The Matrix
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Movie Reviews of The Matrix
Movie Review: Classic; A New Paradigm for Science Mythology over Sci-Fi
Summary: 5 Stars
The comparisons of THE MATRIX to STAR WARS, as paradoxically odd and fitting as that maybe, are now I'm sure as legendary as the movie itself. Yet it cannot be said enough for a powerful reason. There is a new paradigm of thought in town, bringing us in to the 21st century with both precedented and unprecedented power, grace and style. In psychology in the earlier part of the 20th century, Jung the spiritualist/linguist so upset the applecart of Freud the biologist that it ushered in a whole new way to see humanity--respecting and including the ones that came before it in its new perspective. But Stanislov Grof, with his scientific mysticism, jumped so far beyond Jung that he makes him look like early Freud in comparison, and as such prepares us for the 21st century. Equally and similiarly, before the seventies, one can see the plethora of movies influenced by the Freudian perspective on human life and Western Culture (think Hitchcock), and their often amazing quality and insight. George Lucas, however, building on that Jazz mystic Stanley Kubrick, decided to come along and do an Ali ("I'll shake up the World!!!!!!") and give us a Jungian anthropological/mythological masterpiece underneath innovative special effects, changing movie making forever. There was really almost nowhere new to go in science fiction or action movies in their entirety after STAR WARS...until the Wachowski Brothers, like Grof to Jung, showed us directly what Lucas hinted at cryptically: INNER Space is the only space.
STAR WARS, after the several years we needed to catch on, allegorically introduced the geater world to the symphonic poetry of the Post-Jungian Mythographer and genius Joseph Campbell. THE MATRIX reintroduces us to the myth and mysticism that still forms the foundation of our culture and consciousness, as Campbell said, but in the context of *Michael Talbott* (see the book, THE HOLOGRAPHIC UNIVERSE): the quantum leap above and beyond Jung and Campbell for our post-Einstein time. And it does so in a way that will be the standard for all myth-making and story-telling in Hollywood for quite some time, I'm sure. Yet like all great movies, knowing why it is so great doesn't stop you from enjoying it. Neither does seeing it a bunch of times! There is something new to mine from this movie every time you see it, because of the divine truths it thematically and metaphorically underscores.
Naturally, you can't ignore the obvious: the special effects and cinematography are from another planet. The fight choreography is the closest thing to ballet before CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON (and by the same fight choreographer). Laurence Fishburne is, well, Laurence Fishburne (any OTHELLO fans out there, with Kenneth Branaugh as Iago?). And, saints be praised, this is also one of the few movies that Keanu not only didn't stink in (and that's coming from someone who liked SPEED and POINT BREAK and THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE and so on), but used his limited acting technique to transcend its own limitations and egolessly tell the story better than anyone could have. But the trick is that all of the above could have sucked with a script as powerful as this one--because of it being so masterfully written--and the movie would have still been wonderful. The script brings out all of the above mentioned spritual themes, in a way that an eleven year old (like my son) could click on to, but not even a brain surgeon (like Pribram?) or an astrophysicist (like Bohm?) could ignore. This is the real reason why you can watch this movie 16 times and still see it again as if it was the first.
Own this. This and *PI*--another wonderful independent film that heralds the discovery of the secret worlds of INNER space--are the New Testament of Science Fiction for me; maybe for all movie making for this new century.
