The Matrix Revolutions

This cyberpunk trilogy in which humans are a sort of Diehard-battery energy source for all-powerful machines began as an amazing head trip about free will and simulated reality. The first installment felt like the big bang of modern science-fiction cinema, drenched in attitude, fashion statements, religious mysticism, theology and bracing Hong Kong action. But this latest metaphysical journey into the heart of darkness has lost touch with much of that envelope-shattering magic and intellectual density. As the machine army bores its way toward mankind’s last stronghold of freedom, Neo (Keanu Reeves as an anagram of “One”) must prove to be the savior of mankind, or the revolution will be over. Writer-director brothers Andy and Larry Wachowski continue to ponder the essence of identity and illusion, and the power and threat of unbridled machines, but the emphasis is on action here, with Neo and his nemesis Agent Smith engaging in a flying superbrawl and with $40 million of the budget showing up in the film’s final spectacular showdown between man and machine.