Movie Reviews by Mark Prigoff

Movie Index (Click on each movie link to see its review):

THE ABYSS
ACE VENTURA
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE
A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AIR FORCE ONE
ALIEN
ALIENS
ALIEN³
ALIEN RESURRECTION
AMADEUS
AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER
ANALYZE THIS, ANALYZE THAT
ANGEL HEART
ANTZ
ARMAGEDDON
THE ARRIVAL, THE ARRIVAL II
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
AVALON
BAND OF BROTHERS
*BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED
BEN-HUR
BLADE RUNNER
DARK CITY
EVENT HORIZON
INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM
INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
THE LADYKILLERS
THE MATRIX
THE MATRIX RELOADED
THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS
NEEDFUL THINGS
THE NOTEBOOK
REMO WILLIAMS: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
SOLARIS
SPELLBOUND
THINGS CHANGE
THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR


THE ABYSS (1989)

Directed by James Cameron (Aliens '86 and Titanic '97, Terminator 2, and more), this movie features an underwater action/adventure, sci-fi thriller of "suspense, trust, and a few alien 'close encounters.' Notable performances by both Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, as estranged divorcees and underwater diving and mining experts, and Michael Biehn as a rather ultra-paranoid Navy SEAL. The underwater drilling team and SEALS are asked to investigate the crash of a nuclear ballistic submarine, (The USS Montana), which was supposedly attacked by the Russians during the cold war. Alien encounters are translated as Russians by the SEALS, and Lindsey Brigman (Mastrantonio), convinces her "ex", Virgil "Bud" Brigman (Harris), of some angelic underwater aliens which she has discovered from the depths below. It is a conflict between these three principal characters, as well as the possible chance to ward-off a potential "World War III" with the help of some "unearthly liquid new friends." Spectacular underwater adventure and cinematography, and a true credit to many days of "endurance in the big tank" for producer, cast and crew. Most emotional scene: "Bud" reviving "Lindsey" after intentional drowning with the expectation of hypothermia. Harris repeats his role as both a "leader and hero", as he did as 'Sheriff Alex J. Pangborn' in the film classic, Needful Things (1993), and defies all odds against him, and the humanity he ultimately protects from temptation, harm and self-destruction.

ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE (1994)

This movie set the tone for a few more quick releases, one after another, starring Jim Carrey. "He's the best there is! (Actually, he's the only one there is.)", (the tagline from the film), already alludes to this "tongue and cheek" comedy about an "off-beat" detective, "on-the-beat" in search of the missing dolphin mascot of the Miami Dolphins, abducted just prior to the next Superbowl Game. "Ace Ventura" was just the start of a few more of the same ilk to follow: The Mask (1994), Dumb & Dumber ('94), Batman Forever ('95), Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls ('95) [the sequel to "Pet Detective"], The Cable Guy ('96), Liar Liar ('97), Me, Myself & Irene (2000), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), [all playing off the comic genius which Carrey has brought to the "American screen and spotlight", with a few departures along the way]: The Truman Show ('98), Man on the Moon ('99), The Majestic (2001), and Bruce Almighty (2003). If you want to catch the "best of" for Jim Carrey, you must see: Ace 1, The Mask, and then The Majestic, (for a change of pace). Watch "Grinch" at Christmas time with your kids, along with George Seaton's, Miracle on 34th Street ('47), and Frank Capra's, It's a Wonderful Life ('46).

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971)

Stanley Kubrick's cinematic portrayal of the political satire of gang violence, rape, English politics and the music of Ludwig Van Beethoven, written by Anthony Burgess, and starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Philip Stone (The Shining) and others. Reading the book before watching this was a big plus for me, especially for understanding the syntax of the "gang language", a mixture of English slang, Russian and other Euro-based language elements and inventions.

Alex, leader of a pack of 'druggies' and his "fellow droogs" are out on the prowl for fun, adventure and kicks. After raping the wife of a writer, Alex (McDowell) is left behind, almost for dead, by his gang and then sent to prison. He is then a test candidate to reform with the new "Brodsky" treatment, which now forces him to get physically sick at the thought of either violence or malicious sex. His love for the music of Beethoven is also turned against him by means of the same treatment as Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" is the background soundtrack for films of Nazi Germany he is forced to watch, "eyes wide-open." Upon release from prison, he ultimately becomes the abused pawn of the government, prison reform, his former victim's husband, his gang (now, police officers), his parents, and society at large. Eventually, he is "finally cured" back to his normal self as a political gesture of apology by the Prime Minister. The soundtrack is outstanding throughout, featuring both original and classical interpretations by Wendy Carlos (then, Walter Carlos), as well as orchestral excerpts from the music of Beethoven, Rossini, Elgar and Purcell.

A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (2001)

A fantasy of an 11-year-old child (who is actually an android), David Swinton (played by Haley Joel Osment, and who starred in The Sixth Sense), only wants to become a real human child and earn the love of his surrogate human mother. This is a modern sci-fi/fairy tale of "Pinocchio in search of the Blue Fairy", who can make this android's dream come true. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg, but really was a long term project, originally conceived over the years between Spielberg and Stanley Kubrick. Great special effects and outstanding performances by Jude Law (Gigolo Joe), Frances O'Connor (David's mother, Monica Swinton), William Hurt and Haley Joel Osment.

AIR FORCE ONE (1997)

Great casting, especially for Harrison Ford, (as U.S. President, James Marshall), Gary Oldman (Ivan Korshunov, a terrorist) and Glenn Close (as Vice President, Kathryn Bennett).

The United States President (James Marshall) goes to Moscow and delivers a very determined speech to announce a new "Zero-tolerance" policy against terrorism. While returning home on "Air Force One", the plane is taken over by terrorists (Korshunov and others posing as a Russian news crew), while President Marshall escapes in his "escape pod". The passengers (including his wife and daughter) are held hostage on the plane in exchange for the release of General Redek in Moscow, and plan to execute a hostage every half-hour until demands are met. However, the President is really on board and attempts a valiant rescue of his family and plane. Great music from Jerry Goldsmith, and V.P. Bennett is well-played by Glenn Close in this test of "zero-tolerance of terrorism" scenario, and the opening speech just about sums it all up as to how we all felt after 9/11:

President Marshall: "Never again will I allow our political self-interest to deter us from doing what we know to be morally right. Atrocity and terror are not political weapons. And to those who would use them... your day is over. We will never negotiate. We will no longer tolerate and we will no longer be afraid. It's your turn to be afraid."

ALIEN (1979), Ridley Scott, Director
ALIENS (1986), James Cameron, Director
ALIEN³ (1992), David Fincher, Director
ALIEN RESURRECTION (1997), Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Director

Besides being directed by four different directors, each of these movies reflect a different "style and feel" in production, as well as, a change in special effects; and the evolution of the "alien" character. However, Sigourney Weaver's character is relatively the same throughout each as an unusually strong and brave female heroin, even surpassing the strength and endurance of her male co-actors as fully intended by the screenplay. The story, (released during 1979 to 1997), still should be watched from the first to the last to understand Ellen Ripley's (Sigourney Weaver) concerns and the politics surrounding her intentions of killing this alien, and not allowing it to be brought back for use as a weapon, or for scientific study. We also learn of Ripley's distrust of "a synthetic human", (appropriately named "Ash" as a acronym) and played by Ian Holm in Alien, and then later shown to a newer model, "Bishop", in Aliens, (played by Lance Henriksen), who prefers to be termed as "an artificial person."

Alien has a rather "down and dirty" feel to it, reflected in the rather large and crude deep space commercial towing and mining ship, Nostromo. The crew are prematurely awakened from deep hypersleep to investigate a rather strange SOS distress signal which "Mother" (the ship's main computer) has detected. They must respond to investigate this distant planet, or lose their bonus payments by the parent company as part of their working contract. It turns out to be more of a warning than a call for help. While investigating a mysterious hive colony of alien eggs, Kane (John Hurt) is attacked by one of the egg creatures and becomes a symbiotic host for the creature's growth aboard the Nostromo. Ash, (who serves as both medic and scientist), admires the creature's perfection as both a living organism and invincible killing machine, and then decides that the rest of the human crew do not have a chance to survive the beast and attempts to aid in its survival for study by the company. The alien creature is the design of conceptual artist, H.R. Giger, who also designed much of the sets, props and other graphical elements of the film. Only Ripley, and her pet cat "Jonesey" survive, and after ejecting the alien from an escape ship, she finally prevails against this beast, and then leaves the Nostromo behind to self-destruct. She is found, some 57 years later, by the company, and is revived after being in her cryogenic hypersleep tube during this time by a salvage ship.

In Aliens, the "alien planet" has now been colonized by human workers ("terra formers") for The Weyland-Yutani Company. However, after Ripley is revived, the company now has suddenly lost all communication with them, and Ripley is offered to be sent to investigate as a military advisor, along with a team of "Space Marines", because of her prior knowledge and experience with the creature. Again, her strength in character and as a leader, (compared to that of the confused and wimpy Private Hudson, played by Bill Paxton) is demonstrated once they are stuck on the planet with no apparent or immediate means back home (their "APC" or "Automatic Piloted Craft" drop ship has been destroyed by a Xeno-morph alien who crept on board after the marines got off the ship). This time, Ripley is quite weary of Bishop as a loyal and helpful android, (programmed as a new and improved "synthetic" to not harm humans in any way), but the real villain here is Carter Burke (Paul Reisner) who represents the company and really wants to bring back some living specimens for study as a possible as a "killing machine" and developed or sold to the "Bio Weapons Division" of the company for military use), despite his previous oath to Ripley to just destroy it, forever.

In Alien³, Ripley, Cpl. Dwayne Hicks (Michael Biehn), Rebecca "Newt" Jorden (a lone surviving little girl of the colonists of the alien planet), and the remains of Bishop (the synthetic), crash land on a penal colony planet, 'Fiorina "Fury" 161'. This planet serves (as described in the film) as an "outer-veil mineral ore refinery" and "double Y chromosome-work correctional facility" with "maximum security." Ripley is the only living human survivor of this space vehicle (which in this case, is an emergency escape pod that is suddenly ejected due to a cabin fire detected by the main computer during Ripley's hypersleep), but she now fears that the alien has somehow also been a stow-away on board, either alone, or as a symbiotic host in Newt's chest. Of course, there is always a twist in the plot, and Ripley's recurring nightmare of infestation proves to be true, only not in the chest of this deceased, little girl. With limited resources and no military weapons, (since the residents of Fury 161 live by a strong code of obedience and ethics, and cannot leave the planet even if they wanted to), the inmates and Ripley attempt to entrap the grown creature in a molten lead furnace, normally used as mineral ore refinery. Ripley then realizes that she is also infested with a growing alien and sacrifices herself and the creature to the furnace, rather than allowing the company personnel to acquire her and extract the infant organism for study. We somehow get a sense that Alien³ was intended as the final chapter in this trilogy, by this self-sacrificial act by Ripley.

However, in Alien Resurrection, we are presented with a totally new scenario as another sequel. Some 200 years since Ellen Ripley died on Fiorina "Fury"161, Ripley's former employers, The Weyland-Yutani Company has since dissolved and now the United Systems Military have been breeding and harnessing the deadly aliens. With blood samples taken from her previous life, scientists have now cloned another Ripley (after some seven unsuccessful results of experimentation) to try an extract the queen alien inside of her. The new Ripley, known as "number 8", has acquired physical and emotional traits from both humanity and the aliens, making her question where her allegiances really are. Shortly thereafter, the Xeno-morph aliens escape and commence killing everyone onboard a space ship which is headed for Earth. Ripley, along with a crew of smugglers who have unknowingly helped in delivering hosts to breed the alien species, must now escape the ship. Ripley encounters a shocking revelation that truly sets herself against both humanity and the alien species. She must now decide what she is in order to save humanity once more.

