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Reviews
The Matrix: Path of Neo (2005)
Smart, dicey and action-packed.
Coming from a huge Matrix fan, this is one of the best action games I have played. The graphics are very well done, definitely one of the best on PS2. The combat system is wide and varied, and the skilled player should greatly enjoy replicating the action from the films. Beating Smith to a pulp before bashing him into the ceiling and pulling a spinning aerial throw on him just can't get old.
This game gives you not only the classic battles from the films in all their glory, but also adds in a monumental amount of new 'director's cut' missions, from saving Redpills from the Matrix, to bailing out your friends after the meeting at the beginning of Reloaded.
The voice acting is impressive, with the sound-alikes doing a wonderful set of impressions (except for Morpheus, who is actually voiced be Fishburne once again), and the scattered humour and various secrets - including a hilarious Jack Thompson parody that simply cannot be missed - are well worth the effort. The film's cut-scenes may seem schizophrenic at first, but they are simply cut together following the story's themes, not it's chronology. As for the ending...
Don't listen to the detractors. Whilst the ending is not exactly faithful to the storyline like the perfect ending of Revolutions, it is instead an absurd and hugely funny kick-in-the-butt to all the cheesy Hollywood endings. One might also consider that the Wachowskis are saying, "We tried the intelligent ending, but you were obviously too dumb to get it, so, we'll sink to your level" - which I would heartily agree with. It also boasts a pair of sweet FMVs - the only two in the game.
Overall, if you are a Matrix fan, I can't stress how quickly you should buy this game. If not, I would still recommend it, but if you're strapped for cash and need some vicious 3rd-person bashing, then you might prefer Devil May Cry 3 or God of War - more blood. Go for it.
The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
Not perfect, far from terrible.
Is Revolutions perfect? No. Does it come close? Hell yes.
This film, as well as Reloaded, has copped flak from many pop-culture soaked critics as well as the masses, due to their inability to see the genius and vision that is interwoven into this trilogy. The action is in-your-face, the symbolism is deep and enchanting - if you get it, which the majority of movie-goers do not, and that's the problem. One critic for Reloaded actually said, "I want my action films dumb and stupid" - which speaks for most of this film's Western audience. I recommend observing the Philosopher Commentaries of the 10-disc set DVD's mostly because they open up much of the hidden meanings of these films, and they show how 90% of the negative critics simply had no right to pass any kind of judgment.
See this trilogy. I can safely say that if you didn't like it, then it wasn't that the films were uninspired - it was just you, who wanted a spoon-feeding.
Constantine (2005)
Incredible
Okay, for starters, I haven't read a single Hellblazer comic. So sue me.
As soon as I saw the trailer, I thought, 'is this the one?' It was. Strong story, slick FX, and powerful performances from everyone - yes, even Keanu. I consider him to be a great actor, and though Constantine was a bit wooden, that's exactly what I would expect from a damned cancer sufferer - a really dry atmosphere.
For those who complain about the story - it's a fantasy film, filled with religious imagery, action, and dry humour. What's there not to like? Unless, of course, you just don't like supernaturalism in the first place.
The casting was wonderful. Rachael Weisz was strong and sexy, a perfect female lead. Ganin Rossdale was slimy enough, putting strength into his demon. Tilda Swinton as Gabriel is, in my opinion, the very definition of inspired casting. Pruitt Taylor Vince plays his pathetic yet helpful priest to perfection, and Djimon Hounsou balanced heroism and malice brilliantly. Finally, we have the Devil himself - Peter Stomare. Twitchy and cool, with a white suit and tar-coated feet as icing on the cake.
In the end, if you're a hard-core Hellblazer fanatic, or a tight anti-fantasy conservative, don't bother. If not, Ican't see a single reason why you wouldn't like this film.
Fainaru fantajî VIII (1999)
A Treasure of Humanity.
Nearly 6 years ago, I got FF8 as my 1999 Christmas present, because I saw a review giving it 95/100 - the magazine is still in my room. I have completed FF7, and I love that as much, but 8 is something that I love beyond measure. The characters, the story, the beautiful locations from Winhill to Esthar... the word masterpiece has never been so strong.
The music is astonishing - Liberi Fatali is as haunting as it is awesome, and Eyes On Me is the most beautiful love song I have ever heard. The 'camera shots' are perfect - unlike in FF10/FF10-2 (which I love too, don't get me wrong) instead of the close-ups/cuts, they chose to have to whole scene and stay that way - if you look, there are hardly any cuts, and it adds to the real feeling of being there.
Again, the locations feel like my second homes to me now. Balamb Garden is the school I always wanted to attend. Timber is so sweet and quaint that it's cool. If I ever become a multi-millionaire, I will build a replica of Winhill and live there, it's enough to make me cry. And Esthar is amazing, incredible.
Of course, the Gameplay is essential, and utterly complex and powerful, challenging and fun. Very deep and pure, complementing the story perfectly.
The set pieces are brilliant - the SeeD exam, the Garden war, the Space sequences, the Lunatic Pandora... and Ultimecia's Castle gives me chills whenever I see it.
Final Fantasy 8 goes beyond gaming, and becomes your life. My hat is off.