Movie Review: Beyond Anything You've Seen Before
Summary: 5 Stars
(What is the Matrix). In 1977, George Lucas changed the landscape of cinematic Science Fiction forever with "Star Wars," taking the genre light years ahead of all that preceded it. Such a momentous advancement would not be seen again for over twenty years, when, in 1999, the Wachowski Brothers raised the bar again, taking the genre at warp speed to an unprecedented level with their astoundingly innovative film, "The Matrix." Co-directed, written and produced by Larry and Andy Wachowski, it is an allegory of salvation and redemption filled with symbolism and metaphor (the Biblical references alone should keep theology students debating this one for years to come); a thinking man's action film, accentuated with moments that are no less than profound. In a world of the future, things are literally not what they seem, where it's Man versus Machine, Reality versus Fantasy, and few who know the truth; among those who do, is Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), who has long awaited the arrival of "The One," who it has been prophesied will be the salvation of the world. Enter Neo (Keanu Reeves), a computer programmer with an innate sense of discrepancy as to the state of things around him; he has questions, most of which are still in the process of being formulated in his own mind. (What is the Matrix). Morpheus has answers. And when they meet, it's Alice down the rabbit hole, and Neo's life is changed forever. Reeves is perfectly cast as Neo, the enigmatic young man who may or may not be "The One," and it's one of the best roles of his career. He conveys a sense of removed, distracted urgency that defines his character, infusing him with both a strength and vulnerability that coalesces as the story progresses into determination and confidence. The underplayed, subtle character development (largely unacknowledged and under appreciated) is a nice piece of work by Reeves. As Morpheus, Fishburne is dynamic; he endows him with a quiet intensity that fairly roils beneath the surface, effectively restrained while leaving no doubt as to the character's power and purpose. You understand his resolution completely by his countenance alone; by the way he speaks and carries himself. It's a memorable performance by one of the truly gifted actors of our times. (What is the Matrix). Other notable performances include those by Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith), who brings a formidable, white-collar sinisterness to his character that is chilling; Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity), a strong, vital presence throughout the film; and Joe Pantoliano (Cypher), who is entirely convincing in his role of a Cyber-age Judas. Rounding out the terrific supporting cast are Gloria Foster (Oracle), Marcus Chong (Tank), Julian Arahanga (Apoc), Matt Doran (Mouse), Belinda McClory (Switch) and Ray Anthony Parker (Dozer). A visually stunning, thought provoking, captivating film, "The matrix" is a triumph of movie-making that assures the Wachowski's a permanent place in cinematic history. The special effects are cutting-edge, state-of-the-art; the choreography of the action sequences is top rate and delivered with a style and effectiveness worthy of comparison to John Woo's best; and, most importantly, the story itself is complex, intelligent, and deftly takes you into regions beyond the known. This is Science Fiction at it's best, but beyond that, it's a great movie that transcends genre or category; a landmark film that must be experienced more than once, for new meaning is gleaned with every viewing. Enhanced by a driving soundtrack that completes the package, highlighted by incredible action,outstanding performances and memorable scenes to numerous to mention, this is a movie that absolutely must not be missed. (What is the...).Movie Review: katangahan
Summary: 5 Stars
One fine day, I decided to have a break from my usual routine. I was thinking then, "where will I go?". Out of nowhere, i found myself buying my plane ticket off to Amazon City, described by others as "The city that never sleeps". Hearing good things about the city, curiosity immensely grew from my head. And I told myself, I've got to see that place as soon as possible. Now here I am, lining in queue along with the others, passing security checks, hoping to see it as we get off the ground aboard an airbus.
As we reached the tarmac of the airport, a shuttle bus is waiting on the side of the runway. As we walk down the stairs of the plane, I felt the excitement with the air passing through my skin. Gasping some breath, "this is it!" I told myself. And the shuttle bus made its way to Veniz Hotel, my temporary home away from home. I took a room at the 10th floor, hoping to have a bird's eyeview of the whole city. As I unpack my things from my luggage, I felt hungry from a two (2) hour plane ride. I left my room and decided to have a walk, to look for some place to eat in. As I was standing at the hotel's lobby, a bellboy asked me if I wanted a taxi ride. And I said "no, thank you. I'll just walk to have the feel of being in a strange city" and I left.
