The term "bullet-time" was first used in the original script for "The Matrix," in the context of the memorable sequence in which bullets glide through the air in slow motion while Neo (Keanu Reeves) bends back and evades them like a boss. The effect is still incredibly cool to see, even after so many years since the film's release in 1999.
The bullet-time effect is usually achieved with the aid of multiple cameras to give the impression of time slowing down or coming to a standstill. Created by John Gaeta and Manex Visual Effects, bullet-time, also known as the Matrix effect, helped...
The post The Matrix's Original Bullet-Time Method Was A Little Too Risky To Work appeared first on /Film.
The bullet-time effect is usually achieved with the aid of multiple cameras to give the impression of time slowing down or coming to a standstill. Created by John Gaeta and Manex Visual Effects, bullet-time, also known as the Matrix effect, helped...
The post The Matrix's Original Bullet-Time Method Was A Little Too Risky To Work appeared first on /Film.
- 7/5/2022
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
The reality-bending of “The Matrix” from 1999 has become more of a reality in 2021, with the advent of the metaverse and the merging of our digital and physical lives. Which makes way for the return of the groundbreaking franchise with director Lana Wachowski’s “The Matrix Resurrections” (December 22), reuniting Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss as Neo and Trinity. But, as a teaser, we have the December 10 launch of “The Matrix Awakens: An Unreal Engine 5 Experience”: an interactive tech demo that reintroduces the boundary-pushing universe as a free download for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Fittingly, Reeves and Moss appear in both real life and CG shots that are indistinguishable.
The idea for “The Matrix Awakens” was hatched at a dinner between Wachowski and Kim Libreri and John Gaeta, who were responsible for the game changing VFX on “The Matrix.” Libreri is currently Cto of Epic Games and Gaeta continues...
The idea for “The Matrix Awakens” was hatched at a dinner between Wachowski and Kim Libreri and John Gaeta, who were responsible for the game changing VFX on “The Matrix.” Libreri is currently Cto of Epic Games and Gaeta continues...
- 12/10/2021
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Nora Twomey, Cartoon Saloon co-founder and director of the critically lauded animated feature “The Breadwinner,” has been awarded the inaugural View Visionary Award by the View Conference in Turin, Italy.
View Conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez pointed to Twomey’s “exceptional artistry” for the reason she was given the award.
Twomey, who also co-directed Cartoon Saloon’s “The Secret of Kells” alongside fellow studio co-founder Tomm Moore and was head of story on the studio’s “Song of the Sea,” was nominated for an animated feature Oscar for “Breadwinner,” which won the 2017 Annie Award for best animated feature – independent.
“These three 2D animated films exemplify Nora Twomey’s exceptional artistry,” Gutierrez said. “With ‘The Breadwinner,’ Nora has created a story of a young Afghani girl’s struggle using stunning visuals that honestly portray real-life issues. The bravery and creativity [main character] Parvana shows is inspirational. Parvana and [‘Breadwinner’ director] Nora Twomey give everyone hope that we,...
View Conference director Maria Elena Gutierrez pointed to Twomey’s “exceptional artistry” for the reason she was given the award.
Twomey, who also co-directed Cartoon Saloon’s “The Secret of Kells” alongside fellow studio co-founder Tomm Moore and was head of story on the studio’s “Song of the Sea,” was nominated for an animated feature Oscar for “Breadwinner,” which won the 2017 Annie Award for best animated feature – independent.
“These three 2D animated films exemplify Nora Twomey’s exceptional artistry,” Gutierrez said. “With ‘The Breadwinner,’ Nora has created a story of a young Afghani girl’s struggle using stunning visuals that honestly portray real-life issues. The bravery and creativity [main character] Parvana shows is inspirational. Parvana and [‘Breadwinner’ director] Nora Twomey give everyone hope that we,...
- 10/31/2018
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
Oscar-winning visual effects veteran Dennis Muren, known for his groundbreaking work on films in the “Star Wars” franchise (including the original trilogy), “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” “The Abyss,” and “Terminator 2,” among others, will give a keynote talk at the View Conference in Turin, Italy.
Muren, senior visual effects supervisor and creative director of Industrial Light & Magic, will discuss “Visual Effects: Defining That Critical, Elusive & Final 5%” at the October event that celebrates computer graphics, interactive and immersive storytelling, animation, visual effects, games, Vr, Ar, and mixed reality.
Muren’s talk will wrap up the conference on Oct. 26.
Muren joins a strong lineup of keynote speakers, including award-winning composer Hans Zimmer; Paramount Animation president Mireille Soria; senior VP, executive creative director, and head of Ilm Rob Bredow; SideFX president and CEO Kim Davidson; Google Spotlight Stories creative director Jan Pinkava; Cornell University professor Don Greenberg; Magic Leap senior VP...
Muren, senior visual effects supervisor and creative director of Industrial Light & Magic, will discuss “Visual Effects: Defining That Critical, Elusive & Final 5%” at the October event that celebrates computer graphics, interactive and immersive storytelling, animation, visual effects, games, Vr, Ar, and mixed reality.
Muren’s talk will wrap up the conference on Oct. 26.
Muren joins a strong lineup of keynote speakers, including award-winning composer Hans Zimmer; Paramount Animation president Mireille Soria; senior VP, executive creative director, and head of Ilm Rob Bredow; SideFX president and CEO Kim Davidson; Google Spotlight Stories creative director Jan Pinkava; Cornell University professor Don Greenberg; Magic Leap senior VP...
- 8/21/2018
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
Though I strongly advise not holding your breath when it comes to waiting for a fourth entry into the franchise, us fans of The Matrix Trilogy at least have something pretty cool that we can look forward to in the near future. As it turns out, the trinity of movies (pun intended) that changed the game in so many ways will soon be getting the 4K Ultra HD treatment.