AMADEUS (1984)

The story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (played by Tom Hulce), as recalled by rival composer, Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), from his cell as a "flashback" and "confession" in an insane asylum. Salieri cannot understand why such a vulgar person has been chosen by God to be so gifted and His "divine instrument," and plots against Mozart to get his revenge. The music and production is superb! So are Hulce and Abraham!

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER (1957)

This is the original to watch (especially if you want to know what they are all talking about in Sleepless in Seattle (1993). This is the romantic classic, made in 1957, and directed by Leo McCarey. Cary Grant (Nickie Ferrante, the "big dame hunter") and Deborah Kerr (Terry McKay, a former nightclub singer), meet and fall in love on an ocean cruise, but agree to meet six months later at the Empire State Building in New York to see if they still feel the same way about each other. Nickie is engaged to the wealthy Lois Clarke (worth 600 million dollars) and Terry is on her way back to her boyfriend, Kenneth Bradley, a business man who she's been involved with for five years. He has flown ahead to Texas on a business trip to handle a corporate merger. The news of Nickie's wedding is the talk of the ship and heard 'round the world. We find out that Terry Grew up in Boston and moved to New York to be a singer. Her boyfriend discovered her in a nightclub and offered Terry a better existence, a chance to educate herself, and, of course, love.

Music plays an important role in this movie. It begins with the ever-popular theme song of the same name, which is later poignantly played on the piano by Nickie's grandmother, Janou. Janou lives in Villefranche and Nickie brings Terry along to meet her on their visit ashore. Terry goes along because she doesn't believe Nickie actually has a grandmother ashore. Talents are displayed throughout the visit. Nickie shows us his talent as a fine artist when he presents Janou with a portrait he did from memory of his belated grandfather. Janou was a concert pianist and plays the theme song (An Affair To Remember); while Terry sings along in French.

However, six months later, a tragic accident prevents Nickie and Terry from keeping their appointed rendezvous. We are left in suspense as whether they will ever meet again and will love ever prevail, as their love affair is truly "a wondrous thing." Terry gets a job teaching music at a school and "The Tiny Scout" song (sung by Terry and her students) is a bit much and rather corny, but the rest of the musical selections are more in tune with the romantic action of the film. Terry's role reminds me of Deborah Kerr's previous performance in The King and I (1956), teaching the King of Siam's children, "Getting To Know You." Both movies are about relationships, love and music of the heart.

ANALYZE THIS (1999)
ANALYZE THAT (2002)

Whether you "analyze this" or "analyze that," (the sequel of 2002), you will have to admit that the comic duo of Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal is outstanding to watch. I would say that Billy brings out the best in Bobby in the comic vein, as compared to Robert's myriad of roles as a gangster (Goodfellas - 1990, Heat - 1995, and others), a detective (15 Minutes - 2001), or other serious, sinister, or even comic roles which has made him famous. But in this series, Bobby's role as the notorious Paul Vitti captures the best of both worlds in De Niro's character, all rolled up into one flavor (call it, "New York, wise-guy sarcasm"). And, Billy Crystal's comic chemistry mixes perfectly with De Niro's giving the feeling of total realism and "impromptu" response.

The basic plot: A well-known New York mobster, Paul Vitti, seeks the services of psychiatrist, Dr. Ben Sobel, so that he can regain his emotional self confidence. Lisa Kudrow (Laura Sobel) and Joe Viterelli (Jelly) are outstanding in their supporting roles.

I would say that you have to have seen some of De Niro's classics to fully appreciate the contrast to this comic role in these two movies. Where De Niro failed in a comic role, such as, The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000) as "Fearless Leader", but was refreshing as a cameo appearance in the movie, Brazil (1985), as "Archibald 'Harry' Tuttle". In his other comic roles, such as, "Ned" in We're No Angels (1989) and Meet The Parents (2000) as "Jack Byrnes", De Niro always seems to display his ability to convince the audience that his character's relationship with his co-actors has been long term and neither forced nor contrived.

Of course, Billy Crystal has been doing comedy for years, both live on TV; and in film with such classics as: Analyze That, Analyze This, Monsters, Inc., America's Sweethearts, Fathers' Day, Forget Paris, Mr. Saturday Night, City Slickers I and II, When Harry Met Sally, Memories of Me, Throw Momma from the Train, The Princess Bride, Running Scared and This Is Spinal Tap.

Some notable De Niro movies: Analyze That, Analyze This, Showtime, The Score, 15 Minutes, Meet the Parents, Ronin, Jackie Brown, Marvin's Room, Sleepers, Heat, Casino, A Bronx Tale, The Godfather Trilogy, Night and the City, Cape Fear, Backdraft, Guilty by Suspicion, Awakenings, Goodfellas, Stanley & Iris, We're No Angels, Jacknife, Midnight Run, The Untouchables, Angel Heart, The Mission, Brazil, Falling in Love, Once Upon a Time in America, The King of Comedy, True Confessions, Raging Bull, The Deer Hunter, New York, New York, The Last Tycoon, 1900, Taxi Driver, Mario Puzo's The Godfather: Part II, Mean Streets, Bang the Drum Slowly and The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight.

ANGEL HEART (1987)

A New York detective, Harold R. Angel (Mickey Rourke) is hired by a rather mysterious foreigner, Mr. Louis Cyphre (Robert De Niro), to find a missing crooner by the name of "Johnny Favourite." The hunt for clues leads Harry on a trail from New York to New Orleans. Just about everyone Harry meets ends up dead along the way and he can't quite put all of the pieces together until it's too late. This is a self-searching investigation of the "inner soul", and Mr. Cyphre seems to know all about this sort of thing. Lisa Bonet plays "Epiphany Proudfoot" in quite a controversial role compared to her earlier television role on "The Crosby Show." This "film noire", set in the 1950's, is rather well-framed with intense visual impact, and the scenes are filled with eerie contrasts between light and dark, goodness and evil, and a potpourri of seafood gumbo, chickens and Southern voodoo, all leading back to the devil himself. The lines in this movie are outstanding, and Rourke and De Niro are well-cast to deliver them with extreme perfection and character.

ANTZ (1998)

"Every ant has his day.", (the tagline), and in this case, a worker ant, "Z" * (voice of Woody Allen), overcomes his
neuroses to be a true individual, while winning the admiration and love of "Princess Bala" (voice of Sharon Stone). Allen and Stone are in good company with a terrific cast of supporting voices by: Dan Aykroyd (Chip), Anne Bancroft (The Queen), Jane Curtin (Muffy), Danny Glover (Barbatus), Gene Hackman (General Mandible), Jennifer Lopez (Azteca), Paul Mazursky (the psychologist), Sylvester Stallone (Weaver) and Christopher Walken (Colonel Cutter). One can't help but think that this is really an animated film about Woody Allen's real life and attitudes, but it is also just fun to watch and go along with the fantasy.

* (ANTZ is spelled accordingly to the main character named "Z" (instead of "S").

ARMAGEDDON (1998)

A large asteroid is on a collision course with Earth and the "world's best deep core drilling team" is sent to destroy it. If you can ignore the fantastic premise of this plot, you will enjoy the character performances of: Bruce Willis (Harry S. Stamper), Billy Bob Thornton (Dan Truman, NASA Administrator), Ben Affleck (A.J. Frost), Liv Tyler (Grace Stamper), Will Patton (Charles 'Chick' Chapple), Steve Buscemi (Rockhound), William Fichtner (Colonel William Sharp, Shuttle Freedom Pilot), Owen Wilson (Oscar Choi, Geologist), Michael Clarke Duncan (Jayotis 'Bear' Kurleenbear), and Peter Stormare (Lev Andropov, Russian Cosmonaut).

The world's best deep core drilling team

This film reminds me of a similar plot in the movie 1979 movie, Meteor, starring Sean Connery, Natalie Wood. Karl Malden, Brian Keith, Martin Landau, Trevor Howard, Richard A. Dysart and Henry Fonda. Despite an impressive cast, this film was quite the "sleeper" of a production about a meteor on a collision course with Earth. However, a more recent film, Deep Impact (1998), explores the same subject of who would survive on Earth if we were unable to destroy a meteor or comet of such magnitude in time to avoid such a collision. It is obvious that today's cinematic special effects have become the quite the medium to demonstrate these scenarios with some sense of "super-realism" on the screen.

If you enjoy this type of "Sci/Fi special effect movies", may I also suggest:
The Abyss (1989), A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), The Arrival (1996), Contact (1997), The Core (2003), Deep Impact (1998), Minority Report (2002), Mission To Mars (2000), Red Planet (2000), Solaris (2002), Stargate (1994), 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), and 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984).

THE ARRIVAL (1996)

Zane Zaminski (Charlie Sheen), a radio astronomer, discovers unidentified transmissions from outer space and is then fired from NASA after revealing his findings to his boss, Phil Gordian (Ron Silver). He continues his research on his own and finds a similar transmission which originates in Mexico and goes there to investigate. Another scientist, Ilana Green (Lindsey Crouse) is also there as part of her research for a sudden rise in global warming. Char (Teri Polo) questions Zane's sanity and his quest to discover more details about this alleged alien invasion, until she is faced with a cover-up attempt and a threat to both of their lives. Can they survive long enough to tell the world what is going on?

In the beginning of this movie, we notice a plaque above some equipment with a quote from Robert Browning:

"A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or else what's Heaven for?"

The sequel, The Arrival II, continues the story, but with a different cast, (Patrick Muldoon, Michael Sarrazin and Jane Sibbett). You can now find this movie combined with The Arrival on a "double feature" DVD.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (1944)

Frank Capra's delightful comedy about a writer and drama critic, Mortimer Brewster (Cary Grant), who is known for his attitudes against the institution of marriage. However, it is Halloween, 1941 and we find him getting married to the reverend's daughter, Elaine Harper (Priscilla Lane), who lives next door to the Brewster household and a cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. Mortimer returns home with Elaine to find out that his two aunts, Abby Brewster (Josephine Hull) and Martha Brewster (Jean Adair) have been secretly poisoning lonely old men who have come to board with them with elderberry wine, mixed with arsenic and strychnine, while Theodore Brewster (John Alexander), who truly thinks he's really President Teddy Roosevelt, digs graves for the "yellow fever victims" in the dirt cellar. ("Teddy" thinks these are new locks for the Panama Canal. He blows his bugle, and then "charges" back up the stairs to his room as if it is the blockhouse at San Juan Hill).

The plot thickens when Jonathan Brewster (Raymond Massey) and his partner in crime and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Einstein (Peter Lorre), return home after many years of killing others and assuming their facial identities. Only now, Jonathan looks like Boris Karloff after another sloppy Dr. Einstein operation. The doctor was drunk and remodeled Jonathan after Boris Karloff, since they had recently seen him in a horror picture.

Mortimer tries to resolve this whole mess by trying to get "Brother Jonathan" and his sidekick to leave and not "setup shop" in the Brewster household, protect his two aunts from being discovered for their past sins, commit "Teddy" to "Happy Dale Sanitarium", and all in time to get his new bride off to Grand Central Station and then up to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon. (A frustrated cab driver is waiting outside of the Brewster home from beginning to end.)

Notable cameo roles by Jack Carson as Police Officer, Patrick 'Pat' O'Hara, Grant Mitchell as Reverend Harper (Elaine's father), Edward Everett Horton as Mr. Witherspoon, (the director of "Happy Dale" and dismayed at the thought of getting another "Teddy Roosevelt" in his custody), and Spencer Charters as the marriage license clerk.