From the hotel, I walked to my right as I read the street sign that says, TO TARGET MALL===>. After ten (10) mins. of walking, at last, I got a glimpse of the mall. And there, I had my late lunch in an italian diner. The food was great, ambience is good and the best thing, all in a reasonable price. After an hour, I went out to have my cigar break, and I saw this park across Target Mall. I was astounded to see these stalls selling different items. I wasn't able to refuse the urge of buying somethings for myself. With all those plastic bags of goods I bought, I took a taxi ride back to the hotel. As I was having coffee at the hotel's cafe, I asked the waiter if he knows a bar that I could visit after dinner. And he said, "I know a place sir, it's the Suth bar, located at Appetite St. cor. Wellness St. just after you pass the Amazon Hospital. Wellness St. is at the northside of the hospital (hospital's main entrance is at EDR St.)".
As soon as I finished my dinner, I took a cab and told him to bring me to Suth bar. On our way to the bar, I saw this building full of lights on its facade, and I realized it was the City Hall of Amazon. Great lights, I told myself. We turn left on Amazon Ave. where I saw this huge fountain located at the heart of the city. We pass along the Public Library, and adjacent to the city hall is the famous St. Peter's Cathedral. It was beautifully structured, with those life-size statues guarding the whole cathedral, not to mention those lights that were giving its panoramic view to its best. From Amazon Ave., on the east side of the church, we turn right on Appetite St. and it took us five (5) mins. to get to Suth bar. And I enjoyed my night in that resto bar, what a night!
At around 9 a.m., my cell phone rang and it was my boss! He was asking me to report that day because of some important matters. I told him I was on leave, and I'm far from home. He begged and promised to give me a vacation with pay after I settle his concerns. Not bad, I thought. I packed my things and hopped to a cab. I told the cab driver to take me to St. Peter's Cathedral to pay visit before we go to the airport. And that's the only vacation I had last year. Hoping to come back this year without my cell phone.
Movie Review: Restored my faith in SF Movies
Summary: 5 Stars
SF Movies have suffered from a lack of style in recent years. There's only so many times you can see Bladerunner or Alien ripped off cheaply before you start to get jaded. And it doesn't help that they keep casting muscular dolts with the intellect of a plank in violent revenge fantasies that do little more than ape the "Death Wish" movies. So it's three cheers for The Matrix, the film that restored my faith in SF movies.
It starts with a bang, a chase across rooftops with some spectacular leaps that make you realise that wherever you are, it's not the world you live in.
Or is it?
Neo (or is that Neophyte?) is a programmer by day in a faceless corporation, and a hacker by night, searching for Morpheus, a shadowy figure who may hold the key to Neo's longings for a different world. Morpheus on the other hand is looking for a Saviour, someone who will come and lead the oppressed masses to a new Utopia.
Soon their paths cross, and Neo is shown the real world, a world that is not all he thought it to be. In this world everything is run by "The Matrix", a super computer that controls everything and everybody, body and soul. (Or, as the Oracle so succinctly puts it, "Balls to Bones")
Neo is removed from the system's influence, and is told he is "The One", the long-prophesised saviour who can remake the Matrix to his own will. He is trained in how to fight the Matrix defense programs (or "Agents".....software that takes the guise of super-powerful humans and can take control of anybody still hooked up to the Matrix)
To accomplish this he is given a crash course in martial arts in a manner that would be great if it were possible today (I can imagine the ads - "Learn Kung-Fu in thirty seconds....no philosophising necessary!") . Once he reintroduces himself to the Matrix's world the stage is set for some climactic fight scenes, among the best ever seen in cinema history.
To say more would be to give away too much of the plot, but suffice to say The Matrix is one of the biggest, most explosive, most stylish SF films ever.
It succeeds where lesser films fail by melding a hi-tech glossy look with martial arts battles familar to Hong-Kong film lovers, and overlaying the whole thing with a mythic plot of the Saviour who is slowly coming to realise his destiny.
