Down the Rabbit Hole

You know, when you think about it, the original Matrix has transcended celluloid to become more then just your everyday box office hit. Much like previously acclaimed films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey or Pulp Fiction, the Matrix has managed to imprint itself upon our pop culture. The images of Neo dodging bullets and fighting the Agents are just as recognizable as Dave traveling through the wormhole or Norman Bates’ motherly sneer. For that matter, it managed to turn the word “Whoa” into every bit a catch phrase as “Luke, I am your father.” Fittingly then, Matrix: Reloaded has some large shoes to fill. Likewise, I thought that the original Matrix was more then simple eye candy. Once you get past the flashy wormhole sequence in 2001 you have the star-baby discussion to deal with. Similarly, when all of the bullet time is said and done, the viewer is left pondering over the mythological and philosophical meaning to “the One”.

Building upon the concepts introduced in the first Matrix, Reloaded picks up those ideas and begins to expand them and question them. As Gabe mentioned, this version of the Matrix is not as thoughtful as the first Matrix. Rather, it’s very sharp, a “blink and you miss it” type of film. Still, where I found little philosophy I instead discovered dark brooding against the ideas raised in the first film. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but the Wachowski brothers certainly set out to make the viewer question much of the story that they themselves developed. And of course, they also set out to make an action-packed popcorn flick. The action, much like the story, is fast paced and fun. Neo fighting Agent Smith is probably one of the big highlights, but I personally enjoyed the high-speed chase across the freeway. Yet, despite the improved special effects and fight choreography, Reloaded’s action isn’t as impacting as that of the first film. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with it, it just has the misfortune of being the second movie. As a result, people will probably remember the first film’s bullet time sequences as opposed to the second film’s action sequences.

Ultimately, I think I’m going to have to see it again before I can pass any kind of final judgment. But I do want to say that it was well worth it; I eagerly look forward to the third one as much as I look forward to re-watching this one.

Silly rabbit, Matrix is for kids?

I feel I need another viewing of The Matrix Reloaded before giving a detailed review. But here's what I can say for now:

I immensely enjoyed this movie. Its entertainment factor is sky-high. But was it good? I think so. I may need to see it again so I can concentrate on the story side. Recently I read someone’s comments on the first Matrix. This person mentioned that when he saw it the second time, after the “wow” factor wore off, he was able to see it for what it really was – an eye candy movie with a shallow story line. I disagree. I’ve seen the first Matrix numerous times and I continue to be marveled by the entire movie. While the concept is complex, I would have to agree that its presentation on screen is more palatable.

Did the story become even more thinned out in this sequel? On the first viewing, it appears that it may have. Any philosophical discussions between characters were quite short and the dialogue was very fast paced, as if they were trying to avoid time for the audience to ponder, and perhaps find any discrepancies.

The Matrix Reloaded was the first half of a whole movie. Maybe the story will come to play in the second half, which is Matrix Revolutions. Overall, though, it was a good time and still leaves you thinking.

Hangin'

Well, I got back from the Matrix about an hour and a half ago; Gabe and I decided to see it today. I know I have many things to say about that movie, but I’m going to let them hang here for a bit so I can talk about Small Brown Bike. It’s less complicated that way.

Small Brown Bike was of course, great. I didn’t think it would be a bad show, and they played some good songs. They even played a few new songs from their brand spanking new EP. If you’ve been reading their website then you probably know that they’re destined to put a new album out sometime this summer, and I assume that I few of the new songs they played were from that venture. Still, I do have a few gripes, but they have to do with me and not the band. First of all, I need to get a pair of earplugs. I don’t have fresh, “virgin ears” anymore. As good as a show is, the after-ring isn’t, so to speak. Gabe also mentioned that the sound at Modified might have been better towards the back, near the soundboard. When Small Brown Bike took the stage we both went up towards the front, and that may have caused some of the problems with the sound and hence, our hearing. That’s not to say it ruined the show…all I’m saying is that I enjoy my ears ring-free.

So then, I guess that leaves the Matrix, doesn’t it? I will comment about it, but I need to organize my thoughts. Right now they’re all construed and unfocused. If I talk about the Matrix I’m sure the only thing I’ll say is “Holycowthosewhiteagentskickedbutt!!!”
I want to investigate the intellectual aspects to this movie in addition to the “wow, that’s purdy” factor. I do want to say that the Matrix Power Aid ad is horrible…

Toga, Toga, Toga!