This black and white movie is one of those rare plays which also translates equally well as a comic film. "Arsenic and Old Lace" was written for the stage by Joseph Kesselring. The play opened in New York City on January 10, 1941, and ran for 1,444 performances. Director Frank Capra, Meet John Doe (1941), saw "Arsenic and Old Lace" (the play) and lobbied to direct the film adaptation. First, he had to secure permission from the play's producers. They agreed as long as the film would not be released while their production was still on Broadway. The producers granted "the aunts," Josephine Hull and Jean Adair, an eight-week leave of absence. However, they refused to release Boris Karloff (Jonathan). Karloff was an investor in the play and its star attraction. Capra wrapped filming in just over eight weeks and brought the film in at a cost of $1,120,175, ($99,825 under budget).

Also, Cary Grant sings a familiar song about "Happy Dale" (the essence of Max Steiner's main theme for the movie), which one might also recognize from the movie, The King and I, both in music and lyrical form... "There is a Happy Dale, far, far away!" (In The King and I, this song is sung by "Lady Thiang", the "head wife" of the King of Siam and her lyrics are: "There is a happy land far, far away. Where saints in glory stand, bright, bright as day.") So, who actually wrote this song? Max Steiner or Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, II? Answer: None of them!

In the movie, Arsenic and Old Lace, Mortimer's aunts are singing this hymn in the cellar while he is making arrangements with the doctor to get "Teddy" evaluated for commitment to go to "Happy Dale". The song is actually a Hindustani air called, "There Is a Happy Land" (or just, "Happy Land"), arranged by Leonard P. Breedlove in 1850, and lyrics by Andrew Young in 1838.

There is a happy land, far, far away,
Where saints in glory stand, bright, bright as day.
Oh, how they sweetly sing, worthy is our Savior King
Loud let His praises ring, praise, praise for aye.

Come to that happy land, come, come away;
Why will ye doubting stand, why still delay?
Oh, we shall happy be, when, from sin and sorrow free,
Lord, we shall live with Thee, blest, blest for aye.

Bright in that happy land, beams every eye;
Kept by a Father's hand, love cannot die.
Oh, then to glory run; be a crown and kingdom won;
And, bright, above the sun, we reign for aye.

And there are many variations of this, including:

There is a happy land
Down in Duke Street Jail,
Where all the prisoners stand
Tied to a nail.
Ham and eggs they never see,
Dirty water for your tea;
There they live in misery --
God save the Queen!

Another:

There is a happy land by the 'Red School'
Where Miss Macdonald stands, preaching like a fool.
Long legs and skinny jaws,
She can fairly use the tawse
On the wee bit bairnies' paws,
Three times a day.

Another variant is quoted by Mark Twain:

There is a boarding-house
Far, far away,
Where they have ham and eggs,
Three times a day,
Oh don't those boarders yell
When they hear the dinner-bell,
They give that land-lord rats
Three times a day.

(It was not I that wrote the song. I heard Billy Rice sing it in a minstrel show, and I brought it home and sang it - with great spirit - for the elevation of the household. The children admired it to the limit, and made me sing it with burdensome frequency. To their minds it was superior to the Battle Hymn of the Republic.) - Mark Twain

Also from The American Claimant, by Mark Twain (p. 3, ch. 17):

The phonograph began to sing in a plaintive voice:
  There is a boarding-house, far far away,
  Where they have ham and eggs, 3 times a day.
"Hang it, that ain't it. Somebody's been singing around here."
The plaintive song began again, mingled with a low, gradually rising wail of cats slowly warming up toward a fight;
  O, how the boarders yell,
  When they hear that dinner bell
  They give that landlord--
(momentary outburst of terrific catfight which drowns out one word.)
  Three times a day.

And still, more variations of this:

We Were Pioneers, E. E. Satterlee, c. 1949-50, Part II

There is a boarding house just across the way,
Where they have ham and eggs three times a day.
O, how the boarders yell
When they hear the dinner bell;
O, how those eggs do smell
Three times a day.

Or:

There is a boarding house, far, far away
Where they serve pork and beans, three times a day.
You should hear the boarders yell
When they hear the dinner bell
They give the landlord hell, three times a day.

Note: This is actually a version based on this war song:

Old Soldiers Never Die

There is an old cookhouse, far far away
Where we get pork and beans, three times a day.
Beefsteak we never see, damn-all sugar for our tea
And we are gradually fading away.

(chorus)

  Old soldiers never die,
  Never die, never die,
  Old soldiers never die
  They just fade away.

Privates they love their beer, 'most every day.
Corporals, they love their stripes, that's what they say.
Sergeants they love to drill. Guess them bastards always will
So we drill and drill until we fade away.

Note: This song achieved instant recognition when the General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur quoted it, (not in his farewell address to the cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY of 1962 *), but in his speech before the joint session of Congress on April 19, 1951, after his abrupt dismissal as Commander in Chief of the United Nations forces in Korea.

"I am closing my 52 years of military service. When I joined the Army, even before the turn of the century, it was the fulfillment of all of my boyish hopes and dreams.

The world has turned over many times since I took the oath on the plain at West Point, and the hopes and dreams have long since vanished, but I still remember the refrain of one of the most popular barrack ballads of that day which proclaimed most proudly that "old soldiers never die; they just fade away."

And like the old soldier of that ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the light to see that duty. Good-bye."

* Note: (His address to the cadets at West Point was the "Duty, Honor, Country" speech of May 12, 1962).

Now, you can go watch this movie and hear what Max Steiner created with this happy little number!

Avalon (1990)
Directed and written by: Barry Levinson
Original music by: Randy Newman

"I came to this country in 1914." Sam Krichinsky (Armin Mueller-Stahl), a European Jewish immigrant, recalls the time he arrived in Baltimore on the 4th of July to join his brothers, who were wall paper hangers. He often repeats this story to his grandchildren and to remind himself of his family's life and times. We see the growth of this family, filled with "ups and downs" and flashbacks to the past, as Sam and family reach for the "American Dream."

The casting, music and production are outstanding. The film features top performances by Armin Mueller-Stahl, Joan Plowright, Aidan Quinn, Elizabeth Perkins, Kevin Pollak, Elijah Wood and Lou Jacobi (who always complains about the family "cutting the turkey" before he arrives at Thanksgiving). Almost any family can identify with this film.

Main Cast:

Leo Fuchs: Hymie Krichinsky
Eve Gordon: Dottie Kirk
Lou Jacobi: Gabriel Krichinsky
Armin Mueller-Stahl: Sam Krichinsky
Elizabeth Perkins: Ann Kaye
Joan Plowright: Eva Krichinsky
Kevin Pollak: Izzy Kirk
Aidan Quinn: Jules Kaye
Israel Rubinek: Nathan Krichinsky
Elijah Wood: Michael Kaye
Grant Gelt: Teddy Kirk
Mindy Loren Isenstein: Mindy Kirk
Shifra Lerer: Nellie Krichinsky
Mina Bern: Alice Krichinsky
Frania Rubinek: Faye Krichinsky
Neil Kirk: Herbie
Ronald Guttman: Simka
Rachel Aviva: Elka

Note: Please do not confuse this movie with the Sci-Fi film, "Avalon (2001)," (a.k.a., "Gate To Avalon"), directed by Mamoru Oshii, (Ghost In The Shell). However, if you are a fan of "The Matrix, The Chronicles of Riddick, Dark City, Lawnmower Man, or Solaris," etc., you'll also enjoy this movie which James Cameron calls, "The most artistic, beautiful and stylish Sci-Fi film!" However, here's a little piece of trivia which may apply to both movies of the same name, and perhaps "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," as well.
(source: Avalon)

In the movie Avalon, Ash finds this riddle on her computer: HIC IACET ARTHURUS, REX QUON DAM REX QUE FUTURUS

Avalon is a place rich in tradition and mystery. Through the ages, many have written of it, but no one knows the truth. Did Avalon exist? Does it still? Where is it? What is it? No one knows, though the legends abound. In all likelihood, Avalon will always remain a mystery.

The word "Avalon" is from the British word lava, which means apple. Hence, Avalon is known as "The Island of Apples." An actual Avallon (note the alternate spelling) exists in Burgundy.

The most famous setting for Avalon is in the King Arthur legends. Supposedly, Arthur's sword, Excalibur, was forged on the mystic Isle of Avalon. When Arthur was mortally wounded in battle with Mordred, he was carried off to the Isle of Avalon so that his wounds might be attended to.

This is the most common idea regarding Avalon, presented to us by the man known as Geoffrey of Monmouth, or Geoffrey Arthur. His History of the Kings of Britain, written about 1136, gives a history of King Arthur, and many accepted his work to be true, in the medieval period, anyway. Geoffrey later wrote a poem, the "Life of Merlill," in which he claims Arthur was laid on a golden bed in Avalon and was nursed back to health by Morgan, the Nebulous enchantress. In fact, Geoffrey states Arthur was not dead and would return to Avalon one day.

Sir Thomas Malory's Morte D'Arthur maintains Geoffrey's version of the legend, "The Britons still believe that he [Arthur] is alive, living in Avalon with the fairest of spirits and they still continue to expect Arthur to come back." According to Malory, there is written upon Arthur's tomb: Hic iacet Arthurus, Rex Quondam Rexque Futurus, or Here lies Arthur, the Once and Future King.

Avalon also appears in other legends. In Marie de France's "Lanval," the hero Lanval offends Queen Guinevere and is taken to the dungeons. Lanval's mistress, a fairy, rescues him and takes him to the Isle of Avalon. Robert de Boron, a knight from Burgundy, told the tale of Joseph of Arimathea around 1200 A.D. Supposedly, the Holy Grail, the cup used by Jesus in the Last Supper, was taken by Joseph , who used it to catch drops of Jesus' blood as Jesus hung on the cross.

Joseph then carried the Grail to Avalon, where he died. Could an actual Isle of Avalon exist? It is possible. In England, there is a man-made hill called Tor, atop which is a monastery known as Glastonbury. It is believed that at one time, possibly around the time Arthur was said to exist, the hill could have been surrounded by marsh and water. This would have effectively made Tor an island. In 1191, the Glastonbury monks linked Glastonbury to Arthur and excavated the site. Seven feet down was a stone slab, underneath which was found a lead cross! The cross read: "HIC IACET SEPULTUS INCLITUS REX ARTURIUS IN INSULA AVALONIA," which correctly translated would say: "Here lies buried the renowned King Arthur in the Isle of Avalon."

Nine feet further down, a rough coffin, made from a hollow log, was found to contain the bones of a tall man with a damaged skull. Many accounts said Arthur was killed by a blow to the head. There were also smaller bones and a lock of hair. Welsh historian Gerald de Barri visited the site and identified the small bones and lock of hair as belonging to Guinevere.

For years, many believed that the findings were a hoax, a publicity stunt. It seemed that Glastonbury had suffered a fire and needed attention in order to return the monastery to its former splendor. Therefore, the monks decided to "find" Arthur's grave. Others thought it possible the monks made the story up in order to please the King, Henry II, for the Welsh had taunted Henry with claims that Arthur would come back to lead them. There was no proof either way, for the lead cross was lost at the end of the eighteenth century. (A claim was made in 1982 that the cross was found but this was a true hoax).

However, in 1958, Ralegh Radford re-excavated the site and proved that the monks had dug to the depth that was common to most burials around Arthur's time. Legend states that Henry had heard from Arthur's bard that Arthur was buried at least sixteen feet deep and in a coffin of hollow oak. This also corresponds to the monks' findings.

The only real evidence would be the cross, which may still exist. Copies of the cross were made, and the lettering upon it suggests that it was written early. The form of Latin used was also common for Arthur's time. It is believed that the cross is authentic, because the lettering of twelfth-century monks would have been much more graceful, and the language on the cross had not been used for at least five hundred years. Of course, the monks may have known this and carried out the hoax accordingly.