Granted, the first flick did arrive on that very format a few months back, but the real story here is that the rest will follow suit on October 30th. To be more specific, you can buy the trilogy as a complete set via the $70.99 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, or purchase either The Matrix Reloaded or The Matrix Revolutions for $29.99 individually. But if the digital format’s your thing, you’ll be able to indulge slightly earlier on October 2nd. Either way,...
Granted, the first flick did arrive on that very format a few months back, but the real story here is that the rest will follow suit on October 30th. To be more specific, you can buy the trilogy as a complete set via the $70.99 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, or purchase either The Matrix Reloaded or The Matrix Revolutions for $29.99 individually. But if the digital format’s your thing, you’ll be able to indulge slightly earlier on October 2nd. Either way,...
- 8/16/2018
- by Eric Joseph
- We Got This Covered
If I could spend a half-hour looking at an accurate representation of what entertainment is going to look like in, say, fifty years, I imagine I would walk away equally dazzled and confused. There is little doubt we are heading towards immersive entertainment, created in technical ways that we are just now beginning to see established or even suggested, and that the dream of the Star Trek holodeck is not an impossible one. This year's Sundance Film Festival featured some remarkable demonstrations of what various companies and artists are up to, and it really does feel like new ground being broken. These demonstrations weren't on the traditional movie screens, though, and there's nothing about the examples I saw demonstrated that I would consider typical entertainment. However, it sounds like all of that is going to change, and the Ilm x Lab demos were part of a bigger push going on at Lucasfilm.
- 2/1/2016
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
Sundance top brass celebrate the tenth anniversary of the New Frontier programme with an exhibition of new work that includes Vr projects involving Björk and Ridley Scott’s global hit The Martian.Scroll Down For Full List
The dynamic roster encompasses features, a live performance, documentary and narrative mobile virtual reality experiences and a look inside the innovations at some of world’s leading media research labs.
Tenth anniversary exhibitions will also be presented with MoMA in New York City in April, and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis as part of Northern Spark in June.
The New Frontiers line-up will take place in Park City’s Claim Jumper, The Gateway, a large-scale installation on Swede Alley by Chris Milk and a performance by Gingger Shankar at Festival Base Camp Presented by Canada Goose.
Beyond the dedicated physical exhibition spaces, audiences can experience more than 20 virtual reality pieces on mobile Vr headsets. This year’s...
The dynamic roster encompasses features, a live performance, documentary and narrative mobile virtual reality experiences and a look inside the innovations at some of world’s leading media research labs.
Tenth anniversary exhibitions will also be presented with MoMA in New York City in April, and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis as part of Northern Spark in June.
The New Frontiers line-up will take place in Park City’s Claim Jumper, The Gateway, a large-scale installation on Swede Alley by Chris Milk and a performance by Gingger Shankar at Festival Base Camp Presented by Canada Goose.
Beyond the dedicated physical exhibition spaces, audiences can experience more than 20 virtual reality pieces on mobile Vr headsets. This year’s...
- 12/3/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Star Wars fans will soon be able to truly immerse themselves in the world of the films, thanks to a new virtual reality component from Industrial Light and Magic. The special effects company, which George Lucas founded to create the original Star Wars visuals, announced on Friday that the new technology will debut later this year, reports USA Today.
Ilm Experience Lab, the team behind the project, is developing iPad and Oculus Rift-based systems that will allow viewers to enter scenes of selected movies and navigate through and interact with them.
Ilm Experience Lab, the team behind the project, is developing iPad and Oculus Rift-based systems that will allow viewers to enter scenes of selected movies and navigate through and interact with them.
- 6/14/2015
- Rollingstone.com
Delve into the story of Jupiter Jones in the brand new trailer for Jupiter Ascending starring Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth and Sean Bean.
Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in Jupiter Ascending, an original science fiction epic adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski (The Matrix).
Jupiter Jones (Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning other people’s houses and an endless run of bad breaks.
Only when Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along – her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos.
Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in Jupiter Ascending, an original science fiction epic adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski (The Matrix).
Jupiter Jones (Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning other people’s houses and an endless run of bad breaks.
Only when Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along – her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos.
- 9/25/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
On March 31, 1999, Andy and Lana (née Larry) Wachowski's "The Matrix" hit theaters. That's 15 years ago today, and it was a pretty significant event. I think anyone who has read me for any period of time knows my affinity for and fascination with 1999 as an overall annus mirabilis at the multiplex. I've gone so far as to start the process of reporting a book because I can never quite shake how that year just seems to mean something. On one hand, it's personal. It was my first year of film school and going to a double feature of "American Beauty" and "Three Kings" with some fellow classmates one night, that kind of power punch will do a lot to galvanize someone in the early stages of embarking on a career in film. But it was an objectively amazing time. First and foremost, let's pause and consider that for a brief period,...
- 3/31/2014
- by Kristopher Tapley
- Hitfix
Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in the brand new trailer for Jupiter Ascending, an original science fiction action adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski.
Jupiter Jones (Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things.
Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning other people’s houses and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along—her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos.
From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, Jupiter Ascending is written and directed by the Wachowskis. Award-winning producer Grant Hill,...
Jupiter Jones (Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things.
Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning other people’s houses and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along—her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos.
From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, Jupiter Ascending is written and directed by the Wachowskis. Award-winning producer Grant Hill,...
- 3/26/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Starring Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis, here’s your first look at the magnificent trailer for The Wachowski Brothers new sci-fi epic Jupiter Ascending.
The film will showcase the kind of cutting-edge visual effects that have become the benchmarks of the Wachowskis’ films. Dan Glass (“Batman Begins,” “Cloud Atlas”) is the film’s visual effects supervisor, a post he has occupied for the Wachowskis since “The Matrix” Trilogy. Additionally, John Gaeta, the visual effects Oscar winner behind “The Matrix,” is contributing to the visual effects design.
