Keanu Reeves star of "Matrix Reloaded"
courtesy of Warner Home Video
."The Middle of the Trilogy"

"The Lord of the Rings" and "The Matrix" are both stories told in a three part series of movies. Both will have their third and final episode in theaters this fall. To get ready for that event, the second installments are available on video. LOTR has had its second segment in stores for a few weeks now, but the second part of "The Matrix" is just now getting there.

This second session is titled "Matrix Reloaded" and it carries the tale of Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie Ann Moss), and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) one step closer to a conclusion. It is an action packed movie that should win the series new fans and hold on to all the old ones.

The best thing about this movie is the scene where the good guys and bad guys do battle on a busy freeway. The Wachowski Brothers were at their inventive best as they let Mr. Smith (Hugo Weaving) chase the protectors of the Matrix from vehicle to vehicle in a deadly game of tag.

On DVD this film is clearer and more amazing than even in theaters as you can see some of the behind the scenes magic and also get a stronger feel for the story. You will want to digest all this before "Matrix Revolutions" lands at your local theater.

Fans of Philip Seymour Hoffman will want to check out his movie "Owning Mahoney." Hoffman is one of our best character actors and can play any role and make it believable. In this one he is a bank employee who also has a gambling problem. When he runs out of his own funds he decides to tap into those at the bank. The result is not pretty.

Minnie Driver and John Hurt provide good support but this is Hoffman's movie all the way. He owns it!

David Straithairn is another strong character actor. He has been around Hollywood for some time now but has never gotten that one role that will make him a household name. He just goes from one movie to the next doing a superlative job and waiting for the fates to smile.

He is excellent in the film "Blue Car" as a teacher who befriends a young girl (Agnes Buckner) whose father is dead and who is neglected by her working mother. The relationship starts off innocently but something happens that makes it change.

This is a strong drama that is highlighted by the performances of the two leads. They really get into their roles.

"Home Room" is a movie about a school shooting which leaves six people dead. One of those who is physically injured is played by Erika Christensen, while one who might be emotionally injured is played by Busy Philips. These two young actors make this story of destruction and survival a film you will want to see.

"Alias" star "Victor Garber is also in the cast. He combines his talent with those of the young leads to tell this timely story.

To get away from all the heavy drama you might want to pick up "The Original Latin Kings of Comedy." This movie was filmed at a theater in El Paso, Texas and features the comedy acts of Paul Rodriguez and George Lopez. Cheech Marin is the host of the show that also features two young unknown comics.

The Spanish speaking population is becoming a large part of the American scene. Their comedy is a common thread with other races and shows we are all the same when it comes to laughing.

For the kids there is a new "Dora the Explorer" movie out on video. It is called "Meet Diego" and it introduces a new friend. This is another top-notch video in this series.

Finally there are two movies which focus on the trials of young men as they strive to live decent lives. The first is titled "Sweet Sixteen" and stars Martin Compston. He plays a sixteen-year-old boy who is anxiously awaiting his mother's return from prison. He wants to make sure that things are different and that they have a better life. 

Things get out of hand as he seeks a way to get some money and take care of his home life. Getting ahead and being legal do not always go hand in hand.

The other film is "Defiance." It is a story about revenge that monopolizes a young man's life from his early years on. Brandon Boling stars in this drama and he is strong in the role of the man who wants revenge and then wants some peace and safety for his family.

 

 

 

 

 

©2003 Jackie K. Cooper

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