Some claim the monks' findings were indeed genuine because of Robert de Boron's claim that Joseph of Arimathea had brought the Holy Grail to Avalon and died there. In fact, there is, in the area, the famous Holy Thorn tree that blossoms only at Christmas, said to have sprung from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea (though this association was made only from 1716). If the monks were truly planning a hoax, why would they not pretend to find Joseph's grave as well?

However, unless the cross is found, and some other miraculous discovery is made, the search for Arthur will probably go no further. Even if the cross is found, it may not be enough to provide concrete evidence, though many are hopeful.

Avalon will probably always remain a mystery. The theories and suppositions have never been backed by evidence. In all likelihood, Avalon was a combination of places, filled with legends. Arthur, if he truly existed, may have been buried at Avalon. It is also highly doubtful that Avalon was an island of fairies. Most likely Avalon was a holy place, and if Arthur was brought there to die, time has created the legends. Many would like to find that Avalon really existed, for the existence of Avalon could very well mean the existence of King Arthur, and for once a fairy tale might be proven true. The truth may never be known.

This essay was written by Lenny Valure in a Pace University seminar on King Arthur. (Source: http://csis.pace.edu/grendel/projs993a/arthurian/avalon.htm)


BAND of BROTHERS (2001)

Band of Brothers (2001) certainly lives up to its Golden Globe Award for "Best Mini-Series or Movie Made For Television". Based on the bestseller by Stephen E. Ambrose, Band of Brothers tells the story of Easy Company, (the 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army), and their valiant service during WWII. The ten-episode, HBO mini-series chronicles the training, parachuting deployment on D-Day, fighting the Battle of the Bulge and capturing Hitler's Eagle's Nest at Berchtesgaden while suffering heavy casualties and the extreme tests of extraordinary courage under fire.

Also featured are the interviews and comments from the actual survivors of Easy Company as they reflect on the intensity of their wartime experiences, life-long friendships, and the brothers in arms who did not survive but were the true "heroes" in their eyes. Without any doubts, this is most likely the best depiction of the war with Germany ever made (or perhaps ever to be made). An excellent production and salutation to the direction of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, and a choice cast who relived both the training and fighting experiences of E Company in order to faithfully bring this story to life. Also notible is the careful attention to every detail from set design, weapons and artillary, right down to the exact stitches used on the 506th Eagle patch on each uniform.

The soundtrack for Band of Brothers, composed and conducted by Michael Kamen (Robin Hood, X-Men, Die Hard and others) and the London Metropolitan Orchestra is also outstanding throughout the entire series. The Main Theme is both majestic and stately and "The Mission Begins" is remeniscent of other war classics, such as Victory At Sea and Gladiator, with a flavor of Tchaikovsky and Beethoven (episode 9 features Beethoven's String Quartet, Op. 131, 6th movement).

The Band of Brothers series on DVD is divided into 10, 1-hour episodes as follows:

Disc One: Part 1 - CURRAHEE / Part 2 - DAY OF DAYS
Disc Two: Part 3 - CARENTAN / Part 4 - REPLACEMENTS
Disc Three: Part 5 - CROSSROADS / Part 6 - BASTOGNE
Disc Four: Part 7 - THE BREAKING POINT / Part 8 - THE LAST PATROL
Disc Five: Part 9 - WHY WE FIGHT / Part 10 - POINTS
Disc Six: Bonus Feautures: We Stand Alone Together: The Men Of Easy Company
       Ron Livingston's Video Diaries
       The Making of 'Band of Brothers'
       Web Links, Photo Gallery, and more.

*BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED (1987)

Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy are outstanding as husband and wife (Frank and Faye Riley) in this light-hearted sci-fi comedy (on par with their performances in Cocoon (1985) and Cocoon: The Return (1988).

Frank (the owner of Riley's Cafe) calls for a miracle to save their restaurant and building from being demolished to make way for a new building complex. The tenants are offered vacating money by an eager Carlos (Michael Carmine), but the Rileys, and three remaining tenants try to hold out to the last. Frank McRae plays Harry Noble (a former heavyweight boxer and television addict) who lives downstairs but has never spoken. Elizabeth Pena plays Marisa Esteval who is waiting for her boyfriend to return to her. And Dennis Boutsikaris plays Mason Baylor, a struggling artist. Carlos and his fellow goons try everything to get the tenants out of the building for "Lacey" the real estate developer. But in frustration, they finally bust up the joint and return to find the building and contents magically repaired overnight by some little space ships (flying saucers) who answer Frank Riley's call for help from above, and these gizmos have real personality!

The "female" flying saucer is in need of some electrical energy and recharges in the Riley's kitchen wall outlet. The "male" and "female" saucers then move up to the roof to procreate. But while Faye knows what's going on all along with these visitors (after all, she is a mother!), Frank is convinced that Faye has now really gone senile and reconsiders moving out to Jersey to a retirement village for her care and welfare. Carlos is spooked by all of the strange new developments, especially the repair of the damaged cafe. He makes the mistake of tackling the "saucer roost" on the roof with some shocking results. The newly-born "little guys" are put to work to help make burgers in the kitchen, and Lacey takes his own measures to try and finally bring down the building. The story is one of faith and hope; and a little help from some friends can make all of the difference in the lives of the tenants above Riley's Cafe. Harry Noble scoops-up the third (a still-born, baby flying saucer), then repairs it and "Brings Good Things To Life" (the ad slogan from a General Electric commercial he has seen). He then proclaims the baby's problem was a classic case of "* Batteries Not Included", (another TV phrase he learned from TV toy commercials). The film has a strong "E.T." flavor as Steven Spielberg is the Executive Producer.

Ben-Hur (1959) aka "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ"
Directed by: William Wyler
Written by: Lew Wallace (novel)
Karl Tunberg (screenplay)

Ben-Hur, (aka "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ") won 11 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Hugh Griffith) and Best Director (William Wyler). It is, without question, a phenomenal parallel story of Christ and the trials of Judah Ben-Hur (a Jewish prince). Judah (Charlton Heston) is betrayed by his childhood friend, Messala (Stephen Boyd), who is now in Jerusalem as a newly appointed commanding officer of the Roman legions. Because of a freak accident, Messala has Judah enslaved in the galleys of the Roman fleet and sends his mother and sister to prison. Messala knows they are innocent, but betrays them since Judah will not support his ideas of how his people should be treated by the Roman Empire.

Judah manages to save the life of his fleet's commander, Quintus Arrius (Jack Hawkins) and thus wins his adoption; and eventually his freedom, only now as a "Roman citizen." Ben-Hur is determined to gain revenge against Messala during a chariot race and it is one of the best filmed action sequences in cinema history. The musical score is by Miklos Rozsa and it is an inspiration to listen to, from beginning to end.

Principal Cast:

Charlton Heston: Judah Ben-Hur
Jack Hawkins: Quintus Arrius
Haya Harareet: Esther
Stephen Boyd: Messala
Hugh Griffith: Sheik Ilderim
Martha Scott: Miriam
Cathy O'Donnell: Tirzah
Sam Jaffe: Simonides
Finlay Currie: Balthasar/Narrator in pre-credits sequence
Frank Thring: Pontius Pilate
Terence Longdon: Drusus
George Relph: Tiberius Caesar
André Morell: Sextus


Blade Runner (1982)
Directed by Ridley Scott
Novel by Philip K. Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?)

In Los Angeles, 2019, Rick Deckard is LAPD's finest of the Blade Runner Unit. A Blade Runner is a policeman who specializes in finding and terminating "replicants", or artificial humans, which were created by the Tyrell Corporation with a limited life-span. Deckard is summoned out of retirement by Captain Bryant to track and terminate five replicants who have escaped from an off-world colony, hijacked a space ship and have returned to Earth. They attempt to find an alternative to their built-in, limited life expectancy; and seek their "maker" (Tyrell) to find answers. The Director's Cut on DVD is missing some background narratives by Deckard in the beginning, which you will find in the VHS version.

Primary Cast:

Harrison Ford: Rick Deckard
Edward James Olmos: Gaff
M. Emmet Walsh: Bryant
Joe Turkel: Tyrell
Sean Young: Rachael
Rutger Hauer: Roy Batty
Daryl Hannah: Pris
Joanna Cassidy: Zhora
Brion James: Leon
Morgan Paull: Holden
William Sanderson: J.F. Sebastian
James Hong: Hannibal Chew
Hy Pyke: Taffey Lewis


Dark City (1998)
Directed by: Alex Proyas
Writing credits: Alex Proyas (story and screenplay)

A classic "film noir" sci-fi film, Dark City has been compared to The Matrix trilogy and other films within the same genre. However, such is the case when exploring sci-fi premises of this nature and although there are many similarities between these films, they are, in fact, quite different in nature in their total approach and subject.

The Plot:

John Murdock (Rufus Sewell) wakes up in a hotel bathtub and discovers a bloody corpse of a prostitute which he assumes responsibility for, but cannot recall the brutal murder. He gathers his belongings and finds a suitcase with the initials "K. H." on it, and a postcard from "Shell Beach" which he somehow recalls having visited as a boy in a brief flashback. He receives a phone call from a Dr. Schreber (Kiefer Sutherland) who explains his amnesia is caused by an experiment which has gone wrong and erased his memory; and that there are people who are coming for him so he must leave right away. He only learns of his last name as he is leaving hotel and the front desk hotel manager reminds Mr. Murdock that he has left his wallet at the automat and that his hotel bill is now due since he has only paid for three weeks.

The general setting of the scenes for Dark City are just that, quite dark, gloomy and mysterious; set in a 1940's motif. Murdock tries to find himself, regain his memory, discover what exactly is going on with the city, and return to the brighter days at "Shell Beach" for answers. Dr. Schreber contacts Emma (Murdock's wife played by a sultry Jennifer Connelly) in an effort to help locate him. Inspector Frank Bumstead (William Hurt) is trying to hunt Murdock down for six counts of murder of the same nature. And the "strangers" are trying to control everyone within the city to explore the depths of the human soul.

The dark city serves as an experimental lab for "the strangers" who "shut it down" each night at midnight to redesign it using their machinery and unearthly powers called "Tuning." Everything is rearranged from buildings right down to each and every household. People and situations are altered, and with the help of Dr. Schreber, new memories and personalities are injected into the test subjects in an effort by the strangers to learn what the essence of the human soul is all about. However, Murdock doesn't "shut down" during this process. Somehow, his memories are somewhat blurred, but he has also discovered that he can "Tune" without the use of the machines and with the aid of the good doctor, can possibly fight against the strangers and take the city back from them. In this sense, Murdock's character is similar to that of "Neo" in the Matrix films in that he represents a rebellion against evil and having extraordinary powers. But in the Matrix, the rebellion is actually against the man-made machines and a "computerized matrix" of both human minds and their energies versus the machines and programs which have taken control of the Matrix and them. In Dark City, the city is become a laboratory or construct controlled by aliens (the strangers) to explore what the human soul is made of, so it is really a little bit of a different batlle between humans and aliens, "good" versus "evil."

The strangers become aware of Murdock's abilities to resist their plan and decide to "imprint" one of their own with "Murdock's memories" (his formula by injection), in order to locate him. But the doctor, who has been assisting the strangers is also trying to help Murdock understand what is going on so that he can fight against them.