Even the names hold a mythic quality to them, from Morpheus, the god of sleep who knows who is dreaming and who is awake, to Cipher who is not all he seems, to Trinity, the embodiment of child, mother and lover and finally Neo, the classic neophyte trying to find a path through the mysteries. The ancient Greeks would have had no trouble in following the basics of this story.
Reeves has never been better, portraying confusion and frailty one minute, strength and resolve the next. But it is Fishburne's movie....it is his presence that holds the whole thing together and keeps you rivetted to your seat.
All that and a shadowing of a peril coming to Zion, the last stronghold of the true believers, and we're all set up for a blockbuster of a sequel. I can't wait.
Couple that with an outstanding directors talk-over, and an ingenious "follow the white rabbit" extras feature that lets you cut in and view how any particular effect or stunt was achieved, and you have a DVD that's hard to ignore for quality, quantity and entertainment.
All that, loads of black leather gear, big boots and guns. What more do you want?
And any film that contains a clip of the cult classic "Night of the Lepus" is always going to be worth a look.
Movie Review: HAL-Darth Vader-Terminator connection
Summary: 5 Stars
The Matrix works because it repackages themes from older movies, and, indeed, older literature and mythology, in a cutting edge, sci-fi cinematic wrapping. It's more than just a wrapping actually. In reworking the old ideas it adds nuances that may or may not have existed (or at least explicitly expressed) earlier.
Cinematically, there's a strong thread going back to Kubrick's 2001. HAL 9000 (each letter of HAL is one away from IBM) turns on his human companions to murder them.
A decade later, Darth Vader appeared on the screen, a lethal, murderous monster, "more machine than man." Again, the creation (machine) turns on creator. (At the same time, there are nice, even heroic machines: C3PO and R2-D2).
In the next decade we were introduced to The Terminator. Governor Arnold (when he was just a mega-star, millionnaire plebian like the rest of us) comes from the future, where Machines have almost wiped out the human race, to kill the mother of the future leader. Once more, inhuman machine turned murderous against its creator.
The Matrix takes this to a whole new level. The Machines have already won. There's just a few stragglers who have not succumbed. The new, ingenious twist is that they are controlled not so much by physical force but by mind: the Matrix software that feeds directly into the brain and leads humans to believe they live normal lives when "in reality" they sit in life support pods providing electrical power for the machines. It truly is the grand illusion.
This theme goes back, cinematically, to classic silent film, Metropolis, as well (in a different way) to Frankenstein.
Before the advent of movies -- indeed, before technology and the Industrial Revolution -- this idea was found in ancient lore and mythology. The Golem of Jewish lore or Beowulf, for instance.
The bottom line of all these themes, though, is the internal struggle that goes on for each human being. The part of us that is human, feeling and has a heart vs. the part of us that is inhuman, unfeeling and cold-blooded. (Jurassic Park also explores the reemergence of cold-blooded human nature; not so much the dinosaurs and T-Rex, which nowadays is assumed was probably warm-blooded, but corporate greed that puts making money above human life.)
In the end, these movies, and other expressions, persist in human culture, because the hero discovers his humanity, and, with it, an appreciation of his humanity.
HAL 9000 is dismantled; David Bowman, a Messiah-figure ("David") survives and is reborn.
Darth Vader, starting with Episode V and climaxing in Episode VI, teaches us that even someone so far gone that he's "more machine than man," can regain his humanity.
Arnold returns in T-2 to be the good guy, the father figure, humanity's savior. He's really all of us who have struggled with our dark side, our unfeeling side, our addicted side (the addict turns monster in pursuit of his fix) -- our tendency toward inhumanity.
The Matrix works for many reasons, and has many facets, but its main one, in my opinion, is this age-old theme. We are not machines. We are not strapped into our fate. We can change. We can escape. We can overcome addiction -- be it to alcohol, some illegal substance, nicotine, porn, greed, food, TV, etc. We can rediscover our humanity, even in a very insane, often inhumane world, whose technological influence is all-pervasive and -- almost -- All-Powerful.