Matrix 2 & 3

While I can see where The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutionsdid a good job of continuing Neo’s journey as the hero, I wasn’t too fond of the movies themselves. Many of the relationships in the film felt forced—or simply to add interest—rather than serving a purpose. Perhaps I’m a pessimist, but the relationship between Neo and Trinity seemed to exist out of convenience and cinematic romantic interest. However, I digress. 

Overall, the action-packed sequels established Neo as a true hero who had taken complete ownership of his role. He fights without fear, unafraid of dying if he must. I appreciate being able to see Neo grow as a character in this way. He accepts each challenge presented to him with eagerness and cleverness. I did find it interesting that, in the third film, he seems to be fighting the same opposition over and over (the Agent Smith clones). Maybe I’m reading into it too much, but I think it’s symbolic of what running away from one’s problems could be like. Avoiding an issue doesn’t make it go away, it just gives it time to multiply and become more difficult to fight in the end. 

Between the two films, we can also see the opposites that we’ve deeply discussed with our Campbell readings. Neo and the Freedom Fighters are good, while Agent Smith is bad. Good vs. evil is a huge theme in the movie, but we also see Neo physically stuck between two worlds—The matrix and the real world. As we know, one cannot exist without the other. While the contrasts are apparent, I would almost argue there are too many present in the films. Of course, they must exist to create tension, but I found myself getting lost in just what exactly was going on at any moment. For me, it was hard to keep track of who was working with whom, where everyone was, and how certain characters were connected. 

As I mentioned before, I think the shallow depth of the relationships in the film made it more difficult to feel connected to the characters in these two films. I guess the films just felt like a stretch to me, an attempt to continue a franchise rather than continue the strong storyline in the first film. However, I do appreciate our being able to follow Neo and his becoming more comfortable with himself and our being able to analyze the “big” opposites.