[Eurytus]

To me the first Matrix is an almost perfect film. That is not to say that it is one of the best films of all time, just that it achieves exactly what it sets out to do. The story arc is weighted to perfection.<P>For that reason the Matrix sequels have been a grave disappointment to me. Whilst not the worst sequel of all time (in terms of drop in quality Highlander II and Jaws IV take the grand prize), they did represent a big drop in quality over the first film. For me the flaws are;<BR>(ps this addresses Matrix Reloaded only at this point)<P>Lack of a sense of danger. Apart from the fight between Trinity and the Agent there was no danger at all. I never felt Neo was threatened and suddenly you have the near-ludicrous scene of Morpheus battling with loads of Smith clones, when one was more than sufficient to kick his *** in the first film.<P>The fights themselves? Well no sense of inertia and therefore it just seemed like they were dancing. (this can be a common flaw in wire-fu). See Bruce Lee films for how martial arts fights should be done and look brutal. Even Steven Seagal films have more realistic fights.<P>The Burly Brawl, quite apart from feeling the need for a fight to have an 'official' name it continues the tendency for the name of bits of the film to basically sound like Video Games levels. (Burly Brawl, the Highway Chase etc). Also, why didn't Neo immediately fly away when things got bad? Oh yeah, it looked cool.<P>Suddenly Neo has lost the ability to simply 'explode' Agents and has to pose about with kung fu. He seemingly no longer needs to dodge bullets but does need to dodge fists??<P>Far too much bull****-speak. Anyone who has seen the Sphinx in the movie Mystery Men will know what I mean here.<P>The Zion Rave. Nothing further needs to be said here.<P>And the film does not deal with what is to me the really interesting question. If you finally succeeded in freeing everyone wouldn't the majority lynch you for it. What actually is the problem with being in the matrix?