Well, that cliches it. I'm done with school for now, I just got out of my Psyc exam. So how did I do? Very well, I'm happy. Time to party! Toga, toga, toga

Oh yesiree... Small Brown Bike is tonight, and it's going to be great. In addition to my thoughts on the Matrix: Reloaded, I'll have something to say about the concert. I'm sure it'll be good, it's Small Brown Bike after all. I've been thinking about their stellar performance of "See You in Hell" on the Michigan Fest DVD and my mouth has been watering in anticipation. The only thing that could make this sure-to-be great show better is a surprise appearance by Nathan Ellis of The Casket Lottery. Yeah, I know...not gonna happen.

Anticipation

Small Brown Bike tonight!!! Can't wait.

Going back through my previous posts, I realized that I failed to post about X2: X-Men United. I liked it overall and better than the first. That's all I have to say.

Continuation

I agree with Brock. I really want to go into Reloaded as if I just walked out of seeing the first one for the first time. Whoa.

I promise

I'll try to go in the theater without any pre-conceptions about how I expect it to be...I promise. All I will say is that those white jackets the evil agent twins wear are neato-skeeto.

Is that a sequel you're watching?

The Fibonacci Spiral wasn't discussed in the actual movie, just in discussions about it, including Ebert's commentary. The city itself is in the shape of a spiral.

Well, Matrix: Reloaded comes out tomorrow night. There's a lot of buzz about it. Rotten Tomatoes has it at a fresh rating right now. Some critics think it failed on the story side despite it excelling in action and effects. Others feel it succeeds on all levels. Brock and I will give our take on it after we see it Thursday afternoon. Stay tuned.

Walking on Moonbeams

Yeah, I'm glad I came around to it too. I think it helped to understand some of the film's key elements. Still, I always loved speculating upon the film, and I still do. Fibonacci was talked about in Dark City? Did that have something to do with the creepy aliens drawing spirals everywhere they went?

I tell you, that Killing a Camera DVD is going to be awesome. It'll be like visiting an old stomping ground, not just for the band, but for many of its fans too. I'm really looking forward to the band's commentary and the disc's full copy of the Metro show. If you're a big Braid fan then I suggest you check it out; it'll be something to see.

Speaking of revisiting old stomping grounds, I borrowed Hum's Electra 2000 from Gabe. That's the one Hum CD that I don't own; I have both You'd Prefer an Astronaut and Downward is Heavenward, but I'd forgotten how great Electra is. Pewter, Winder and Diffuse have to be three of my favorite songs...period.

So, I finished that mix CD, sort of. I need to listen to it a few times, but here's the final tracklisting for Alex's superfantabular Mix-Album:

• 2+2=5 ~ Radiohead


• Sinatra ~ The Fire Theft


• If That's How It's Gotta Be ~ J. Mascis and the Fog


• The Dream ~ Audio Learning Center


• Apocolypce WOW! ~ Reggie and the Full Effect


• Karate Chops for Everyone But Us... ~ Piebald


• Politik ~ Coldplay


• Of A Broken Heart ~ Zwan


• Cold Heart of Stone ~ Frank Black and the Catholics


• Little One ~ Beck


• I Am the Walrus ~ The Beatles


• Wrong Side of the Tracks ~ Strung Out


• Under Pressure ` The Casket Lottery and Small Brown Bike


• Chinatown ~ Jets to Brazil


• Fog ~ Radiohead

TTFN!
(Ta Ta For Now)

-Brock

Mmm, Pi

Brock, glad you came around to Pi. I liked it from the beginning. By the way, the Fibonacci Spiral was mentioned in discussions of Dark City. I haven't seen Pi in a long time. I'm not sure if I had a theory on the goo.

Bifocal Media posted some news recently on Braid's Killing a Camera DVD. They have the masters and should complete it in a month or two. Hot digitty dog!! Man, I can't wait for that release. Apparently it will have some band commentary. How fitting, since two of the members are big fans of DVD and commentary.

Small Brown Bike in two days!