Jupiter Jones (Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning other people’s houses and an endless run of bad breaks.
Only when Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down...
The film will showcase the kind of cutting-edge visual effects that have become the benchmarks of the Wachowskis’ films. Dan Glass (“Batman Begins,” “Cloud Atlas”) is the film’s visual effects supervisor, a post he has occupied for the Wachowskis since “The Matrix” Trilogy. Additionally, John Gaeta, the visual effects Oscar winner behind “The Matrix,” is contributing to the visual effects design.
Jupiter Jones (Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning other people’s houses and an endless run of bad breaks.
Only when Caine (Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down...
- 12/10/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Tiff’s Midnight Madness program turned 25 this year, and for two and half decades, the hardworking programers have gathered some of the strangest, most terrifying, wild, intriguing and downright entertaining films from around the world. From dark comedies to Japanese gore-fests and indie horror gems, the Midnight Madness program hasn’t lost its edge as one the leading showcases of genre cinema. In its 25-year history, Midnight Madness has introduced adventurous late-night moviegoers to such cult faves as Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused and Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. But what separates Midnight Madness from, say, Montreal’s three and half week long genre festival Fantasia, is that Tiff selects only ten films to make the cut. In other words, these programmers don’t mess around. Last week I decided that I would post reviews of my personal favourite films that screened in past years. And just like the Tiff programmers,...
- 9/18/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
No, Channing Tatum will not steal the Wolverine title from Hugh Jackman but the actor is going to play a wolf-human hybrid for the Wachowskis' "Jupiter Ascending." Filming is underway right now and Tatum is co-starring with Mila Kunis. We told you back in April that "Jupiter" is about:
Being the Queen of the Universe! The Wachowski Siblings have started shooting the new sci-fi film "Jupiter Ascending" starring Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Tuppence Middleton, Doona Bae, James D.Arcy, and Sean Bean.
Like a sci-fi twist on "Cinderella," Kunis stars as Jupiter Jones, Russian immigrant who scrubs toilets for a living but then discovers that she is next in line to be the Queen of the Universe! How quaint!
While promoting his upcoming action flick "White House Down," Tatum revealed to Movieline that he's a "splice" and they are "essentially built in a test tube. I'm a hybrid wolf and human.
Being the Queen of the Universe! The Wachowski Siblings have started shooting the new sci-fi film "Jupiter Ascending" starring Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Tuppence Middleton, Doona Bae, James D.Arcy, and Sean Bean.
Like a sci-fi twist on "Cinderella," Kunis stars as Jupiter Jones, Russian immigrant who scrubs toilets for a living but then discovers that she is next in line to be the Queen of the Universe! How quaint!
While promoting his upcoming action flick "White House Down," Tatum revealed to Movieline that he's a "splice" and they are "essentially built in a test tube. I'm a hybrid wolf and human.
- 6/25/2013
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
It's all about being the Queen of the Universe! The Wachowski Siblings have started shooting the new sci-fi film "Jupiter Ascending" starring Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Tuppence Middleton, Doona Bae, James D.Arcy, and Sean Bean.
Like a sci-fi twist on "Cinderella," Kunis stars as Jupiter Jones, Russian immigrant who scrubs toilets for a living but then discovers that she is next in line to be the Queen of the Universe! How quaint!
The plot sounds less head-scratchy than the recent Wachowski flick, "Cloud Atlas." Here's the full press release:
Filming is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures. and Village Roadshow Pictures. .Jupiter Ascending,. an original science fiction epic adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski. Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in the film, which began shooting at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden on April 2, 2013.
From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, .Jupiter Ascending...
Like a sci-fi twist on "Cinderella," Kunis stars as Jupiter Jones, Russian immigrant who scrubs toilets for a living but then discovers that she is next in line to be the Queen of the Universe! How quaint!
The plot sounds less head-scratchy than the recent Wachowski flick, "Cloud Atlas." Here's the full press release:
Filming is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures. and Village Roadshow Pictures. .Jupiter Ascending,. an original science fiction epic adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski. Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in the film, which began shooting at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden on April 2, 2013.
From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, .Jupiter Ascending...
- 4/16/2013
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
Summer 2014 is already full of immensely anticipated blockbusters, and Jupiter Ascending is one of the few I’m most looking forward to, by far.
Coming off the back of co-directing Cloud Atlas with Tom Tykwer, Andy and Lana Wachowski have returned behind the camera to bring their long-awaited Jupiter Ascending to the big screen next year.
Production has officially begun here in Watford over at Warner Bros.’ Leavesen Studios. And the official press release, announcing that the film began shooting at the start of the month, brings with it the first synopsis:
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when Caine (Channing Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on...
Coming off the back of co-directing Cloud Atlas with Tom Tykwer, Andy and Lana Wachowski have returned behind the camera to bring their long-awaited Jupiter Ascending to the big screen next year.
Production has officially begun here in Watford over at Warner Bros.’ Leavesen Studios. And the official press release, announcing that the film began shooting at the start of the month, brings with it the first synopsis:
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when Caine (Channing Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on...
- 4/16/2013
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Warner Bros. has announced that The Wachowskis' new sci-fi epic Jupiter Ascending has officially started production. They've also released a story synopsis for the film...
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when Caine (Channing Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along—her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos.
Sounds like it will be yet another awesome Wachowski movie! They always manage to make visually stunning movies, and I'm excited to see what this one ends up looking like.
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when Caine (Channing Tatum), a genetically engineered ex-military hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along—her genetic signature marks her as next in line for an extraordinary inheritance that could alter the balance of the cosmos.
Sounds like it will be yet another awesome Wachowski movie! They always manage to make visually stunning movies, and I'm excited to see what this one ends up looking like.
