo gains enough power to take on the machines directly and destroy them actually turned into something better. I know a lot of people are going to disagree with me, but I think this movie fits in almost perfectly into the series and I don't think I would have been satisfied with and different ending.
First of all, many people will argue that the man vs. machine concept was abandoned and that it became just Neo vs. Smith. The concept was not abandoned, it was just clarified. The relationship between man and machine was made to seem more ironic. Man created machines, then machines turned against man. Machines created Smith, who then takes on a human form and turns against the machines. In the end man and machine must work together once again to destroy Smith, further emphasizing the message proposed in _Reloaded_ that man and machine need each other to survive. This message would have been lost if Neo destroyed machine city. Instead, it is emphasized when Neo cooporates with the machines and helps them beat Smith. This, I think, is a much better ending.
I read an article in _Entertainment_ that said that the series lost its excitement because Neo has "superpowers" and can take on anything. However, this is not true at all. He has more powers, yes, but throughout the series there are many reminders that he can only bend the rules of the matrix, not break them. The final fight scene is the ultimate contest of who can bend the rules most, Neo or Smith. If either one was all-powerful, they would simply erase the other. (Well, you know what I mean.) I didn't really mind that they fly around in the final fight. It works to show how this fight is more important than the many other fights in the series; it creates a climax.
Finally, another criticism that this movie will recieve is that it does not resolve the issues between man and machine. The machines could potentially start the war again, as they were not destroyed or weakened significantly by Neo or the human forces. Is this to leave room for a fourth movie? Highly unlikely. The ending is the way it is to show that nothing is resolved in black and white terms. If the machines had been destroyed, many of the humans plugged in to the Matrix would not have been able to survive outside of it; the change must be gradual. As for the future of the conflict: the movie leaves it to its audience to decide. This is the way a movie should end: with questions. It makes us think about the world we live in and wonder how long our peace can last. It may not be as conclusive an ending as people would like, but I think it is great.
Of course, the movie carries on the series tradition of amazing fight scenes, special effects, and action sequences. I do think there is a lot of justifiable criticism for the way the storyline progresses in this movie. I don't think the movie is perfect, but I think as part of the series it works very well. I believe the ending is a very strong one, if not conclusive. In my opinion, if the ending makes people think, and even argue, it is a good one.
Of course, this is just my opinion. I welcome any comments or disagreements. (I know there will be plenty.)
Edit:
RATING OF _Matrix: Revolutions_: 9
OVERALL RATING OF _Matrix_ SERIES: 10
First of all, many people will argue that the man vs. machine concept was abandoned and that it became just Neo vs. Smith. The concept was not abandoned, it was just clarified. The relationship between man and machine was made to seem more ironic. Man created machines, then machines turned against man. Machines created Smith, who then takes on a human form and turns against the machines. In the end man and machine must work together once again to destroy Smith, further emphasizing the message proposed in _Reloaded_ that man and machine need each other to survive. This message would have been lost if Neo destroyed machine city. Instead, it is emphasized when Neo cooporates with the machines and helps them beat Smith. This, I think, is a much better ending.
I read an article in _Entertainment_ that said that the series lost its excitement because Neo has "superpowers" and can take on anything. However, this is not true at all. He has more powers, yes, but throughout the series there are many reminders that he can only bend the rules of the matrix, not break them. The final fight scene is the ultimate contest of who can bend the rules most, Neo or Smith. If either one was all-powerful, they would simply erase the other. (Well, you know what I mean.) I didn't really mind that they fly around in the final fight. It works to show how this fight is more important than the many other fights in the series; it creates a climax.
Finally, another criticism that this movie will recieve is that it does not resolve the issues between man and machine. The machines could potentially start the war again, as they were not destroyed or weakened significantly by Neo or the human forces. Is this to leave room for a fourth movie? Highly unlikely. The ending is the way it is to show that nothing is resolved in black and white terms. If the machines had been destroyed, many of the humans plugged in to the Matrix would not have been able to survive outside of it; the change must be gradual. As for the future of the conflict: the movie leaves it to its audience to decide. This is the way a movie should end: with questions. It makes us think about the world we live in and wonder how long our peace can last. It may not be as conclusive an ending as people would like, but I think it is great.
Of course, the movie carries on the series tradition of amazing fight scenes, special effects, and action sequences. I do think there is a lot of justifiable criticism for the way the storyline progresses in this movie. I don't think the movie is perfect, but I think as part of the series it works very well. I believe the ending is a very strong one, if not conclusive. In my opinion, if the ending makes people think, and even argue, it is a good one.
Of course, this is just my opinion. I welcome any comments or disagreements. (I know there will be plenty.)
Edit:
RATING OF _Matrix: Revolutions_: 9
OVERALL RATING OF _Matrix_ SERIES: 10
the worlds gonna end! He did it! the war is won 
Ya... Then all of a sudden everythings all happy go lucky! Whoo... hoo... Miraculously the sun comes out.
