A look back at the sequels to my favorite film
October 30, 2008
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?
October 30, 2008
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?
Trick-or-Treat for Kids Off Their Feet ends Oct. 31
October 30, 2008
By Tatum Outlaw and Mackenzie Madison
<toutlaw @hilite.org and mmadison@hilite.org>
Since Oct. 27 during SRT NHS and FCCLA have been sponsoring a collection drive to benefit the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent’s. These two groups have collected everything from bubbles to board games and will stop collecting Friday Oct. 31.
Only new or never used items will be accepted for donation. Everything donated will be given to pediatric patients who will not be able to participate in this year’s Halloween festivities. The SRT that collects the most items will receive a gift of a free t-shirt and donut party. Teachers should remember to check on the back of all flyers to make sure that the information for their SRT is given.
Other items being accepted:
Books
Puzzles
Crayons/Markers
Coloring/Activity Books
Child Friendly DVDs/VHS
JV Cheerleading Hopes to Win State Title
October 23, 2008
By Lily Zhao
<lzhao@hilite.org>
The junior varsity cheerleading squad plans to perform at a preliminary competition at Whiteland Community High School Nov. 1. According to head coach Toni Bailey, the competition is coordinated by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). Also, the top eight out of 13 competing JV teams will advance to the State finals on Nov. 8 at New Castle Chrysler High School. Read more
‘Body of Lies’ breaks spy thriller mold
October 20, 2008
By Sam Watermeier
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
Women’s soccer team finishes season
October 19, 2008
By Amy Flis
<aflis@hilite.org>
The women’s soccer team lost on Oct. 16 in the Sectional semi-final. Noblesville won in a 0-0 tie game after two overtimes with a penalty kick tie-breaker. Both teams were co-ranked number one, but this game ends Carmel’s tournament play. The team finishes the season with a record of 15-1-3. Read more
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