- 4/15/2013
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
The next film from The Wachowski Siblings (The Matrix trilogy, Cloud Atlas), the Science Fiction film Jupiter Ascending, has officially began production and Warner Bros has released the first synopsis of the film, giving us our first look at the story.
I've always been a fan of the Wachowski's films. I think they're amazing storytellers and I'm so disappointed that Cloud Atlas didn't do as well as it should have in the theaters. Alas, this is the way the film industry goes, especially when it comes to such esoteric fare as Cloud Atlas. Regardless, their next film, Jupiter Ascending, should have some more mass appeal to movie-goers as it's a full on science fiction film. Warner Bros. has issued a press release this morning announcing that cameras have started rolling on the film, and we've got our first synopsis for the movie (it's been underlined):
Filming is underway on Warner Bros.
I've always been a fan of the Wachowski's films. I think they're amazing storytellers and I'm so disappointed that Cloud Atlas didn't do as well as it should have in the theaters. Alas, this is the way the film industry goes, especially when it comes to such esoteric fare as Cloud Atlas. Regardless, their next film, Jupiter Ascending, should have some more mass appeal to movie-goers as it's a full on science fiction film. Warner Bros. has issued a press release this morning announcing that cameras have started rolling on the film, and we've got our first synopsis for the movie (it's been underlined):
Filming is underway on Warner Bros.
- 4/15/2013
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Filming is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ Jupiter Ascending, an original science fiction epic adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski. Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in the film, which began shooting at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden on April 2, 2013.
From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, Jupiter Ascending was conceived and written by the Wachowskis, who are also directing. Award-winning producer Grant Hill, with whom the writer/directors have collaborated since “The Matrix” Trilogy, is producing the film together with the Wachowskis. Roberto Malerba and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when...
From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, Jupiter Ascending was conceived and written by the Wachowskis, who are also directing. Award-winning producer Grant Hill, with whom the writer/directors have collaborated since “The Matrix” Trilogy, is producing the film together with the Wachowskis. Roberto Malerba and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when...
- 4/15/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Filming is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ "Jupiter Ascending", an original science fiction epic adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski. Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in the film, which began shooting at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden on April 2, 2013.
From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, "Jupiter Ascending" was conceived and written by the Wachowskis, who are also directing. Award-winning producer Grant Hill, with whom the writer/directors have collaborated since "The Matrix" Trilogy, is producing the film together with the Wachowskis. Roberto Malerba and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when...
From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, "Jupiter Ascending" was conceived and written by the Wachowskis, who are also directing. Award-winning producer Grant Hill, with whom the writer/directors have collaborated since "The Matrix" Trilogy, is producing the film together with the Wachowskis. Roberto Malerba and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when...
- 4/15/2013
- by Press Release (Warner Bros. Pictures)
- Dark Horizons
Filming is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “Jupiter Ascending,” an original science fiction epic adventure from filmmakers Lana and Andy Wachowski. Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis star in the film, which began shooting at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden on April 2, 2013.
From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, “Jupiter Ascending” was conceived and written by the Wachowskis, who are also directing. Award-winning producer Grant Hill, with whom the writer/directors have collaborated since “The Matrix” Trilogy, is producing the film together with the Wachowskis. Roberto Malerba and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when...
From the streets of Chicago to far flung galaxies whirling through space, “Jupiter Ascending” was conceived and written by the Wachowskis, who are also directing. Award-winning producer Grant Hill, with whom the writer/directors have collaborated since “The Matrix” Trilogy, is producing the film together with the Wachowskis. Roberto Malerba and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was born under a night sky, with signs predicting that she was destined for great things. Now grown, Jupiter dreams of the stars but wakes up to the cold reality of a job cleaning toilets and an endless run of bad breaks. Only when...
- 4/15/2013
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
The National Film Registry has added 25 more films that will be preserved in the Library of Congress. To be included in the registry the film needs to be “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” They have to be at least ten years old and are chosen from a list of films nominated by the public.
There's some great films that have been added this year. We've got the original 3:10 to Yuma, The Matrix, A Christmas Story, A League of Their Own, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Dirty Harry, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and several more.
Check out the full list of films that were added this year below, and you can head over to the Registry website to nominate films that you think should be added in 2013!
3:10 to Yuma (1957)
Considered to be one of the best westerns of the 1950s, “3:10 to Yuma” has gained in stature since its original release as...
There's some great films that have been added this year. We've got the original 3:10 to Yuma, The Matrix, A Christmas Story, A League of Their Own, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Dirty Harry, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and several more.
Check out the full list of films that were added this year below, and you can head over to the Registry website to nominate films that you think should be added in 2013!
3:10 to Yuma (1957)
Considered to be one of the best westerns of the 1950s, “3:10 to Yuma” has gained in stature since its original release as...
- 12/20/2012
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
They're crammed with CGI and made to appeal to as many markets as possible and exploit every franchise option. But what does the future hold for the global super-movie?
With its very first words, The Avengers lays out the stall for the next phase of global blockbuster film-making. "The Tesseract has awakened. It is on a little world, a human world." Sure enough, the film's tag-team of Marvel superheroes – who have been teasingly cameoing in each other's movies in recent years – stormed together to the No 3 spot at the all-time worldwide box office. An expanded outfit breaking out into a wider universe, it seems to mirror what's happening to the blockbuster as globalisation continues to open up new markets. Director Peter Berg put his finger on the tumescent mood when he declared that Battleship was his attempt to make his own "super-movie". Even the Batman franchise, the most grimly sequestered...
With its very first words, The Avengers lays out the stall for the next phase of global blockbuster film-making. "The Tesseract has awakened. It is on a little world, a human world." Sure enough, the film's tag-team of Marvel superheroes – who have been teasingly cameoing in each other's movies in recent years – stormed together to the No 3 spot at the all-time worldwide box office. An expanded outfit breaking out into a wider universe, it seems to mirror what's happening to the blockbuster as globalisation continues to open up new markets. Director Peter Berg put his finger on the tumescent mood when he declared that Battleship was his attempt to make his own "super-movie". Even the Batman franchise, the most grimly sequestered...
