This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.

Distributor: Columbia TriStar
Genre: Action / Science-Fiction
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Additional information: Fortress (review), Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry

Seven years after the first movie, and Brennick and his family is still on the run from the company who owns the prison they were in back then. They’ve finally caught up with him now, and is sent off to a new prisoner colony. This time, it’s in space. And once again, he needs to escape the prison.

Actually, the story line is a tad better than the predecessor, but this one didn’t really need the first movie other than an understanding of why Brennick is on the run. Compared to the previous film, technology has taken a few steps backwards. There’s a lot less technology available in this world, considering it’s supposed to be 7 years later. There are only a couple of stronger weapons, the implants and the issue about a full-fledged space station that gives away the fact that we’re in a future world, basically. You’d think that mankind would’ve evolved technology a whole lot further than this compared to what we saw in the first film.

There’s also the issue about the rich female executive (played by Pam Grier) who tries to pass off as a comedy character that doesn’t quite give the movie any credibility. Not to mention the violent guard who enjoys messing around with the prisoners.

Pam Grier doesn’t show up as much as I wanted her to, which leaves Christopher Lambert and Nick Brimble as the only other known faces to me. Another action flick for the crowd and an entertainment-hungry evening. Again, cheap thrills, but at least it’s a slight “upgrade” from the previous one.

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This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.

Distributor: Dimension Films / Village Roadshow Pictures
Genre: Action / Science-Fiction
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Additional information: Fortress 2 (review), Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry

Christopher Lambert’s character Brennick is sent to a prison run by the private sector, charged with having too many children. Yes, you read that right. This takes place in a future world where it’s illegal to have more than 1 child due to overpopulation, which sounds a bit Chinese to me. The prison itself is technologically superior with painful devices that makes sure the prisoners upholds the laws within the prison. One day, Brennick decides he wants to break out of the prison together with his cellmates. Now they need to figure out how to do it.

A rather unengaging film, actually. It’s action-filled, I’ll give them that. But the storyline and plot is a bit so-so. I’ll only recommend it for the cheap thrills, easy entertainment and to fans of Kurtwood Smith and/or Christopher Lambert.

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This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.

Distributor: New Line Cinema
Genre: Sci-Fi / Horror / Thriller
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Related links: Official website
Additional information: Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry

Jennifer Lopez does her acting career a big favor by starring in this horror thriller; a real display of what she’s capable of, unlike some of the other movies she’s been in (read: comedies).

The psychologist Catherine Deane is testing out a new form of equipment to help a millionaire’s son out of a coma by interacting with his subconscious mind. One day, the FBI comes to their facility with the comatose criminal Carl Sargher, hoping that they can help getting information about where this guy is keeping a kidnapped woman. Carl is a serial killer who murders women by drowning them in a glass cell at a secret location, a facility that is fully automatic once activated. Catherine now has a limited time to journey through the demon-filled mind of Stargher, and to find this secret location before it’s too late.

Vincent D’Onofrio does another great performance as someone with a disturbed mind (watch “Full Metal Jacket”, “The Thirteenth Floor” and “Men In Black” to see what I mean), this time around as the serial killer Carl Stargher, and Jennifer Lopez is terrific in the role as Catherine Deane. Also, you’ll notice Vince Vaughn as the main FBI agent who’s hunting down this criminal.

At first, once we’re in Carl’s schizophrenic mind, this movie starts getting confusing. But as time passes, you get used to the disturbing way his mind works, you begin to realize what could be driving him to do the things he has done.

The visual effects are amazing, and some are even gross. A pleasure for thriller fans. Not recommended viewing for children or youngsters.

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This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.

Distributor: New Line Cinema
Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Related links: Official website
Additional information: The Fellowship of the Rings (review), The Two Towers (review), Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry

And now, the conclusion. And what a conclusion it is! If you thought the big battle in the previous movie was amazing, you’ll be even more amazed about the battle of Minas Tirith in this one. They’ve truly made the impossible possible.