Trevor Jones' filmscore is no less than brilliant throughout this film and stands out on its' own merits. The orchestration is quite majestic and serves as the pulse and "heartbeat" of the grand clock which controls the strangers' machines throughout the film. The music complements the action and tone of the film throughout, just as Hans Zimmer's score in Gladiator served as the heartbeat of the mechanism of the Roman Legion. The CD soundtrack offers a complete jazzy version of the song "Sway", sung by Anita Kelsey, which was made popular by Dean Martin and Julie London years ago and has appeared in many films such as Out To Sea (1997), (sung by Brent Spiner of Star Trek fame), and others. However, only a part of this arrangement is used in the movie.

I highly recommend this exciting movie and the CD soundtrack, as well. Other notable filmscores by Trevor Jones include: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, (2003), Cliffhanger (1993), Brassed Off! (1996), and Angel Heart (1987).

Cast:

Rufus Sewell: John Murdoch
William Hurt: Inspector Frank Bumstead
Kiefer Sutherland: Dr. Daniel Poe Schreber
Jennifer Connelly: Emma Murdoch/Anna
Richard O'Brien: Mr. Hand
Ian Richardson: Mr. Book
Bruce Spence: Mr. Wall
Colin Friels: Walenski
John Bluthal: Karl Harris
Mitchell Butel: Husselbeck
Melissa George: May
Frank Gallacher: Stromboli
Ritchie Singer: Hotel Manager/Vendor
Justin Monjo: Taxi Driver
Nicholas Bell: Mr. Rain
Satya Gumbert: Mr. Sleep
Noah Gumbert: Mr. Sleep Filming Double
Frederick Miragliotta: Mr. Quick
Peter Sommerfeld: Stranger
Timothy Jones: Stranger
Jeanette Cronin: Stranger
Paul Livingston: Assistant Stranger
Michael Lake: Assistant Stranger
David Wenham: Schreber's Assistant
Alan Cinis: Automat Cop
Bill Highfield: Automat Cop
Terry Bader: Mr. Goodwin
Rosemary Traynor: Mrs. Goodwin
Edward Grant II: Hotel Manager
Maureen O'Shaughnessy: Kate Walenski
Dhobi Oparei: Train Passenger
Marcus Johnson: Station Master
Doug Scroope: Desk Sergeant
Cinzia Coassin: Waitress
Tyson McCarthy: Murdoch - Age 10
Luke Styles: Murdoch - Teenager
Anthony Kierann: Murdoch's Dad
Laura Keneally: Murdoch's Mum
Natalie Bollard: Naked Woman
Eliot Paton: Matthew Goodwin
Naomi van der Velden: Jane Goodwin
Peter Callan: Taxi Driver
Mark Hedges: Emma's Lover
Darren Gilshenan: Fingerprint Cop
Ray Rizzo: Policeman
Bill Rutherford: Police Officer
Marin Mimica: Hotel Lobby Cop
Anthony Pace: Young Karl Harris
Tony Mosley: Four Piece Band Member
Glenford O. Richards: Four Piece Band Member
Stanley Steer: Four Piece Band Member
Greg Tell: Four Piece Band Member
William Upjohn: Forensics Cop
Anita Kelsey: (Emma Murdoch singing voice)

Original Music: Trevor Jones
Non-Original Music: Gary Numan (song)

Song Lyrics: Sway
Written by Norman Gimbel and Pablo Beltran Ruiz
Sung by Anita Kelsey

When marimba rhythms start to play
Dance with me, make me sway
Like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
Hold me close, sway me more

Like a flower bending in the breeze
Bend with me, sway with ease
When we dance you have a way with me
Stay with me, sway with me

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have the magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now

Other dancers may be on the floor
Dear, but my eyes will see only you
Only you have the magic technique
When we sway I go weak

I can hear the sounds of violins
Long before it begins
Make me thrill as only you know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now
You know how
Sway me smooth, sway me now

(This song has also appeared in the movie, "Out To Sea," starring Walter Mathau, and more recently in the movie, "Shall We Dance?" (as performed by the "Pussycat Dolls"), starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. The song was made famous by Dean Martin and another version by Julie London. You can find these audio tracks on the music CD, "Ultra-Lounge Vol. 9 - Cha Cha De Amor" and a remix of both versions on "Electro-Lounge." The full version of Anita Kelsey's performance can be found on the Dark City CD soundtrack.)


EVENT HORIZON (1997)

Some Strange Events are on the Horizon:
Infinite space... Infinite terror

This horror/sci-fi/thriller takes place in the year 2047. An experimental spaceship "Event Horizon" which was designed to travel faster than the speed of light (incredible as that may be), disappeared some seven years prior, on its maiden voyage to explore the far limits of our universe. However, now it has returned and a somewhat garbled transmission from the ship has been detected. An investigative team is assembled, including the ship's propulsion designer, Dr. William Weir (Sam Neill), to go aboard the USAC Vessel: Lewis and Clark, on a top secret search and rescue mission to find out exactly what happened to the Event Horizon in deep space and rescue any survivors of the crew.

Captain Miller (Laurence Fishburne), and his crew which includes: Medical Technician: Peters (Kathleen Quinlan), Executive Officer: Lt. Starck (Joely Richardson), Rescue Technician: Cooper (Richard T. Jones), Engineer: Justin (Jack Noseworthy), Trauma Specialist: D.J. (Jason Isaacs) and Pilot: Smith (Sean Pertwee). They are not as familiar with the design of Event Horizon or the purpose of its original mission, and so Dr. Weir is sent along with this rescue team to explain it to them and act as a technical consultant.

However, the Event Horizon has some dark and evil secrets to be revealed and it affects not only the ship in question, but also the minds of rescue team, bar none. The special effects are extraordinary and this movie sets a platform for several sci-fi movies to come. Fishburne plays the calm, cool, "captain in control" (for most of the plot) and sets a role which resembles his later role in The Matrix (1999) as Captain Morpheus of the ship Nebuchadnezzar. The story, in itself, resembles the basic premise from the movie Alien (1979) in which a distress signal was picked-up in outer space, as in the movie Solaris (2002) and its original version, Solyaris (1972). The somewhat comic, military/space banter between Captain Miller and his crew (especially with Smith, Cooper, Stark and Justin) is reminiscent of the "Marines lingo" from Aliens (1986), which provides a bit of "military space humor" to offset the rather dark and horrific evils within the remaining plot. I think this humor is useful here to emphasize the human element of these characters who are faced with some pretty serious consequences. However, many who watch this film might not tune-in to the importance of this element as a strong sub-plot to this picture, but rather focus on the feasibility of the main plot (i.e., space ships traveling through inter-galactic worm holes at super-warp speeds, etc.).

The human character of Dr. Weil is of prime importance in this film. While he seems like a novice "tag-along" in the beginning of the voyage, he really knows more than the others about Event Horizon and its inner secrets. He also carries some emotional secrets of his own, which he tries to hide away, concerning the death of his former girlfriend, Claire (Holley Chant) and it haunts him along the way, even before arriving at his final destination. Likewise, Peters has some human issues with her ex and her son, and just about everyone is bitter about being pulled from a well-deserved leave of absence to go on this dangerous mission into Neptune space. After finally taking Billy Weil seriously about the truth of Event Horizon's mission (and not what they knew from the previous press about it), they all want to know where the ship has been for the past seven years. This is one gigantic "Pandora's Box" waiting to be opened. Or perhaps, better left undisturbed. But in either case, Dr. Weir refers to the Event Horizon as "she" (as a captain would of his vessel), and perhaps this is strengthened by the fact that this huge vessel is his "pride and joy," having designed it. You'll just have to watch to see the wonder of it all!

The film is a little 'tongue and cheek', but well-orchestrated and beautifully shot. Special effects bring the Event Horizon to life. Sam Neill is, once again, trying to save the ship with quite a role-reversal from "the good guy" character in his Dead Calm debut with Nicole Kidman and Billy Zane. This film kept the ball in motion throughout as did others of it's kind (The Matrix, Dark City and The Fifth Element), a complement to any Sci-Fi DVD collection and is just pure fun and a roller-coaster ride of inner and outer discoveries.

INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (1984)
INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (1989)

The Indiana Jones trilogy is perhaps my favorite of all time. The adventure stars Harrison Ford as the renown professor of archaeology, expert on the occult and collector of rare antiquities, Dr. Indiana Jones.

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
Exec Producer: George Lucas
Producer: Frank Marshall
Director: Steven Spielberg
Music: John Williams

The famous Paramount logo gradually dissolves into a similar mountain range, somewhere deep in a native South American jungle, and we find Dr. Indiana Jones has just acquired a small but rare golden idol from a forbidden tomb, which is full of booby traps in the Spring of 1936. He escapes alive after being betrayed by his guide, but is then cornered by the local natives (the Hovitos) who have befriended his French competitor and arch-enemy, Dr. Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman), because he speaks their native language. Belloq takes the statue from him saying, "Dr. Jones. Again we see there is nothing you can possess which I cannot take away." "Indy" manages to outrun the natives and escape back to his seaplane.

He returns home to teach his students at an university in California and tells Dr. Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliot) how he almost acquired the idol to sell to the museum of which Brody is the curator. But Brody wants Indy to talk to some U.S. Army Intelligence men who know that he studied under Professor Abner Ravenwood at the University of Chicago. They inform Indy that their European sections have intercepted a cryptic German communiqué sent from Cairo to Berlin. The Nazis have had teams of archaeologists looking for religious artifacts for the past few years because of Hitler's obsession with the occult. Now they have discovered the lost city of Tanis (now buried by sand) which is considered possibly the final resting place of the lost "Ark of the Covenant". However, in order to locate the ark in a secret chamber known as the "Well of Souls," they need the headpiece from the "Staff of Ra" which will point to the exact location of this chamber in the "map room" and the Nazis believe that U.S. professor, Abner, has this item. The G-men ask Indy what the Ark looks like, and Indy shows them this picture of the Ark from his history book:

Indy explains that the picture is showing lightning or "The Power of God" radiating from the Ark and Brody adds, "An army which carries the Ark before it... is invincible." The G-men now understand Hitler's interest in obtaining the Ark.

Brody convinces the U.S. "G-men" to hire Indy to go to Egypt and beat them to it. But first, he must fly to Nepal and visit his ex-girlfriend and Abner's daughter, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), who now runs a pub, and acquire the headpiece. She tells Indy to come back tomorrow since she is still bitter about their separation. But then enters Toht (Ronald Lacey), a Nazi agent, who threatens to torture Marion to get the headpiece and then gets his hand burned trying to grab the molten-hot headpiece during a flaming brawl in the bar. Marion safely grabs the headpiece and becomes Indy's partner in this adventure.

In Cairo, they meet up with Indy's good friend and professional digger, Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) who knows all about the Nazi excavations. From there, one catastrophe leads to another. Belloq wants to acquire the power of the ark through an occult ceremony for himself before it is brought back to Berlin. Indy wants to prevent the Germans from getting to it and have it in a museum in the U.S. for safekeeping. He also knows that the Ark should never be opened by anyone because of its' historical God-given powers, and the whole movie is one fantastic action-packed "thrill ride" on boats, submarines, planes, etc., from start to finish. This movie sets the tone for the other Indiana Jones sequels in that any artifact of this nature should be in a museum and not in the possession of any person for just wealth, greed or power. The only thing Indy really fears are snakes and Nazis, as explained in the movie, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.

INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (1984)

The Jones adventure continues from the year before "Raiders" (in 1935), in a fancy Shanghai nightclub which is named, oddly enough, "Club Obi-Wan" (after all, this is a George Lucas production!). The Paramount logo fades to a similar engraving on a large gong on the stage and the credits open with the well-known American singer, Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw), performing a production number of "Anything Goes" (ala the Busby Berkeley's movies of the 30's).

