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May 26, 2003
Movies
Over the weekend, I watched Matrix:Reloaded and Powder. And even though there is no reason to make a comparison, I preferred the Matrix to Powder. In fact, what is there not to like about the Matrix? (The bit where Trinity was revived was totally ridiculous though, I burst out laughing at that point.)
Too much CGI? Too much hype? Too much what?? I think a movie should be observed as a movie and all the hype surrounded it shouldn't make it any less, or any better a movie. As for too much CGI, I do think that to achieve that level of CGI, and mastery in the level, is amazing and wholly superior. I would give credit to all the computer people in the movie. The action sequences are superb. The girls are fab (I loved Niobe and Persephone to bits) and the guys are okay....(Neo is Neo is Neo). The Architect reminded me of my boring Philosophy professor and I think Morpheus is silly and somewhat ridiculous but I do understand why he is the way he is.
My point is. What is there not to like about the movie for it to garner that much criticism? It has too much spiritual, religious connotations? Why not? It doesn't slam it direct into your face and I don't think it's postulating any belief, just providing food for thought. It's too "deep" (argh..I absolutely hate this Singaporean term, nothing is "deep" or "not deep", it's only a matter of how much effort you choose to delve into the issue.) ? I think it's pretty straightforward and no brainfucking involved. It doesn't sit you down to wonder what happened. It just sit you down to make notes for further discussion. It says what it means and you understand. The story unfolds itself reasonably and there's not hidden messages or anything around.
Ok. Maybe the massive discussions on the Matrix in my Kant and Plato classes has made philosophizing about the who, what and why questions of life mundane to me. Maybe its because I "think too much" (damn those people who accuse me of that) that I think there's not much to think about in this movie. But still, my point is, what is there not to like about it?
It's not a fabulous fantastic movie. But it certainly didn't deserve all that criticism. Seriously, I wouldnt mind watching it again. And I am looking forward to Revolutions. It's entertaining shit..and isn't that what we are looking for these days? Enter a theatre, get away from the doldrums of life for a couple of hours and get sucked into an alternative reality where your life doesn't matter, and their lives do. Even if it's only for a few hours.
And if a movie succeeds in sucking me into the movie, I'm pleased and content.
It is a good jumping board for further discussions. It doesn't make the movie any less or more profound. Every movie has the ability to bring that effect it. Subtly, or more blatantly. Matrix is right there blatantly. But movies like Terminator, Johnny Mnemonic, City of Angels or even -thinks hard- X-Men 2 (just to name a pittance FEW), ask the same questions, provide the similar jumping boards for us, the viewer, to spring into a discussion of something that relates more to our existence. To our being.
So why not?
And if you don't want to talk about life. Enjoy the action sequences (it is action packed), the pretty gals (Persephone is hot! And yes, I'm straight.), or simply marvel at the wonders of technology, spawning out such breath-taking CGI. Simply put, be entertained. And give Keanu Reeves a break.
As for Powder, I just find it too incredulous.
disclaimer: my thoughts are jumbled, and my grammar bordering on ridiculous ( I KNOW) but I just wanted to get this out and I have a ton of work to do. So puh-leese, do not judge me on my grammar. -paranoid look-
Posted by lainey at May 26, 2003 11:48 AM
Comments
:) I liked the Matrix Reloaded as well. Too much action though, but I do like the lie that is the prophecy. Somehow, if people consider Neo to be Jesus Christ as some have interpreted the first movie. I find it particularly ironic that in the sequel, the prophecy is exposed as a fraud. I guess it depends on how we viewed the movie, which angle we adopt.
Posted by: Shuen at June 2, 2003 05:40 AM
Hi, I notice tt you posted this really long ago, but I am going to try everything I can to try to get a copy of the movie Powder. I was wondering where you got the movie from. I watched it when I was very young, and until now it still left a deep impact on me and I've only recently tried to search for it locally but to no avail. So if you do see this,Please Please please help. Drop me an email or something. I really look forward to hearing from you.Thanks!
Posted by: Gladys at December 18, 2005 04:51 AM