The journey of Frodo, Sam and Gollum for Mordor to destroy the One Ring continues, but not without trouble on the way. Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, Merry and Pippin are mixed up in a battle between Sauron’s army and the humans of Middle-Earth; a battle that has to be won.

First of all, I have to say that the special effects were so amazing that I couldn’t believe my own eyes when I saw the action of the battle. I can truly understand now why the books and story in general of The Lord of the Rings have become so popular.

Of course, to watch this part of the saga, it implies that you’ve already seen the two previous movies, because the story doesn’t do flashbacks to what’s already happened. It’s a long journey, I know, but at least it’s well worth the trip.

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This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.

Distributor: New Line Cinema
Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Related links: Official website
Additional information: The Fellowship of the Rings (review), The Return of the King (review), Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry

And so the story continues. Even though the story is long, it has the potential to bind you to your seat until the story has been told to its end. Strong words, considering I watched the extended edition on DVD. I went into this story blind-folded, with no knowledge of the series beforehand (other than honorable mentions), and I think I had a good basis for being surprised of the story turns as it all went along.

What did really happen to Gandalf when he cast the Balrog into the deep? What happens to the two hobbits captured by Saruman’s orcs? How do Frodo and his friend Sam escape all the dangers on their way to Mordor? Answers to some of these questions are answered already in this follow-up movie. The story begins exactly where we left off from the previous film. Or more precisely, a little before where the first part of the story ended, just to clear up a few things and let you catch up in case you’re not watching these movies (close to) back-to-back. We’re moved closer to Mordor with a few complications, Gandalf has returned in a new form, and we’re shown more of the evil that Saruman has spread over Middle Earth. They manage to stop some of that evil, but their quest is far from finished yet.

Only now I’m catching on to it. I see what all the fuss is about. So will you, if you put your mind to the task of watching this triology. But to be able to figure out all the story and not lose track, you’ll need to see them all in sequence. It may seem like a painful task, but once you’re drawn in to the magic of Tolkien’s world, the hours fly by. And I watched the extended edition, which lasts for almost 4 hours.

The visual effects work is amazing. I’m still in awe over the fact that I’ve seen things that can’t exist in the real world, but that are still there in spite of that fact. Good effects are when you can’t see the difference between what’s real and what’s not.

Other reviewers seem to be right; it just gets better for each part. I suppose good things come to those who wait for my precioussss….

Recommended only if you’ve seen the first (The Fellowship of the Ring).

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This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.

Distributor: New Line Cinema
Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Related links: Official website
Additional information: The Two Towers (review), The Return of the King (review), Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry

To be honest, I wasn’t too interested in this series at first, but something about all the magic around it told me I should at least see what all the fuss is about. Now, I’m glad I did. Most films based on the “fantasy” genre don’t turn me on, which was why I was reluctant to be as much as interested in The Lord Of The Rings triology from the very beginning. Lately, I thought I’d might as well see it, considering what everybody has already said about it.

After an introduction to what the rings stand for and what they are capable of doing and the one ring that rule them all, along with a story about how this “über-ring” has been passed on from person to person, we end up in the village of the hobbits. The hobbits are a peaceful race, and very caring about their hometown. So caring that they don’t ever want to leave it. Bilbo Baggins is one that stands out, constantly exploring the different areas of the world. He is also the hobbit that has gained the possession of the one ring. One day, he decides to leave the hometown forever, and has to leave behind the ring to his son, Frodo. Frodo Baggins is told by the old man Gandalf what this ring is, and that the ring needs to be destroyed. He asks Frodo to bring the ring to the elfs and figure out what to do next from there. But because of the power of this ring, there are some nasty forces out to get it, and which will kill whoever stands in the way.

It was rather odd to see Elijah Wood and Ian Holm so disproportionate to the other actors, as well as Hugo Weaving in a role of the “good guys” (as opposed to agent Smith in The Matrix triology). However, it all came together like a charm.