- 7/27/2012
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
[1] Today's Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day is The Ultimate Matrix Collection Blu-Ray for $25.49 [2] ($65 msrp). The Gold Box Deal of the Day is only good for 24 hours and will disappear at midnight. So act fast. This seven-disc collection contains the complete Matrix Trilogy in high definition video and lossless high definition 5.1 audio (Dolby TrueHD) — each with hours of special features including Whv's ground-breaking In-Movie Experience. The Animatrix, the nine-part anime film, three additional bonus discs include more than 35 hours of additional features and a digital copy of The Matrix. Full list of special features after the jump. Also, they have a one day only deal on It's A Wonderful Life, selling the Blu-ray for only $13.99 [3] ($30 msrp) and the two disc collector's DVD set for only $8.99 [4] ($20 msrp). Disc #1 - The Matrix (1999) In-Movie Experience Written introduction by the Wachowski brothers Philosophers commentary by Dr. Cornel West, Ken Wilber Critics commentary by Todd McCarthy,...
- 11/29/2011
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
In this week's Immersed in Movies column, Bill Desowitz remembers meeting Steve Jobs, recaps the Visual Effects Society Summit and geeks out with John Gaeta at the Palo Alto International Film Festival. The passing of Steve Jobs on Wednesday underscores, more than anything else, the crucial importance of technological innovation, creative freedom, and entrepreneurial spirit. Jobs was the leading visionary of our time, and we need those attributes now more than ever. I got to meet Jobs in early 2002 at a party in La celebrating Pixar's 15th anniversary, where he thanked me for a story I had written about him and Pixar in the La Times. He was as casual in his manner as his dress, as he proudly explained the secret of Pixar's ...
- 10/7/2011
- Thompson on Hollywood
Palo Alto, CA - The Palo Alto International Film Festival (Paiff) has announced its speaker series for the 2011 festival. The series will feature eight panels and more than 30 speakers exploring the collaborative nature of the creative process and celebrating the game-changers whose work catalyzes innovation in film and media.
Paiff.s speaker series includes panels on the future of global cinema, character animation and hybrid entertainment, along with a panel on the impact of technology on the distribution and marketing of today.s films. Several of the speakers, including visual effects artists, animators, sound designers, independent film and video game producers, writers, entrepreneurs and financiers, have worked on film projects that are household names, while others are instrumentally involved in the future of film and media in ways that are less obvious. Additionally, Paiff will be broadcasting several of the panels live at www.paiff.net.
.Audiences will hear what...
Paiff.s speaker series includes panels on the future of global cinema, character animation and hybrid entertainment, along with a panel on the impact of technology on the distribution and marketing of today.s films. Several of the speakers, including visual effects artists, animators, sound designers, independent film and video game producers, writers, entrepreneurs and financiers, have worked on film projects that are household names, while others are instrumentally involved in the future of film and media in ways that are less obvious. Additionally, Paiff will be broadcasting several of the panels live at www.paiff.net.
.Audiences will hear what...
- 8/26/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
[1] Today's Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day is The Ultimate Matrix Collection Blu-Ray for $26.99 [2], 58% off the $65 msrp. The Gold Box Deal of the Day is only good for 24 hours and will disappear at midnight. So act fast. This seven-disc collection contains the complete Matrix Trilogy in high definition video and lossless high definition 5.1 audio (Dolby TrueHD) — each with hours of special features including Whv's ground-breaking In-Movie Experience. The Animatrix, the nine-part anime film, three additional bonus discs include more than 35 hours of additional features and a digital copy of The Matrix. Full list of special features after the jump. Disc #1 - The Matrix (1999) In-Movie Experience Written introduction by the Wachowski brothers Philosophers commentary by Dr. Cornel West, Ken Wilber Critics commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers, David Thomson Cast and crew commentary by Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta Composer commentary by Don Davis with music-only track The Matrix Revisited...
- 7/27/2011
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Chicago – With all the depth and nuance of a Nike commercial, “Michael Jordan to the Max” probes into the mind of its titular subject, a man as infamous for his astonishing achievements in basketball as he is for his spectacular success as a corporate spokesperson. This 46-minute feature is not about Jordan the person, but Jordan the marketable icon: family man, mentor, role model, eternal optimist.
For someone who grew up in Chicagoland during the six unforgettable championship triumphs of the Chicago Bulls, any footage of Jordan from the 1990s is guaranteed to evoke nostalgic memories. Yet this once popular, decade-old IMAX picture appears to have been made primarily for elementary school field trips. There’s very little substance to be gleaned from Jordan’s inspirational soundbites, and writer/editor Jonathan Hock’s workmanlike assemblage of game highlights.
Blu-Ray Rating: 3.0/5.0
Viewed today, “Max” instantly dates itself with a trendy swirling pan around an airborne Jordan,...
For someone who grew up in Chicagoland during the six unforgettable championship triumphs of the Chicago Bulls, any footage of Jordan from the 1990s is guaranteed to evoke nostalgic memories. Yet this once popular, decade-old IMAX picture appears to have been made primarily for elementary school field trips. There’s very little substance to be gleaned from Jordan’s inspirational soundbites, and writer/editor Jonathan Hock’s workmanlike assemblage of game highlights.
Blu-Ray Rating: 3.0/5.0
Viewed today, “Max” instantly dates itself with a trendy swirling pan around an airborne Jordan,...
