bbc-2

I guess this is the ultimate Jules Verne adaptation. This mini-series is in every way far superior to the 1956 movie, and almost certainly will be to the upcoming one. I have to admit I haven't read the book, but somehow I believe the series to be pretty true to the story. Humor and thrills are making the fabric of an exciting adventure story throughout the world. Look for some interesting references to historical figures, like Sarah Bernhardt or Jesse James, and also for some beautiful geographical locations. A brilliant cast, headlined by pre-007 Pierce Brosnan, excellent Eric Idle and a perfect Peter Ustinov makes this one of the most enjoyable TV experiences ever.

Matrix Revolutions has truly made me sad. I appreciate all the aforementioned references to both Christian and other mythologies, but this was supposed to be (at least in my humble opinion) an exciting sci-fi action trilogy.

With "The Matrix" it started brilliantly, moving the borders of imagination, taking the special effects to a whole new level and destroying action films for the next 10 (probably) years. It was truly a work of remarkable vision which could, but didn't have to be furtherly exploited.

One way or another, "Matrix Reloaded" came. Even though it was clearly obvious the vision was significantly weakened, it still provided even more breathtaking effects, with a little flaky but still promising plot and putting an enormous expectation on the conclusive part III.

And then there was "Matrix Revolutions". It started slowly, making me think all the dark previews were correct. Then it finally got rolling, leading into the battle for Zion which was not only breathtaking, but I believe was only surpassed by "The Two Towers" as the best battle scene ever filmed. And I truly started believing "This will be a magnificent movie". And when we got to the final confrontation between Neo and Smith, I still had very high hopes and I still believed. The fight is great (of course, nowhere near the "Burly Brawl", but still...), but at one point it got too long and I began to think "This isn't good".

And then...

Well, no point in spoiling the ending for anybody, but I must say that that was by far the most unsatisfying ending of any movie I have ever seen and one of the biggest disappointments in my life altogether. To be honest, I did try to imagine what kind of ending could meet the enormous expectations the trilogy has put upon itself, and I came up with nothing. Nothing they could have possibly imagined would be good enough.

Unfortunately, that doesn't lessen my disappointment. I loved part I, liked part II very much and cannot mourn part III enough.