I would absolutely recommend this movie, even though you’re not a fan of the fantasy genre. But I must warn you: it does wear a little because of the movie’s length. Do not watch when already tired.

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This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.

Distributor: PolyGram Filmed Entertainment
Genre: Thriller
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Additional information: Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry

A masterpiece thriller starring Michael Douglas as the despicable financier Nicholas Van Orton. What do you give a man who has everything? For his birthday, his brother, played by Sean Penn, gives Nicholas a gift certificate from a company that designs games tailored to the participant. Nobody knows exactly what the game is all about, and the only rule of the game is to never ask what it’s all about either. Nicholas’ everyday life is influenced by this game, which turns out to become a nightmare.

And what a game it is. This one keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what the hell just happened, why, and leaves you just about as clueless as the main character. What is the game all about? And why does it seem like there’s something wrong with everything you see? That things are happening in your life that you can’t explain? All because of some stupid gift card. It’s a game of life and death, seen from the game participant’s point of view. Who’s in on it, and who are innocent bystanders?

Personally, I think the idea of such a game is intriguing. Unfortunately, this movie progresses a tad slow at times, but it makes up for it in the action and mystery moments. It even made me cry out of pure sympathy at the end (if you watch it, you’ll understand why).

Recommended to anyone who’s looking for a thrill.

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This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.

Distributor: Warner Bros. / Village Roadshow Pictures
Genre: Action / Science-Fiction / Animation
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Related links: Official website
Additional information: The Matrix Revolutions (review), Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry

This is actually a collection of nine animated short stories based on the universe of The Matrix. They all take you further down into the world of The Matrix and present some side stories covering what the three full feature movies couldn’t cover. I think it’s only fair that I divide my review up in that many parts for full coverage.

Segment 1: Final Flight of the Osiris
In The Matrix Reloaded, we were told that the Osiris brought them the information about the several thousands sentinels burrowing their way down to Zion, and here’s their story. We start off in a sparring program similar to the Dojo fight in The Matrix (the original), only with swords. The training is interrupted by a proximity alert, and they discover the sentinels’ dig site. In this segment, we follow the crew aboard the Osiris and their fight to warn the others.
From a technical point of view, I think this one is simply astounding 3D animation. Considering Square USA made this, the same people who created the Final Fantasy game series as well as the Final Fantasy movie, I notice some similarities in the animation. The story sequence is set up as such you’ll benefit from seeing this movie between The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded. Directed by Andy Jones and written by the Wachowski brothers.

Segment 2: The Second Renaissance Part I
You know the year is no longer 1999, but closer to 2199. You know that the humans marvelled as they gave birth to A.I. You know that it was us who scorched the sky. Here begins the story taken from the Zion archives, further describing what went wrong and how the war started. The machines, after some time of disrespect from the humans, are seperated into their own nation, called 01 (Zero-One), and they create a new and better A.I.
We see that the main reason for the human downfall, was our tendency to vanity and corruption, and with the creation of the machinces, our disrespect of the machines. The Second Renaissance follows the human downfall to the human life, with the result seen in The Matrix triology movies.
The antimation is good, even in our time of 3D animation, and it tells the story well. It’s interesting to see what could start the destruction of mankind. In a way, it tells us what we cannot allow ourselves to do, and what could create our own demise.

Segment 3: The Second Renaissance Part II
The story from the Zion archive continues. We’re told what happened during the beginning of the war against the machines, the destruction of the sky, and exactly how the machines found out how useful the human body could be to the machines in terms of energy supply. In The Matrix (the original movie), we’re told that they found all the energy they needed. In this segment, we’re told how they found it, and the torture of humans for this type of research.
Both parts directed by Mahiro Maeda and written by the Wachowski brothers.

