“The Matrix” and “The Matrix: Reloaded” are required viewing for anyone wanting to have any idea as to what’s going on in the newest installment. From the start, “Matrix: Revolutions” doesn’t waste time rehashing the story from the first two segments. It jumps right in, starting where “Reloaded” abruptly ended. For anyone who's forgotten what happened, “Reloaded” has just been released on VHS/DVD, so it would be helpful to catch up before walking into the theater (and before reading below).

The story begins with Neo (Keanu Reeves) still unconscious from his experience with the scouts, and his realization that “something is different.” Something is indeed different, as he has now progressed to a new level of consciousness, somewhere between the Matrix and the Real World. As Neo realizes and uncovers the answers to the questions that have been plaguing him, along with the help of the Oracle (Mary Alice), he advances on the path of “The One” in an attempt to end the war between the humans and the machines.

And believe me, it does end. Obviously, being the third and (reported) last installment gives the assumption that there is closure to the end of the film, and although there is a slight bit of room left for future sequels, there are thankfully enough finishing touches to wrap up the trilogy nicely. The Wachowski Brothers have delivered a first rate product yet again, and although many of the trilogy’s fans will be disappointed in the fact that it’s ending, they will be delighted in the fact that the directors stayed (for the most part) true to their vision of the premise and completed a visionary masterpiece as a whole.

There are a few noticeable visual differences in the third act, such as the lack of such now commonly copied “bullet-time” scenes, fewer “kung-fu” scenes, and a much darker hue in both worlds. There is only one occurrence that I noticed involving a slow-motion scene where Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) catches a pistol, so the directors obviously grasped the concept that their innovative camera work from 1999 has already grown passé by 2003. As for Kung-Fu scenes, there are quite a few fight scenes, but nothing as over-the-top as the playground scene in “Reloaded.” Instead, there is a visually stunning “super-fight” between Neo and Agent Smith (now being shown in the movie’s trailer), along with a few other battles in Matrix style delight. However, gone are the dark green hues, cluing the viewer into when the characters were inside the Matrix, which was introduced in the first act. Now, both the Real World and the Matrix share a dark, omnipresent gloom with the war looming, and the end being near.

Another noticeable difference is the abundance of love. No, not the physical kind of love displayed between Neo and Trinity in “Reloaded,” but instead the emotion of love, and what we as humans will do for love. Many of Neo’s choices thus far have been guided by his love for Trinity, and they continue to do so, but the love is more pronounced and visual. The “programs” of the Matrix also try to understand not the emotion, but the connection expressed with love, which is an intriguing thought from a logical computer point of view.

In abundance is the idea of opposites, or the concept of duality, throughout this final act. For every action there is a reaction, and for every Good there is an Evil. The religious symbolism has always prevailed during the trilogy, and it culminates here in so many different ways. Neo’s Jesus-like savior figure combating Agent Smith’s evil desire and belief that he is “God” is the most prominent, but other “yings” are presented to their “yangs.” All of this shows the balance that must be achieved not only in the Matrix, but in life as well, for all things to become harmonious.

Story-wise, the film can stand on it’s own, but as the final installment, it’s a bit of a let down. It answers many of the questions still lingering from the first two acts, but poses many more that aren’t answered even as the film ends. The initial question of “What is the Matrix?” has been answered, but the most looming question of how Neo is crossing over between both worlds is never fully realized. Without spoiling the film, I won’t ask many of the questions that I still have, but will hopefully discuss with other film aficionados after it opens worldwide on November 5^th. This is the power of the film: the fact that it causes us to ask questions. If everything was wrapped up in a nice little package, it would be satisfying, but what would be left to talk about? Visuals are nice, but a film that makes you use your mind and your imagination is better.

I once took part in a website where you were asked to listen to new songs at least three times, then rate how you felt about it. I used to wonder, “why three times?” Once you listen to a song, you get a feel for it, but after listening to it three times, you either like it or you don’t. That’s easily done with three to five minute songs. With movies, watching a film three times before forming an opinion is difficult, particularly when a film is over two hours long. However, if there is anything to be learned from “Reloaded” and “Revolutions,” is that these stories are so deep and layered that repeated viewings definitely make you appreciate the films more. Having watched “Reloaded” for the fourth time, I genuinely like the film much more than I did on first viewing. Having seen “Revolutions” once, I have the same initial feeling that I did after my first viewing of “Reloaded.” It was enjoyable, but I’m not entirely satisfied. Hopefully, that will change with repeated viewings.

As a fan of the story, I am utterly disappointed in the fact that “this is the end.” There is nothing more to look forward to as far as future installments, but in another way I am also thankful that it did end spectacularly, knowing that sequels won’t continuously be cranked out defacing the power of the story. A year or so from now, when the trilogy is released in what will probably be the first of many “Special Editions” on DVD, and many years from now, hopefully the trilogy will be respected for its innovations in film and the story itself. Thanks to the Wachowski Brothers, "The Matrix" has a fitting final chapter.