- 3/14/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Today's Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day is The Ultimate Matrix Collection Blu-Ray for $49.99, 62% off the $130 msrp. The Gold Box Deal of the Day is only good for 24 hours and will disappear at midnight. So act fast. This seven-disc collection contains the complete Matrix Trilogy in high definition video and lossless high definition 5.1 audio (Dolby TrueHD) — each with hours of special features including Whv's ground-breaking In-Movie Experience. The Animatrix, the nine-part anime film, three additional bonus discs include more than 35 hours of additional features and a digital copy of The Matrix. Full list of special features after the jump. Disc #1 - The Matrix (1999) In-Movie Experience Written introduction by the Wachowski brothers Philosophers commentary by Dr. Cornel West, Ken Wilber Critics commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers, David Thomson Cast and crew commentary by Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta Composer commentary by Don Davis with music-only ...
- 6/10/2010
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Today's Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day is The Ultimate Matrix Collection Blu-Ray for $57.99, 55% off the $130 msrp. The Gold Box Deal of the Day is only good for 24 hours and will disappear at midnight. This seven-disc collection contains the complete Matrix Trilogy in high definition video and lossless high definition 5.1 audio (Dolby TrueHD) — each with hours of special features including Whv's ground-breaking In-Movie Experience. The Animatrix, the nine-part anime film, three additional bonus discs include more than 35 hours of additional features and a digital copy of The Matrix. Full list of special features after the jump. Disc #1 - The Matrix (1999) In-Movie Experience Written introduction by the Wachowski brothers Philosophers commentary by Dr. Cornel West, Ken Wilber Critics commentary by Todd McCarthy, John Powers, David Thomson Cast and crew commentary by Carrie-Anne Moss, Zach Staenberg and John Gaeta Composer commentary by Don Davis with music-only track The Matrix Revisited Making...
- 7/13/2009
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
We just heard the rumor that director James McTeigue may be taking the reins of the new Conan project, and it sounds like his work on the upcoming Ninja Assassin might have illustrated his ability to handle the Hyborian Age action. Boing Boing recently spoke with FX virtuoso John Gaeta (who pioneered the "bullet time" technique in The Matrix) and got some insight into Ninja Assassin's action. According to Gaeta (who calls it a "super psycho horror ninja movie"), it will...
- 5/9/2009
- by Dave Davis
- JoBlo.com
In one of the few times we'll ever link to the website Boing Boing, they've posted a new interview with visual effects supervisor John Gaeta. While he's best known for his work on The Matrix trilogy and Speed Racer, Gaeta also worked on James McTeigue's Ninja Assassin, which is (oddly) the focus of the interview. It's odd because we still haven't seen a trailer or anything else for the movie, so I don't know why they randomly have an interview with Gaeta about it, but they do. There's not much new footage to be seen in this, but it's a good watch for those who are fans of Gaeta's work or interested in Ninja Assassin. Check it out below! Most of the fighting footage you see in this comes from an awesome fighting training video we posted back in January. Other than that, Warner Brothers has been keeping a...
- 5/8/2009
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
12.00 Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
If you've seen The Matrix you know why the film community heralds it as a benchmark achievement in filmmaking. Just as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars set the bar for film special effects, The Matrix came along and made us re-examine everything we thought a movie could do. Revolutionary, groundbreaking, mindblowing - these are all terms people use to describe The Matrix. It's certainly all true, but up until now, what I'd appreciated most about The Matrix was this: it packaged a Philosophy 101 course into a digestible Sci-Fi flick with a raging techno/rock/orchestral score and jaw-dropping action sequences. The Blu-ray release of The Matrix turns this scale on its head bringing the action scenes to the level they were always meant to reach - now the film is superb all the way around.
Andy and Larry Wachowski invited...
If you've seen The Matrix you know why the film community heralds it as a benchmark achievement in filmmaking. Just as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars set the bar for film special effects, The Matrix came along and made us re-examine everything we thought a movie could do. Revolutionary, groundbreaking, mindblowing - these are all terms people use to describe The Matrix. It's certainly all true, but up until now, what I'd appreciated most about The Matrix was this: it packaged a Philosophy 101 course into a digestible Sci-Fi flick with a raging techno/rock/orchestral score and jaw-dropping action sequences. The Blu-ray release of The Matrix turns this scale on its head bringing the action scenes to the level they were always meant to reach - now the film is superb all the way around.
Andy and Larry Wachowski invited...
- 4/8/2009
- by Lex Walker
- JustPressPlay.net
Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0 Chicago – Like a lot of movie fans, one of the first DVDs I owned in the early days of the technology was the revolutionary “The Matrix,” starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Joe Pantoliano from directors Andy and Larry Wachowski. Not only was this sci-fi action extravaganza an easily re-watchable film but it looked amazing with DVD quality. Of course, HD was developed for movies like “The Matrix,” now available as a stand-alone Blu-Ray release for the first time.
The tenth anniversary edition of “The Matrix” brings the already-influential tale of Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity home in crystal-clear 1080p High Definition with the film’s original 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The impressive audio track is a Dolby TrueHD English 5.1 track and the film also includes French and Italian 5.1 tracks and Spanish and Portuguese 2.0 tracks.
What is there to say about the plot of the quality of “The Matrix...
The tenth anniversary edition of “The Matrix” brings the already-influential tale of Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity home in crystal-clear 1080p High Definition with the film’s original 2.40:1 aspect ratio. The impressive audio track is a Dolby TrueHD English 5.1 track and the film also includes French and Italian 5.1 tracks and Spanish and Portuguese 2.0 tracks.
What is there to say about the plot of the quality of “The Matrix...
- 4/7/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Frankfurt, Germany -- Academy Award-winning VFX supervisor John Gaeta turned the tables on film critics Monday at the Edit Filmmakers Festival here.
"Critics have so many conflicts of interests," he said. "They feel that they are power brokers. I tend to put aside established critics. Now I am sampling bloggers who are not put in a high position. That I feel is the true reaction."
Gaeta said he believes that his latest VFX work, "Speed Racer," was "a vastly misunderstood film from the beginning of its creation."
