A look back at the sequels to my favorite film

It should be well-known by now that my favorite film of all time is “The Matrix.” It is the perfect blend of “popcorn entertainment,” thought-provoking philosophies, and human drama (the three main attractions to moviegoing in the first place, right?) With its high quality as both a sci-fi action spectacle and challenging drama, it opened my eyes to the possibilities of film and gave me my first sense of “movie magic.” Released in 1999, its questions are still relevant to this day especially to teenagers like myself. In an age where we are losing touch with humanity in favor of e-mail and text messaging for communication, it asks, “Are we becoming slaves to technology? Do we still control machines or do they control us?” It also tackles the big, universal questions like, “Why are we here and what defines reality?” It’s the headiest moviegoing experience I’ve ever had. Therefore, when the sequels came out, I was beyond excited. I was freaking out. Imagine a sequel being made to your all-time favorite movie– I was anxious, worried, hopeful, confident, and thrilled at the same time. When I saw the preview for “The Matrix Reloaded,” my jaw literally hit the floor (Wow, how cliché did that sound?) Even with my enormous enthusiasm for “The Matrix,” this is the first time I’ve actually written about “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions.” So, buckle your seatbelts. Here we go…

“The Matrix Reloaded”- “The Matrix” brought sophistication and depth to the sci-fi action genre with its unique philosophies. “Reloaded” is basically a diluted version of “The Matrix.” It has all of the action from the first film, but very little insight. In fact, its philosophical elements are insulting in comparison to the first film. When it tries to be interesting or intelligent like the original, it just comes off as pure, silly “mumbo-jumbo.” It is so “mumbo-jumbo” in fact that it seems almost like a parody of “The Matrix.”

The good news? The action sequences in “Reloaded” are nothing short of spectacular. They are truly breathtaking. From a fight scene with hundreds of Agent Smith clones to the freeway chase, the film provides plenty of excitement and intensity. Like the first film, its special effects and groundbreaking and awe-inspiring. Because of its lack of depth though, it is “just a movie” whereas “The Matrix” is a really profound, unforgettable film.

My Rating for “Reloaded:” B

“The Matrix Revolutions”

“The Matrix Revolutions” is an improvement over “Reloaded.” It delivers the poetry that “Reloaded” definitely lacked. The last act is almost like a fairy tale in that Neo and Trinity travel to the Oz-like Machine City which takes on the quality of ”a forbidden forest” with its sinister machine bugs and moody atmosphere. It is reminiscent of a Grimm Brothers tale. Like the first film, it tackles universal themes like love and death. 

Rating for “Revolutions:” B+ 

My Ratings for the trilogy–

“The Matrix:” A+

“The Matrix Reloaded:” B

“The Matrix Revolutions:” B+

Well, there you have it. I finally revealed my opinion of the “Matrix” sequels. Most people were severely disappointed by the sequels unlike me, so I encourage you readers to debate with me about these films. Rebuttal, anyone?

Ready for the dawn?

This year, movies are taking a refreshing change of direction. Although it was a great year for film, 2007 was awfully grim in overall tone. With stark thrillers like “Zodiac” and “No Country for Old Men” and hard-hitting metaphorical films on the War in Iraq like “There Will be Blood,” 2007 films were riddled with violence and grittiness. Films this year are much more hopeful and tender. Just look at the whimsical “Synecdoche, New York” about a quirky playwright or “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” about a man who ages backwards. These films are reminiscent of the Golden Age of cinema when movies provided a total escape from issues at the time. Last year, films were tough and “in-your-face.” Even Oliver Stone’s George W. Bush biopic “W.” takes a softer, surprisingly compassionate approach to such sensitive material as the war and Bush’s political follies. Josh Brolin also provides a sympathetic portrayal of Bush. Films this year are breath of fresh air. They provide the much-needed light after last year’s darkness. They are also symbolic of our time– the time of change, the time of a new president. My answer is obvious, but I’m going to pose a question to you readers– Does Hollywood need to relieve people with these lighter films or should filmmakers continue to make hard-hitting, relevant, intense stories? Which do you prefer and why?

‘Body of Lies’ breaks spy thriller mold

By Sam Watermeier

<swatermeier@hilite.org>

Get ready for a new type of super spy: He’s fat, old, bearded, and tired. Look out James Bond. I’m referring to the two main characters in “Body of Lies,” the new thriller from master Ridley Scott (”Alien,” “Blade Runner”) written by Academy Award winning screenwriter William Monahan (”The Departed”). “Body of Lies” is a refreshing change of direction from the hectic, relentless, fantastical spy movies of late like “The Bourne Ultimatum” and “Casino Royale.” Unlike those films, “Body of Lies” delivers “average Joe” characters that are relatable and credible. This is a plus because it’s getting difficult to connect with invincible super spies. However, the film’s plot is not as captivating as its characters. 