Dr. Jones comes into the club to trade the essence of Nurhachi (the remains of the first great Emperor of the Manchu Dynasty) with Lao Che (Roy Chiao) for a huge diamond. Jones has his friend, Wu Han, who is posing as a waiter, bring the vase containing the Nurhachi to the table. The exchange goes sour as Lau has poisoned Indy in their toast, and only Lau has the antidote. The club breaks out in a brawl amidst dancing girls, balloons, ice cubes and machine gun fire and Jones and Scott escape through the window and land in a car driven by "Short Round" (Jonathan Ke Quan), Indy's young sidekick, while Lao Che pursues them close behind.

Art Weber (Dan Aykroyd) gets the three of them off in a small cargo plane on short notice, but the plane is really owned by Lao Che and the pilots bail out with the only parachutes while the passengers are sleeping somewhere over India. The pilots have dumped the fuel and the three have to bail out in a life raft, which lands on the snow-covered mountain range for a brief "sled ride" and then plummets into some heavy white water rapids.

They are met on the bank of the river by a priest who brings them to his starving village of Mayapore. Indy asks for a guide to take them to Delhi, but the priest wants Indy to go to the Pankot Palace because it now has the "Power of the Dark Light" under a new maharaja. The animals and crops have been killed-off by this dark power, and the children stolen from the village when the villagers went out to fight a fire in the fields. Pankot is not on the way to Delhi; and has thought to have been deserted since the 1850's. The priest explains that "Sivalinga", a sacred stone, was stolen from their shrine that protects the village. The priest thinks that Siva (their Hindu God) has brought Indy to them by causing them to fall from the sky and then go and rescue the stone for them. Indy knows about this "Lost Sankara" stone (one of five according to the legend) and agrees to go find it and rescue the children, (for "fortune and glory").

INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE (1989)

The adventure continues as the Paramount logo becomes a rock formation somewhere in Utah, 1912. A young Indiana Jones (played by River Phoenix) is on a Boy Scout horse-backpacking trip and discovers some men looting the caves. They have just found the gold "Cross of Coronado" which Cortez gave to him in 1520. Indy feels that this is an important artifact which belongs in a museum and manages to steal the cross and ride home to bring it to his father, Professor Henry Jones, Sr. (Sean Connery). A chase on a "Dunn & Duffy Circus" train explains why Indy develops a fear of snakes and his fondness for the lions whip. Henry Jones doesn't pay attention to hear his son's story as he is deeply absorbed in his research and hobby of "The Holy Grail," and the sheriff forces Indy to give the cross back to the robbers since everyone in town is "in on this deal." Indy's advisary then gives Indy his fedora hat as a token for his brave attempt to acquire his stolen treasure, which has now been turned over to a buyer named Panama Hat.

We then find the grown-up Indiana Jones stealing the Cross again from "Panama Hat" (Paul Maxwell) on a ship off the Portuguese coast in 1938. A brawl ensues and Indy escapes the sinking ship (after an explosion) with the Cross, while the others go down with the ship. We then return to Barnett College where Indy teaches archaeology. Indy gives the Cross to Brody and then escapes from his students through his office window. He is then met by some men who bring him to meet Walter Donovan (Julian Glover) at his home. Donovan has been a major contributor to Brody's museum over the years and Indy knows of him because of this. Donovan shows Indy a half-broken tablet which concerns the Holy Grail legend. Donavan tells Indy that his project leader believes a second tablet is somewhere in Venice, Italy. Indy tells Donovan that he should contact his father, but Donovan explains that they already have and it is his father who is the project leader who has suddenly disappeared.

Indy and Brody go to Henry Jones' home to find it ransacked and his father missing, but Indiana has his "grail diary" in his pocket which his dad had mailed to him from Venice, but has not been opened until now. Brody and Indy accept Donovan's offer to fly to Venice and meet Henry's assistant, Dr. Elsa Schneider, and try to locate his father at Donovan's expense. Before boarding the plane, Donovan tells Indy to be careful and "Don't trust anybody."

On the plane, Indy carefully studies his father's "Grail Diary" for clues. Brody and Indy meet up with Dr. Schneider and they go to the library in Venice where Indy's father was last seen by his assistant. They look for a Roman numeral "X" which leads to a tomb under the library where the other "second marker" is buried. (Indy once told his class that "X never marks the spot" in archaeological digs. In this case, there is a large "X" on the marble floor of the library, but no one noticed it until Indy climbed the stairs and looked down.) After cracking a floor tile, Elsa and Indy go down below the floor to investigate, while Brody is overcome upstairs by Kazim (Kevork Malikyan) and the "Brotherhood of the Cruciform Sword." Indy takes a rubbing from the shield of a knight of the First Crusade and the tomb is set on fire by the Brotherhood because they believe that Indy is only looking for the Holy Grail and they are sworn to protect it.

Indy and Elsa escape from the tomb and are then chased by Kazim and the Brotherhood in a fantastic boat chase. Kazim and Indy are forced to explain each other's mission, and Kazim tells Indy that his father is being held prisoner in a castle in Brunwald, on the Austrian-German border. Brody and Indy figure out some new clues as to where the grail is from his rubbing of the knight's shield. Jones and Schneider go off to Brunwald to locate Jones, Sr., while Marcus gets in touch with Sallah to meet in Iskenderun.

From here it is a matter of life and death, faith and trust, and Indy was warned to "trust nobody" from the beginning. Elsa, up until now, didn't know Indy had the diary with him, (but whose side is she really on?) Henry sent the diary to Indy to keep it away from the Germans, (but "Junior" was kind enough to bring it right back to him!) And now that Indy has brought it right back into the hands of the Nazis, they must put aside their errors in judgment and work together in order to get it back. And finally, after a mad race between the "Jones Boys" and the Nazis to get to the right spot, it is a matter of "choosing wisely" from a selection of chalices, one of which is the true Holy Grail which offers eternal life.

THE LADYKILLERS (1955)

Directed by: Alexander Mackendrick
Written by: William Rose

Principal Cast:

Katie Johnson: Mrs. Louisa Wilberforce
Alec Guinness: Professor Marcus
Cecil Parker: Claude (a.k.a. 'Major Courtney')
Herbert Lom: Louis (a.k.a. 'Mr. Harvey')
Peter Sellers: Harry (a.k.a. 'Mr. Robinson')
Danny Green: One-Round (a.k.a. 'Mr. Lawson')
Jack Warner: The Superintendent
Philip Stainton: Sergeant MacDonald

Another Alec Guinness comedy classic produced by Ealing Studios and The Rank Organisation Film Productions, Ltd. of Great Britain, with music by the Sinfonia of London, is the story of a lonesome but proper woman, Mrs. Louisa Wilberforce (Katie Johnson), who lives with her two parrots in an old townhouse at the end of her block. The house has settled and shifted somewhat after the war (because of the bombing) and is situated just above a train yard and tunnels.

Mrs. "W.", perhaps a bit old and senile, feels compelled to be a frequent visitor to the local police station to report rumors or explain her neighbor's reports of UFO's or other abnormalities. The local constables appease her in a friendly manner with respect to her age, but rarely take her seriously. She constantly leaves behind her umbrella wherever she goes, but manages to come back for it. On her way back to the police station, she checks on an ad she has posted to rent the upstairs portion of her house.

Meanwhile, she is being stalked on her way home by a potential boarder who turns out to be Professor Marcus (Alec Guinness), who is looking for a rental space for himself and some fellow musicians to rehearse their string quintet. The other members are: Major Courtney (Cecil Parker), Mr. Harvey (Herbert Lom), Mr. Robinson (Peter Sellers), and Mr. Lawson (Danny Green). But in reality, this is all a front for their real identities. They are really a gang of thugs who are plotting a precise bank heist, which is all orchestrated by "the Professor". Their real names are: Claude, Louis, Harry and "One-Round". And as the Professor introduces them to Mrs. Wilberforce under their aliases, they enter the house holding their violin and cello cases as if they contained machine guns. While they sit upstairs planning their heist, a record player plays the Minuet from "Quintet in E major, Opus 11, No. 5" by Luigi Boccherini, and they quickly scramble to pick up their instruments and stop the record player whenever Mrs. "W" comes up to offer tea (all too frequently) and comments on Mr. Lawson's excellent cello playing (even though he claims to have just "picked it up" over the years), especially when she hears the "Boccherini".

Professor Marcus, Mr. Lawson, Mr. Robinson, Major Courtney and Mr. Harvey

They manage to get their landlord to pick up the "lolly" (the stolen bank money) during the heist by taxi cab, under the guise of an expected trunk for the Professor, and of course, she forgets her umbrella and goes back for it, much to the panic by all. Eventually, she discovers their real purpose during their attempted getaway and she is made to feel somewhat implicated since she picked up the "lolly". She holds onto the goods and asks her unscrupulous tenants to behave themselves during a tea party for her friends. The only thing left to do is to kill her off, but they just don't have the heart to kill an innocent old woman. One by one, they try to do her in, but Mrs. Wilberforce manages to outlive them all and then tries to return the stolen money to the authorities. Of course, as per usual, they don't take her too seriously and she must keep all of the money.

Favorite scene: Mr. Harvey gets annoyed listening to the Boccherini over and over again and smashes the record.

The remake of this movie is The Ladykillers (2004) with Tom Hanks and Irma P. Hall.

THE MATRIX TRILOGY (1999-2003)

The Matrix Behind "The Matrix"

If you truly enjoy Sci-Fi as I do, then you will really enjoy this film which approaches the same stature of other such film noire/Sci-Fi films, BladeRunner, Event Horizon, The Fifth Element, Lost In Space, Dark City, STARGATE, etc. With each of these films, there is the serious side, as well as the humorous. The Matrix combines a stunning new cinematography effect known as 'Bullet Time', which was created especially for this picture, in a far-fetched, yet fun ride 'down the rabbit hole and through the Looking Glass.' Using computer-controlled still cameras, various high-speed film cameras and CA technology produced a totally new concept in filming action in a moving-'surround'-perspective. Lost In Space had a similar effect, but not quite to this degree.

The DVD version offers a 'behind the scenes' view as you 'Follow The White Rabbit', making this a truly interactive experience. Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving and Joe Pantoliano are well-cast for this adventure and the Wachowski brothers can be proud of their production, in spite of those reviewers who just didn't get it! Besides being the plot itself which usually asks the question: 'WHAT IF???', the business of Sci-Fi always 'goes out on a limb', taking a chance and launching a sizable 'revolution' against the drab and 'the expected'. Perhaps those who didn't like this film, shouldn't watch Sci-Fi films in the first place. But if you're looking for something different, see The Matrix on DVD. Then go back and 'Follow The White Rabbit'. A true new role model for when technology meets fantasy!

THE MATRIX (1999)
Written and Directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski
Produced by Joel Silver

Neo/Thomas A. Anderson (Keanu Reeves)
Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne)
Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss)
Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving)
Cypher/Mr. Reagan (Joe Pantoliano)
Tank (Marcus Chong)
Dozer (Anthony Ray Parker)
Switch (Belinda McClory)
Apoc (Julian Arahanga)
Mouse (Matt Doran)
Oracle (Gloria Foster)

The Story in Detail:

It is the future (around 2199) and a "matrix" has been established in which human beings are cultivated and then cocooned as energy cells to feed the Matrix and the machines which monitor it. While "plugged-in" to the matrix, humans are in a sense living in a world which is not reality, but they are unaware of this. We are not quite sure what the Matrix is, at this point, but we learn that it is a combination of programming and some sort of computerized, machine-driven platform which gives its "inhabitants" the illusion of reality.

We are first introduced to Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) who escapes from some "agents" while looking for "Neo" in the Matrix.

