The Matrix
Matrix, released in 1999, is an action film written and directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski and starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss. The reality in which humans passively go about their day is actually a simulated reality, meant to pacify humans so that machines can harvest their warmth as an energy source. Once Neo is freed from the Matrix (some people actually believe in this concept), he embarks on a quest to fulfill his destiny as "The One" that will lead the rebellion against the machines.
The Matrix uses a visual effect technique called "bullet time." Here's an example (warning: lots of violence):
Matrix Reloaded
This is the second film in The Matrix franchise, the plot picks up six months after the events of the first film. Neo, Morpheus, Trinity, and the other rebel leaders must come to the aid of Zion, the last human city that lies deep within the Earth. The machines have discovered Zion's existence and aim to destroy it. Amid the tension of an impending war, Neo is discovering his superhuman capabilities (he can fly!) and battling his nemesis Agent Smith, played by Hugo Weaving.
It received generally favorable reviews, and it features some of the most epic fight scenes ever. Observe:
Matrix Revolutions
The final film in the trilogy centers around the ultimate war between humans and their oppressors, the machines. Neo realizes his destiny as the One is to be sacrificed for the sake of humanity (side note: the Matrix movies are bursting with Biblical allusions, Alice in Wonderland references, and inspirations from dystopian fiction). As if being saddled with the fate on humanity wasn't enough, Neo must also defeat his enemy Agent Smith in a very rainy battle.
Of the three, Matrix Revolutions received the lowest critic rating, described as "a disappointing conclusion." Filming began immediately after the conclusion of Matrix Reloaded, and it was released six months after the second installment.
Batman Begins
Batman Begins is the 2005 reboot directed by Christopher Nolan featuring the DC Comics superhero, Batman. The film's stars include Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, and Liam Neeson. The plot revolves around Batman's genesis; his fear of bats, his martial arts training, gadgets, Bat-suit, and of course, the Batmobile. The story is told in a dark and realistic style, setting the stage for a flawed hero who protects the city of Gotham.
In regard to his casting of Christian Bale for the part, Christopher Nolan said, "I chose Christian to play Batman based on the idea that, in trying to create a realistic version of the story, you need an actor who has sufficient intensity and focus in his eyes to make you believe that someone without superpowers could, through sheer force of will, change himself into a superhero." (read the rest of the interview here.)
The Dark Knight
Released in 2008, The Dark Knight is the sequel to Batman Begins set six months after the events in the first film. Gotham is in turmoil once again when it is faced with an entirely new kind of threat. The Joker, played by Heath Ledger, makes his villainous debut as an unstable criminal who feeds on chaos. The film received huge amounts of hype because of elaborate marketing campaigns and was also in the press when Heath Ledger died six months before the film's release. It was his last completed role, and he won an Oscar posthumously.
Released in 2008, The Dark Knight is the sequel to Batman Begins set six months after the events in the first film. Gotham is in turmoil once again when it is faced with an entirely new kind of threat. The Joker, played by Heath Ledger, makes his villainous debut as an unstable criminal who feeds on chaos. The film received huge amounts of hype because of elaborate marketing campaigns and was also in the press when Heath Ledger died six months before the film's release. It was his last completed role, and he won an Oscar posthumously.
Nolan shot much of the film's action sequences with IMAX cameras because he believed it enhanced the experience. Despite all of the explosions, turbulent car chases, and face-to-face standoffs, only one of the four IMAX cameras was destroyed.
The Dark Knight Rises
The highly anticipated third installment of The Dark Knight trilogy is due for theatrical release on July 20, 2012. The events in The Dark Knight Rises take place eight years after the conclusion of The Dark Knight with Batman's reputation stained after he took the fall for Harvey "Two Face." Now Batman is called to protect a city that doesn't trust him against a villain that has been described as, "a terrorist in mentality as well as brutal action" (source).
News about the upcoming movie, as well as behind-the-scenes pictures and clips here.
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