He described the look, which he called "photo anime," and he detailed early tests on the complex work.
"Our objective was to take the purity of pop art and create something original," he said, adding that another part of the aim was to reach a "new generation of filmgoers -- younger folks who are growing up with a wider array of media where they get their entertainment.
"Critics have so many conflicts of interests," he said. "They feel that they are power brokers. I tend to put aside established critics. Now I am sampling bloggers who are not put in a high position. That I feel is the true reaction."
Gaeta said he believes that his latest VFX work, "Speed Racer," was "a vastly misunderstood film from the beginning of its creation."
He described the look, which he called "photo anime," and he detailed early tests on the complex work.
"Our objective was to take the purity of pop art and create something original," he said, adding that another part of the aim was to reach a "new generation of filmgoers -- younger folks who are growing up with a wider array of media where they get their entertainment.
- 9/29/2008
- by By Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s all about the traps this week. Check out what horror flicks are hitting DVD on Tuesday, July 15th, 2008...
Asylum (2008)
Directed by David R. Ellis
It seems all the madness surrounding Ellis’ last effort, Snakes on a Plane, popped something in his head and he decided the only way to follow it up would be with the most generic, bland, impotent kind of horror film. Enter Asylum, the story of a group of new kids at college who find out their new dorm is adjacent to the former stomping grounds of a doctor who got off on conducting experiments on kids their age. Lameness follows. Be sure to read our Asylum DVD review for more! Buy it here!
Beach Party at the Threshold of Hell (2007)
Directed by Kevin Wheatley & Jonny Gillette
How strange; I remember when this film first was getting festival play it was the talk of the...
Asylum (2008)
Directed by David R. Ellis
It seems all the madness surrounding Ellis’ last effort, Snakes on a Plane, popped something in his head and he decided the only way to follow it up would be with the most generic, bland, impotent kind of horror film. Enter Asylum, the story of a group of new kids at college who find out their new dorm is adjacent to the former stomping grounds of a doctor who got off on conducting experiments on kids their age. Lameness follows. Be sure to read our Asylum DVD review for more! Buy it here!
Beach Party at the Threshold of Hell (2007)
Directed by Kevin Wheatley & Jonny Gillette
How strange; I remember when this film first was getting festival play it was the talk of the...
- 7/14/2008
- by Johnny Butane
- DreadCentral.com
Opens
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Four-and-a-half years after the Wachowski brothers redefined cutting-edge cinema with "The Matrix" and less than six months since the disappointing "The Matrix Reloaded", the trilogy comes to a conclusion of sorts with "The Matrix Revolutions".
Ending with neither a bang nor a whimper, the finale falls somewhere in between. It's an improvement over its concurrently shot, babbling predecessor, but it ultimately fails to capture any of that jaw-dropping sense of exhilaration that made the original such a must-see event.
While Andy and Larry Wachowski, again working in tandem with ever-innovative fight choreographer Yuen Wo Ping and accomplished visual effects supervisor John Gaeta, have cooked up some dazzling new set-pieces, the disjointed story elements prevent them from forming any kind of satisfying, cohesive whole.
Obviously, those eager to see how the potentially final adventures of Neo, Trinity, Morpheus and company unfold will ensure that "Revolutions" takes the boxoffice by storm, but less assured is its ability to generate the kind of repeat business key to the phenomenal success of the other Matrices.
Picking up where the second left off, the third finds Neo (Keanu Reeves) still in that comatose state. It's soon discovered that he's actually stuck in some kind of void between the Matrix and the Machine World represented by a gleaming white Mobil Avenue subway station. (Hmm ... scramble "Mobil" and you get "limbo." Aha!)
His true love Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and the still believing Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) manage to bring him back, but time is quickly running out as the Machine army is boring its way ever closer to Zion's final stronghold.
Neo does manage to find time to pay a quick visit to the Oracle (with Mary Alice taking over the role after the death of Gloria Foster), and after both acknowledge that her appearance has changed, she offers her usual oblique words of guidance.
With her credibility having been called into question after it was revealed in "Reloaded" that her Prophecy may in fact be yet another control system instituted by the Machines, Neo nevertheless takes what she says on faith.
But while the Machines pose the threat of imminent annihilation, a battle is also being fought on another front as the rogue Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) has not only continued to replicate himself exponentially in the Matrix, but he also has hijacked the body of Bane (Ian Bliss), a real-world member of the hovercraft fleet.
As Neo and Trinity go off in one direction, the no-nonsense Niobe Jada Pinkett Smith in a nicely expanded role) proves to be one kick-ass ship navigator.
The various clashes again unfold impressively.
While Gaeta's swarming Sentinels provide the visual oomph during that protracted war with the Machines, Wo Ping demonstrates he's still got a few nifty tricks up his sleeve -- notably a hanging-from-the-ceiling melee in a nightclub's coat and gun check room and a mano a mano fight to the finish between Neo and Smith (while his legion of Smiths look on) making extensive use of motion-capture techniques that take the technology beyond "bullet time."
If only the storytelling felt as fully integrated as the visual effects.
Thankfully not as philosophically long-winded as "Reloaded", the finale still stumbles over its share of clunky dialogue (especially the lines written for the two lovebirds) while taking its arsenal of religious iconography to heady new heights. By the end, there can be No Doubt as to the identity of the One.
And, in terms of the "Matrix" trilogy, unfortunately neither of the two chapters of this epic sequel can claim that singular distinction.
THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS
Warner Bros. Pictures
Warner Bros. Pictures presents in association with Village Roadshow Pictures and NPV Entertainment a Silver Pictures production
Credits:
Directors-screenwriters: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Producer: Joel Silver
Executive producers: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski, Grant Hill, Andrew Mason, Bruce Berman
Director of photography: Bill Pope
Production designer: Owen Paterson
Editor: Zach Staenberg
Costume designer: Kym Barrett
Visual effects supervisor: John Gaeta
Music: Don Davis
Cast:
Neo: Keanu Reeves
Morpheus: Laurence Fishburne
Trinity: Carrie-Anne Moss
Agent Smith: Hugo Weaving
Niobe: Jada Pinkett Smith
The Oracle: Mary Alice
Sati: Tanveer Atwal
Persephone: Monica Bellucci
Bane: Ian Bliss
Seraph: Collin Chou
Zee: Nona Gaye
Mifune: Nathaniel Lees
Commander Lock: Harry Lennix
Link: Harold Perrineau
The Trainman: Bruce Spence
The Kid: Clayton Watson
Rama: Bernard White
Merovingian: Lambert Wilson
Ghost: Anthony Wong
Running time -- 129 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Four-and-a-half years after the Wachowski brothers redefined cutting-edge cinema with "The Matrix" and less than six months since the disappointing "The Matrix Reloaded", the trilogy comes to a conclusion of sorts with "The Matrix Revolutions".
Ending with neither a bang nor a whimper, the finale falls somewhere in between. It's an improvement over its concurrently shot, babbling predecessor, but it ultimately fails to capture any of that jaw-dropping sense of exhilaration that made the original such a must-see event.
While Andy and Larry Wachowski, again working in tandem with ever-innovative fight choreographer Yuen Wo Ping and accomplished visual effects supervisor John Gaeta, have cooked up some dazzling new set-pieces, the disjointed story elements prevent them from forming any kind of satisfying, cohesive whole.
Obviously, those eager to see how the potentially final adventures of Neo, Trinity, Morpheus and company unfold will ensure that "Revolutions" takes the boxoffice by storm, but less assured is its ability to generate the kind of repeat business key to the phenomenal success of the other Matrices.
Picking up where the second left off, the third finds Neo (Keanu Reeves) still in that comatose state. It's soon discovered that he's actually stuck in some kind of void between the Matrix and the Machine World represented by a gleaming white Mobil Avenue subway station. (Hmm ... scramble "Mobil" and you get "limbo." Aha!)
His true love Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and the still believing Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) manage to bring him back, but time is quickly running out as the Machine army is boring its way ever closer to Zion's final stronghold.
Neo does manage to find time to pay a quick visit to the Oracle (with Mary Alice taking over the role after the death of Gloria Foster), and after both acknowledge that her appearance has changed, she offers her usual oblique words of guidance.
With her credibility having been called into question after it was revealed in "Reloaded" that her Prophecy may in fact be yet another control system instituted by the Machines, Neo nevertheless takes what she says on faith.
But while the Machines pose the threat of imminent annihilation, a battle is also being fought on another front as the rogue Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) has not only continued to replicate himself exponentially in the Matrix, but he also has hijacked the body of Bane (Ian Bliss), a real-world member of the hovercraft fleet.
As Neo and Trinity go off in one direction, the no-nonsense Niobe Jada Pinkett Smith in a nicely expanded role) proves to be one kick-ass ship navigator.
The various clashes again unfold impressively.
While Gaeta's swarming Sentinels provide the visual oomph during that protracted war with the Machines, Wo Ping demonstrates he's still got a few nifty tricks up his sleeve -- notably a hanging-from-the-ceiling melee in a nightclub's coat and gun check room and a mano a mano fight to the finish between Neo and Smith (while his legion of Smiths look on) making extensive use of motion-capture techniques that take the technology beyond "bullet time."
If only the storytelling felt as fully integrated as the visual effects.
Thankfully not as philosophically long-winded as "Reloaded", the finale still stumbles over its share of clunky dialogue (especially the lines written for the two lovebirds) while taking its arsenal of religious iconography to heady new heights. By the end, there can be No Doubt as to the identity of the One.
And, in terms of the "Matrix" trilogy, unfortunately neither of the two chapters of this epic sequel can claim that singular distinction.
THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS
Warner Bros. Pictures
Warner Bros. Pictures presents in association with Village Roadshow Pictures and NPV Entertainment a Silver Pictures production
Credits:
Directors-screenwriters: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Producer: Joel Silver
Executive producers: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski, Grant Hill, Andrew Mason, Bruce Berman
Director of photography: Bill Pope
Production designer: Owen Paterson
Editor: Zach Staenberg
Costume designer: Kym Barrett
Visual effects supervisor: John Gaeta
Music: Don Davis
Cast:
Neo: Keanu Reeves
Morpheus: Laurence Fishburne
Trinity: Carrie-Anne Moss
Agent Smith: Hugo Weaving
Niobe: Jada Pinkett Smith
The Oracle: Mary Alice
Sati: Tanveer Atwal
Persephone: Monica Bellucci
Bane: Ian Bliss
Seraph: Collin Chou
Zee: Nona Gaye
Mifune: Nathaniel Lees
Commander Lock: Harry Lennix
Link: Harold Perrineau
The Trainman: Bruce Spence
The Kid: Clayton Watson
Rama: Bernard White
Merovingian: Lambert Wilson
Ghost: Anthony Wong
Running time -- 129 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 11/27/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sony Pictures Entertainment vice chairman Amy Pascal will receive the Hollywood Leadership Award at this year's Hollywood Film Festival during ceremonies Oct. 20 at the Beverly Hilton. The festival, which runs from Oct. 15-20, also will honor director-producer Sydney Pollack with its Hollywood Outstanding Achievement in Producing Award. It will also honor screenwriter Ron Bass, cinematographer John Toll, editor Michael Kahn, composer Howard Shore, songwriter David Foster, costume designer Ann Roth, production designer William J. Crebe, visual effects artist John Gaeta, casting director Deborah Aquila and, with an animation award, Finding Nemo director Andrew Stanton.
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