We then meet Thomas A. Anderson, a computer software programmer by day (hacker by night) who receives a message on his computer). It says "Wake up, Neo... The Matrix has you..." Thomas doesn't know who is sending this message, or if he is really awake or dreaming this. He clears his screen and the message continues... "Follow the white rabbit." ... and then ... "Knock, knock, Neo."

Some friends knock on his door, (as if the messenger knew this was going to happen). Thomas greets them to sell his buddy, Choi (Marc Gray), a hacked program he has for him for $2000. Anderson gets the program disk from a green "faux book" called "Simulacra & Simulation" and stashes the green bankroll back in the book. Thomas starts to explain his half-dream state and starts to say something about his computer... but then asks, "You ever have that feeling where you're not sure if you're awake or dreaming?", and then Choi suggests that he "unplugs" for awhile and gets some "R 'n' R." They invite him to a party and Anderson doesn't seem to want to go, until he notices a white rabbit on Dujour's (Ada Nicodemou) shoulder, and then he agrees to tag along with them.

At the party, Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) comes over to Anderson and says, "Hello Neo." Anderson asks how she knows that name and she tells him she knows alot about him. She tells him her name is Trinity, and Anderson knows her as "The Trinity" who cracked the IRS D-base, a long time ago. Anderson realizes that it was Trinity who was communicating with him on his PC. She warns him that he is in danger and being watched. She prompts him to admit that he has been searching for an answer to the question, "What is the Matrix?"

Anderson is late for work the next day at the METACORTEX software corporation and is warned to be on time by his boss. He receives a cell phone by express delivery, and when he opens the package, it rings. The caller greets him as "Neo" and Anderson knows it is Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) on the other end of the line. Morpheus warns "Neo" to get out before some agents get a hold of him, but Anderson doesn't have the courage to reach a scaffolding from the window ledge of the building, and Trinity sees him being taken away into custody for questioning from the rearview mirror of her motocycle. The agents offer to wipe-away Anderson's sorted hacking record, but he is not cooperative. They mysteriously seal his mouth and plant a worm-like tracking device (or bug) into him, but he wakes up from this as if it was only just a bad dream.

Morpheus calls him up on his home phone and arranges for him to be picked-up by Trinity so that they can meet. Morpheus tests Neo with a choice which shows his willingness to discover what the Matrix is, and they locate him for extraction into the "real world." He is released from his cocoon by a mechanized sentry and then flushed away. The crew of the hovercraft "Nebuchadnezzar" then lifts him out of the water and brings him aboard.

They operate on Neo to restore his muscular and nerve tissue, and then later, Morpheus brings Neo to meet the crew when he wakes up. Neo and Morpheus enter the "Construct Program" (a computerized simulation where different environments can be "loaded") in which Morpheus explains what's going on with the Matrix and the real world to Neo. The gist of this is that with the development of "AI" (artificial intelligence), a war has resulted between mankind and the machines which has resulted in virtual destruction of the planet, save some humans who now reside in the city of Zion (deep within the Earth's core). The machines cultivated humans (first, in field crops and then in incubation) to be used as "batteries" (for their energy potential to power the machines) and the Matrix provided a means to control these beings through an alternate reality. However, one managed to escape this slavery and then free others, but he eventually died. The prophecy, as told by The Oracle, is that another "Savior" would return and save the human race from extinction; and Morpheus believes "Neo is The One."

Of course, Neo finds this all hard to believe, but then goes along with it, realizing that he really can't return to the Matrix. Tank (Marcus Chong) trains Neo by uploading combat training programs into his head (jujitsu, kung fu, etc.) for about ten hours, and then Morpheus and Neo spar to test his new skills. Neo fails another test (the jump program) because he still doesn't quite believe in his ability to do this. In another simulation, Morpheus explains to Neo that agents are programs within the Matrix which can enter in and out of the minds of the enslaved humans and are very dangerous to defeat. However, Morpheus believes that Neo can and will overpower them, when he is brought up to speed, since the agents are bound by the rules of the Matrix.

Meanwhile, sentinels (killing machines) are following the ship Nebuchadnezzar in the vast sewer system and the only thing the crew can use that can stop them is a EMP (Electromagnetic pulse generator) device, which disables any electrical system in the blast radius. The ship manages to set down and avoid detection without deploying the EMP. Cypher (Joe Pantoliano) questions Neo about why he is selected by Morpheus, and then later, as "Mr. Reagan", enters the Matrix and makes a deal with Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) to return to the Matrix as a wealthy man in exchange for giving up Morpheus (who Smith believes knows the access codes to the Zion mainframe).

Morpheus brings Neo, Trinity, Cypher, Switch and Apoc (Julian Arahanga) and Mouse (Matt Doran), into the Matrix so that Neo can meet with the Oracle (Gloria Foster). But Cypher drops a cell phone in the trash which calls Agent Smith to allow them to trace their whereabouts. After speaking with the Oracle, Neo feels that Morpheus is "The One" and not him, but he now knows that he will eventually have to make a choice between Morpheus' life and his own.

In the setup, Mouse is killed by the agents. Morpheus and Smith fight but Morpheus is defeated and captured. Cypher returns first to the ship and kills Dozer and wounds his brother, Tank in reality, and then unplugs Switch and Apoc in the Matrix. Then, Tank kills Cypher and brings back Trinity and Neo from the Matrix. Neo and Trinity go back in again to try and save Morpheus. Smith tries to get the access codes to the Zion mainframe computer from Morpheus, while detaining him, because he wants to get out of the Matrix and take control of Zion.

A daring helecopter rescue by Neo and Trinity saves Morpheus and nearly kills Trinity. But then Neo realizes that he does have the power. He stays behind and fights with Agent Smith and eventually overpowers him and his fellow agents. He now believes he is "The One."

THE MATRIX RELOADED (2003)

Synopsis:

Neo is "The One", the savior of the people of Zion who are revolting against the machines by freeing more and more human minds than ever before from the Matrix which has enslaved them. But now, the machines have gathered an immense army of 250,000 sentinels and are boring down from the planet's surface to destroy the city of Zion, deep within the core. Morpheus and Neo are awaiting contact from the Oracle, whom they believe can provide an answer to avoiding this destruction and end the war between humans and the machines. Agent Smith, a program in the Matrix who was killed by Neo, has avoided deletion and returned as a computer virus, able to infect anyone he chooses and is now seeking to destroy The One. In order to save Zion, the rebels must battle exiled programs, agent "upgrades", assorted villains and a myriad of Smith "copies" in order to reach the Source, according to the prophecy, and end the war. But at the Source, Neo learns the truth about the Matrix from its' creator (the Architect), which is rather different than Morpheus' understanding of "the prophecy"; and must now choose between saving the people of Zion and saving Trinity, his true love.

Principal characters:

Neo (Keanu Reeves)
Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne)
Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss)
Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith)
Link (Harold Perrineau Jr.)
Zee (Nona M. Gaye)
Cas (Gina Torres)
Priestess (Valerie Berry)
Captain Mifune (Nathaniel Lees)
Commander Lock (Harry J. Lennix)
Councillor Dillard (Robyn Nevin)
Councillor Hamann (Anthony Zerbe)
Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving)
Bane (Ian Bliss)
Merovingian (Lambert Wilson)
Persephone (Monica Bellucci)
The Keymaker (Randall Duk Kim)
The Oracle (Gloria Foster)
Seraph (Sing Ngai) as Collin Chou
The Architect (Helmut Bakaitis)

The story in detail:

In Matrix Reloaded, we witness a recurring dream of Neo's in which Trinity lands her motorcycle (flying through the air) at a security station, causing the bike to crash land and act as a bomb while she jumps from it and safely lands on her feet. She kills the surviving guards and calls her operator, saying, "I'm in." The dream then jumps to Trinity driving out of the window of a building, and then shooting (while falling) an agent who is chasing after her. Trinity gets shot by the agent and then crashes on top of a parked car. Neo then awakes from his dream (not knowing if Trinity actually dies in his dream) but finds Trinity asleep beside him on the ship, Nebuchadnezzar.

Link has volunteered for duty on Morpheus' ship and Morpheus asks Link to trust him and his decisions. Trinity and Neo talk about Neo's inability to sleep from his recurring dream, but Neo can't discuss it with her. He passes them off as "just dreams" and tells her that he just wished he knew what he is now suppose to do as "The One." Trinity assures Neo that "The Oracle" will call him and let him know what to do.

Link interrupts their conversation and tells them that they are late for a secret meeting with the other ship Captains, being run by Captain Niobe. The last transmission of the ship Osiris confirms that the machines are digging and boring through the surface down to Zion at an estimated 100 meters per hour. They are now 2000 meters deep from the surface. Also projected are that some 250,000 machines (sentinels) are now doing this.

The other attendees disagree with these estimates and Morpheus, Trinity and Neo show up to argue the point and discuss a plan of action against them. Commander Lock has ordered the return of all ships to Zion while a strategy is being formulated. Neo senses something and goes upstairs to investigate. Meanwhile, Morpheus asks the other captains who believe as he does, to allow one ship to remain at broadcast level to the Matrix to allow contact from the Oracle. He says that they can go to Zion and recharge, and then return in 36 hours, well before the machines reach the outer gates to Zion. This represents a disobedience of Commander Lock's direct orders. Captain Roland tells Morpheus that the Commander will throw him into the stockades because of this, but Morpheus feels differently about this since their whole society is based-upon disobeying the rules of The Matrix. The others agree to let him have his 36 hours to make contact with the Oracle.

A package is delivered for Neo to the guards of the meeting place. It is a gift from someone who claims Neo has set free. It is an agent's ear piece or headset. Neo says the meeting is over and tells everyone to retreat to their exits as agents are coming. Three agents storm in and Neo battles with them. Neo discovers they are "upgrades" by their combat skills. Neo over-powers them, and then flies off into the sky. Duplicates of Agent Smith arrive at the scene. Neo then flies off to visit where the Oracle used to reside, but she is not there.

The hovercraft "Nebuchadnezzar" returns to Gate Three, Bay Seven with Zion Control's permission. Then the gate is locked down. Captain Mifune greets Morpheus, Link, Neo and Trinity and tells Morpheus that Commander Lock requests his immediate counsel. Morpheus thought Mifune was going to escort him to the stockades. Trinity explains to Neo that Captain Niobe used to be with Morpheus, but now she is with Lock after Morpheus went and saw the Oracle.

A kid who Neo had freed from the Matrix and worships him offers to carry Neo's bags. The kid tells Neo he is eager to join a ship's crew because he feels it is meant to be, even though he is not old enough for military duty.

Lock asks Morpheus to explain his actions for disobeying his orders since he has learned of this from the other captains. Lock also doesn't believe in oracles, messiahs or anything else except for military action against the machines. Morpheus argues that only Neo can save Zion, and Lock tells him that not everyone believes as he does about this.

The people of Zion suspect that something big is going to be announced at the temple gathering since there are so many ships are now docked back in the city. The kid asks Neo about this, but they tell him that they are not allowed to say.

Lock tells Morpheus that he is going to recommend to the council that he be relieved of duty. Councillor Hamann comes into Lock's chambers and informs Lock and Morpheus that he has been asked to speak at the temple gathering. He tells Lock that the people must be told what is happening. Lock advises Hamann to hold back certain details, as to not start a panic. Hamann asks Morpheus' opinion, and Morpheus says the truth should be told and no one will panic because there is nothing to fear. Morpheus says that the attack of the machines is one of desperation, and that the prophecy will be fulfilled and the war will end. Hamann hopes he is right about that, but Morpheus adds that it is not a matter of hope, but rather, just a matter of time.

Link and the kid leave Neo and Trinity alone in the elevator down into the city. They embrace until the door opens and people are waiting to greet "their Savior" with gifts and pleas for him to watch over their children who are serving on the ship Gnosis, Icarus and others. Trinity leaves Neo to go to her quarters and tells Neo there is time (for them to make love).