Segment 4: Kid’s Story
If you saw The Matrix Reloaded, you notice upon the return of the Nebuccanezzar crew to Zion, that a kid comes up to Neo, thanking him for freeing him from the Matrix. This is the story of that kid, and you discover why Neo said that the kid saved himself.
The animation looks a bit odd, compared to the animation of today, but it creates the effect The Matrix has; they’re living in a dreamworld. Directed by Shinichirô Watanabe and written by the Wachowski brothers.

Segment 5: Program
Inside a sparring program, Cis is acting out her favorite training simulation, in the age of the Japanese samurais. One of her crewmates, Duo, makes an indecent proposal about going back to The Matrix. Permanently.
Familiar anime-type animation, written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri.

Segment 6: World Record
Not everyone who become aware of the capabilities of The Matrix, wants to break free. Some use it for their own personal benefit. We follow an athlete who, by bending the rules of The Matrix system, sets the new world record. Agents are following his every step, attempting to avoid his capabilities from telling others about what’s wrong with the world they’re living in.
Directed by Takeshi Koike, written by Yoshiaki Kawajiri.

Segment 7: Beyond
A girl goes looking for her missing cat, and stumbles across what some kids call a haunted house. To those familiar with The Matrix, it’s a zone where the programming has gone all wrong. These kids explore this zone and what they are able to do within it, until a group of technicians comes to the area and spoils all the fun.
Written and directed by Koji Morimoto.

Segment 8: A Detective Story
We see the world through the eyes of a hard-boiled detective, who currently is out of work. Suddenly, he’s hired for a substantial sum of money to track down a hacker named Trinity. He finds out that several other detectives have tried to find this Trinity and failed, leading them either to insanity or suicide.
Written and directed by Shinichirô Watanabe.

Segment 9: Matriculated
A sentinel-type hunter-killer machine is captured by a group of individuals who seek to turn some of the machines over to their side, fighting for the humans instead of against them. This is a rather difficult and psychedelic process, but we’re taken to a synthetic world, not constructed by the machines, but by humans. A robot is introduced to a virtual world.
Written and directed by Peter Chung.

All of these animation short films presents us with an extension to The Matrix triology, and lets us explore a few other aspects of The Matrix universe either only referenced in the movies or not covered at all. Absolutely recommended to those who seek more information about this alternate universe.

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This is an archived article from my now-defunct NeonReviews website. Any qualities and/or information provided about the reviewed item must be seen in context of when it was originally published.

Distributor: Warner Bros. / Village Roadshow Pictures
Genre: Action / Science-Fiction
Availability: Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk
Related links: Official website (no longer available)
Additional information: The Animatrix (review), Internet Movie Database (IMDb) entry

After seeing The Matrix Reloaded, I had big expectations for the third part of the Matrix triology. But I’m afraid I must agree a little bit with the others. It isn’t quite as good as the two previous ones. However, as a Matrix fan, I say you need to see all three as a whole, and not as their seperate parts. When you’ve come to that, you’ll see that The Matrix Revolutions sorta makes sense. It wasn’t anywhere near what I expected, but it was something that wasn’t bad either.

Zion is still about to be attacked by the 250,000 sentinels waiting at the gates. Smith has taken over the mind of Bane, as well as thousands of citizens inside the Matrix. Neo is in a coma, yet still clinging on to both worlds, as we see in the beginning of Revolutions. The Oracle has gone further in hiding. We don’t get to see much of action inside the Matrix this time around; mainly because the rest of the war is fought on the outside, in Zion. But first of all, they need one more trip to the Matrix, to get Neo back. The Oracle tells them that Neo is trapped in a world between the Matrix and the real world, and is unable to escape without any outside help. He’s stuck in a train station that connects to the Matrix, and as it turns out, this train station is controlled by the trainman, which in turn is controlled by the powerful program named Merovingian.

The final tasks are, as noted in the previous film, to save Zion and stop Agent Smith, who is growing more powerful by the minute.

There’s a lot of the humor previously seen in the other Matrix movies, not to forget the amazing action sequences. Well worth watching, unless you have extremely high expectations from The Matrix Reloaded.

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