Based on the novel by David Ignatius, the film revolves around two CIA agents: Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his boss Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe). Ferris is frustrated and tired of all the death and destruction he witnesses on the job. Hoffman could care less about Ferris’s emotional trauma because he is just the guy behind the scenes, the one that sits in an air-conditioned office “pulling the strings” while agents risk their lives for him. Since he cannot relate to Ferris’s struggles and has not experienced the same destructive events, he remains indifferent. The plot kicks into action when Ferris and Hoffman create a terrorist and stage bombings in order to lure another Middle-eastern terror-monger into a trap. Sounds exciting, right? Well, unfortunately the pace of the film does not quicken at this point and the movie does not offer the thrilling spectacles and action implied. However, the depth of the characters makes up for this disappointment. 

Most spy thrillers like the “Bond” or “Bourne” films focus only on thrusting their heroes into exciting action. Unlike James Bond and Jason Bourne, Ferris and Hoffman do not constantly chase enemies in fancy cars around exotic locales. With its exploration of the principal characters’ personal lives, “Body of Lies” transcends the spy thriller genre. The film juxtaposes the men’s spy business with their non-work related routines. For example, there are several scenes where Hoffman is doing ordinary things like eating cereal or taking his kids to school while talking to CIA operatives over the phone. We also see Ferris on a date with a girl in one of the war-torn countries where he is stationed. These scenes add an emotional layer that the “Bond” and “Bourne” films lack. “Body of Lies” shows that men are more than their profession. 

DiCaprio and especially Crowe create the most relatable spy characters I have ever seen. Crowe gained 50 pounds for the role and sports a gray wig. His attitude in the film is that of an ordinary middle-aged man. He does not seem like a sneaky mastermind, but an average Joe which makes his performance complex and engaging. DiCaprio displays a vulnerability unlike other famous spy characters that is very touching. He shows genuine fear and sadness. When a girl he’s dating in the Middle East is kidnapped, he falls apart. Any other film spy would show little or no emotion. 

“Body of Lies” is not the best film in theaters right now. It is a little slow and dull in parts. However, it is worth seeing merely because it breaks the mold for spy thrillers with its credible characters. 

“Body of Lies”

Grade: B

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe

Rated: R

National Scholastic Press Assocation features school publications

Both the Carmel High School HiLite newspaper and Pinnacle yearbook were featured in the latest issue of the National Scholastic Press Association’s annual publication, Best of the High School Press. The 150-page book highlights outstanding work from scholastic newspapers, magazines and yearbooks from around the country.

The HiLite appeared twice in the publication. The Jan. 25, 2008 newspaper was recognized as a Best of Show winner from the spring 2008 convention in Anaheim, CA, while the May 29, 2007 “Worst-Case Scenario” senior edition earned a spot in the “Best of Newspaper Special Coverage” section of the book.

The 2007 Pinnacle earned recognition in the “Best of Yearbook Chronological Coverage” section.

Nicole Wilson currently advises the Pinnacle and Jim Streisel advises the HiLite.

Counselors to shorten college representative meetings

By Cathy Chen
<cchen@hilite.org>

The counseling center cut short the NYU college representative’s visit to CHS on Oct. 10 after complaints that students were using college visits to avoid class.

According to counselor Rich Allen, this procedure does not constitute a policy, nor is it set in stone, and they are working to find a long-term solution. It is merely a measure to deter students from attending college representative meetings just to avoid class. He said the counselors’ awareness of such students “has brought some concern to us.”

Many students at the NYU representative visit, shocked and angry at this new procedure, crowded toward the front of the room after Allen made the announcement about the new procedure to ask the representative more questions that were not answered during the half-hour presentation. The old procedure allowed students to remain until the college representative had answered all their questions.

Allen said that he would like to see college representatives using the half hour provided for such meetings to give a general presentation about their respective schools, and after the half hour, if students have more specific questions pertaining to their own individual interests or needs, they can stay to speak the college representative and then get passes back to class. Allen said students don’t need to hear the specific information that doesn’t pertain to them. “Their time would be better spent back in class,” he said.

According to Allen, “We try to get as many (college representative meetings) as we can scheduled for SRTs,” but he said that doesn’t always work with the college representative’s schedule.

“I would encourage our students to come visit the college representatives,” Allen said, “but for valid reasons.”

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