Real World Shmeal World

I really enjoyed The Matrix.  I was just about fifteen when it came out, which, of course, is the perfect age to see it.  Even now, I still really like it.  I think it's a cool little number, even though it's kinda dated, with all their super-cool black trenchcoats and mirror shades.  All in all, it was just a neat, fun movie influenced by anime, sci-fi, and kung fu movies.  All things that I was terribly into at the time.  Plus, it had Ted 'Theodore' Logan in it.


There was a lot of great things in the first movie.  The entire helicopter rescue scene is a clinic on cinematography and direction.  The only thing I didn't really care for in the first movie- and this carries into the sequels- is the score.  I just don't like it.  Too clangy and brassy and corny for me.

The sequels, while for the most part pure rubbish, also did a few things really well.  For instance, the cinematography in the action scenes:  YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING.  No shaky-cam nonsense, no music video editing.  Just nice, steady, long shots.  Lovely.  Too bad that it's all bookended by a stupid story and horrible dialogue.

But, even when you think about it, the fights in the sequels aren't very exciting, anyway. It may be a product of my feelings on the style in the movies, but there's no emotion or danger or drama in any of the fights.  At no point does Neo seem to be in danger.  He's the One. He can shape reality to his will.  He can defeat Agents with little difficulty.  His fights end up just being showcases of cool moves and special effects.  Cool moves and special effects very well photographed, at least.

But, hey, it's not all bad.  One thing I noticed recently was how multi-gender and ethnic the trilogy is.  One main character is black, another is a woman.  That's pretty cool.  Granted, Morpheus becomes kind of a follower in the second movie, but he retains a lot of his power and integrity.  Trinity is essential the entire time.  Most of Zion seems to be made up of Pacific Islanders.  A lot of the major players and important characters are people other than white men.  I respect that.  I think it's important to recognize when movies like the Matrix Trilogy do things right.  

Of course, I could be wrong about all of that.  Wouldn't be the first time.

Oh, yeah.  And The Animatrix and The Path of Neo kick ass.