Link returns home to Cas (Dozer's widow) and her two children, and his wife Zee. She is upset that Link has been away for so long. Dozer had asked Link to volunteer if anything should happen to him and Link promised he would. (Dozer and Tank were Zee's brothers.) Zee thinks Morpheus is crazy and doesn't have faith in him. Link tells Zee that he is starting to believe in Morpheus and his convictions, and Zee tells Link to be careful because she fears that ship will take him, too.

Hamann leads a prayer at the temple meeting and asks Morpheus to close it by addressing the congregation. Morpheus tells the people that the army of the machines are approaching, and that they should not be afraid since after 100 years of fighting the machines, "We are still here!" He asks the congregation in the temple's cave to celebrate, dance, shake the "walls of stone and steel," and send a message to the machines that "This is Zion and we are not afraid!" Drums begin and the people dance to celebrate. Niobe invites Morpheus to dance but Lock intervenes.

Trinity arrives at the temple and Neo and her go off to make love while the rest dance and celebrate in their own passion. But Neo sees a glimpse of his dream about Trinity's death again. Neo tells her he doesn't want to lose her, and she says that she will never let go of him. Morpheus bids the city of Zion good night.

Meanwhile, Bane and another are leaving the Matrix and just before Bane gets a chance to call in to return, Agent Smith takes him over and infects him. Bane is now virused as Smith's clone and then answers the phone to leave the Matrix. Neo senses this and walks outside his door to be met by Councillor Hamann. Hamann invites Neo to see the engineering level of the city. Hamann points out that these machines keep the city alive while others are trying to destroy it. He tells Neo that he doesn't understand how Neo is able to do what he does but adds that he believes there is a reason for that, just as he doesn't understand how the machines keep the city alive, but they all must rely upon them. He adds the he hopes he understands it all in time before it is not too late.

Ballard knocks on Trinity's door and delivers a message to Neo from the Oracle. Neo tells Trinity it is time to go. Link tells Zee he must return to the ship because he is needed as the ship's operator. Zee gives Link a good luck charm.

Bane cuts his hand with a knife and approaches Neo and crew as if to stop him, but is interrupted by the kid who comes in unexpectedly. Bane quickly hides the knife and wishes Neo good luck and then disappears. The kid gives Neo a spoon from one of the orphans (who used to be with the oracle).

Lock goes to Hamann and is very upset that he has allowed the Nebuchadnezzar to leave Zion. Hamann tells Lock that he believes that survival of the city does not require that every ship remain there.

Neo enters the Matrix and meets up with Seraph. Neo can see that Seraph has a different "glow" about him, and Seraph admits that Neo is here to see the oracle, but then fights him to make sure he is "The One." Seraph stops the fight when he is convinced that Neo is who he is, and leads Neo to a hallway using a special key. At this point, they are not visible to the ship's operators. Neo and Seraph walk down a hall of "back doors" (programmer access to the Matrix) which are encoded within the code of the Matrix. Neo asks Seraph if he is a programmer, but Seraph replies by saying he protects that which matters most (The Oracle).

The Oracle invites Neo to sit with her and talk on a bench where she is seated. Neo tells her that he guesses that the Oracle and Seraph are programs from the machine world, thus part of the system as a another kind of control. Neo then asks how he can trust the Oracle. The Oracle tells Neo he must decide for himself if she is really here to help him or not. The Oracle tells Neo that she is only interested in the future and that they all must work together in order to get there. The Oracle then explains about other programs which run the system, but when they are faced for deletion, they either hide within the Matrix or return to the source. Neo realizes that this source is the machine mainframe and the Oracle tells him that he must go there, too. Neo tells her of his bad dream about Trinity, but the oracle says that he has already made a choice about that but now must understand it. He must seek out the Keymaker in order to save Zion, but the Keymaker has disappeared and the Oracle doesn't know what has happened to him until now. She tells Neo that the Keymaker is being held by a very dangerous program (one of the oldest of us) called the Merovingian and that Neo should meet him at a precise time and location which she has written on a piece of paper which she hands to Neo. Neo asks what the elder program wants and the Oracle tells him that men with power want more power.

Seraph and the Oracle leave and Agent Smith appears. Smith appears to be different somehow, and tells Neo of their "connection to each other." Neo is not surprised by his appearance and Smith asks Neo if he has receive his package (the earpiece at the meeting). Smith now explains that he is unplugged by the Matrix, but then was compelled to disobey by staying in the Matrix (as a virus) and now has cloned himself into many copies, as other "Smiths" suddenly appear around him. Smith tries to take over Neo because he now wants to regain his purpose for being which was taken away when Neo killed him in the first chapter this story. However, Neo defeats this attempts and battles all of the "Smiths" (thousands of them). Then Neo takes off in flight and returns to the ship.

Back on board, he tells Morpheus, Trinity and Link that Smith has found a way to copy himself. They ask Neo if Smith was trying to copy himself onto Neo, but Neo isn't sure. He only felt that it was like dying in the hallway (in the first episode when Smith tried to kill Neo).

Back at Zion, the Council listens to Commander Lock's opinion about how to defend the city from the greatest attack ever launched by the machines. The council is well aware of the seriousness of the threat and asks Lock if he has heard anything from the Nebuchadnezzar, and Lock says no. The council then requests that another ship be released to make contact with the Nebuchadnezzar. Lock affirms that it would be impossible for one ship to locate the Nebuchadnezzar, so the Council asks for two ships to be sent; and for two Captains to volunteer to come to the aid of the Nebuchadnezzar. Bane wants to volunteer, but his friend is against it. Captain Soren of the Vigilant, and Captain Niobe of the Logos volunteer. Jason Lock questions Niobe's reasons for doing this. She tells him that, "Some things never change...and some things do."

Neo, Trinity and Morpheus return to the Matrix to meet with the Frenchman (the Merovingian) at the appointed place and time. While in the elevator, Morpheus asks Neo what he sees and Neo says that the Matrix code is now somewhat different and possibly encrypted. He adds that there are now explosives wired on every floor of the building. They enter a restaurant and ask to talk with the Frenchman who has been expecting them. As they enter, Neo notices a man being escorted out of the dining room (Rama-Kandra). The Frenchman knows Neo is "The One" and also knows of Morpheus and Trinity. He invites them to join him at his table and introduces his wife, Persephone. The Frenchman asks what they want and Morpheus says they are looking for the Keymaker. The Frenchman tells them that they are here because they were sent here. But more important, they should know "why" they were sent here and it is knowing that which is the only source of power. The Frenchman refuses to give up the Keymaker, but tells them to tell the fortune-teller (the Oracle) that her time is almost up. He adds that the Keymaker belongs to him and he sees no reason why he should give him up. The Frenchman goes off to the bathroom.

They are escorted back to the elevator wondering what went wrong with this meeting, but Morpheus claims that is was meant to be since they are still alive. The elevator door opens and Persephone meets them and offers to lead them to the Keymaker. She offers to lead them to the Keymaker if Neo kisses her as if he was really kissing Trinity. She knows they are in love and wants to experience that again since her husband has been cheating on her. After failing to convince her, Neo agrees to kiss her again with more passion, and Persephone tells Trinity that she envies her, but that her love for Neo was not meant to last.

Persephone leads them through a secret "back door" (through the kitchen of the restaurant) with a special key (out of Link's view from the ship), into their home. Persephone shoots one of her guards and tells the other to go to the ladies room of the restaurant and inform her husband of what she has done. She leads Neo to the Keymaker who has been expecting him and then they meet up with her husband back in the foyer. Persephone explains her actions to her unfaithful husband and leaves the room. Two henchman are sent after the Keymaker who then runs away and Trinity and Morpheus follow after him while Neo is left to handle the Merovingian and the rest of his protectors. They all shoot at him, but Neo deflects all of their bullets, and then battles them in hand and weapon combat. When only the Frenchman is left alive, Neo chases after him but he manages to escape through a door and shuts it behind him. Neo reopens the door to find that it is not the kitchen through which they had originally entered, but somewhere else.

The twin henchmen (who have extraordinary powers and speed) chase after Neo, Trinity and the Keymaker into a garage, but the three of them manage to get into a car and take off. Neo gets to the door leading to the garage, but one of the twins shuts the door before he can reach it. When Neo breaks through the door, he is now somewhere else again. He calls Link to find out where he is and Link tells him he is 500 miles away from the city; and then he flies off back to the city to get back to where Morpheus, Trinity and the Keymaker are.

Morpheus, Trinity, and the Keymaker are now driving away from the building (within the core network of the Matrix) and Morpheus calls Link for an exit. Link tells him to go to the freeway, but the twins are close behind and shooting at them. Link helps them to avoid eight cops which are also following them and navigates them away from them so that they can get to the freeway and reach the "Winslow overpass" (the exit). Niobe calls link and tells him she needs to talk to Morpheus. Link tells her to "follow the sirens" on the freeway. The police who are chasing after them are taken over by agents (transformed) and their primary target is the Keymaker. The amazing chase continues on the freeway, including gun shots, battles within Morpheus' car with one of the twins, a motorcycle chase between Trinity and the agents in the cop cars, and an incredible combat between Morpheus and an agent on top of a moving truck to protect the Keymaker. Niobe aids in rescuing Morpheus when he falls from the truck and the fight continues. Neo flies in to rescue Morpheus and the Keymaker when their truck intentionally collides with another.

The machines are about 9 hours away from reaching the gates of Zion. The Keymaker tells Morpheus and his warriors of a building which has a floor filled with many doors which lead to many hidden places, but one door is special and leads to "The Source." Neo starts to picture this from his dream about Trinity. The Keymaker explains about the security system in which all alarms will trigger a bomb. But the weakness in the system is that it is all based-upon electricity and they must disable 27 city blocks from a power station and prevent a fail-safe system from reactivating within 5 minutes. During this time window, only "The One" can open the door to The Source. The Keymaker knows this because that is his purpose. Neo is worried about this plan because of his dream about Trinity. He asks her to stay out of the Matrix. They decide to attack at midnight.

The power plant gets shut down, but some sentinels have attacked Soren's ship, so the back-up power system is still operational. Trinity decides to go in and disable the back-up system. Link hacks Trinity into the building and we now see the execution of Neo's dream. Smith confronts Morpheus Neo and the Keymaker within the building at a dead end in the hallway. The Keymaker hides while Neo and Morpheus battle Smith and his copies. Trinity disables the back-up system and the Keymaker gets Neo and Morpheus in through a door, but is shot by Smith and his copies. He gives Neo a key to the Source door before dying.

Neo enters the door and meets the Architect who explains the Matrix to him and presents him with a choice between saving Trinity, or saving Zion. Neo chooses to save Trinity, believing that he can also save Zion, too. He captures her in her fall and brings her to a rooftop. He removes the bullet inside of her, but she dies. He then brings her back to life by massaging her heart.

But the war is not over, and Neo explains to Morpheus that the prophecy was a lie and they must do something within 24 hours to save Zion. The sentinels launch a bomb against their ship and Morpheus, Neo, Trinity and Link escape from the ship before it is destroyed. Neo finds he can now stop the sentinels with his own powers. The ship Hammer comes to their rescue. Captain Roland has a survivor from another ship on board. The survivor is Bane.

...and the story continues in Part 3, The Matrix Revolutions.

Many who saw Matrix Reloaded were a bit disappointed in having to wait until the release of "Revolutions" to find out how it all ends. But I think the wait was worth it. The third segment of this trilogy really was intense, both in terms of action and CGI effects, which probably required more post-production work than either of the two other Matrix films.

THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS (2003)

Now, 20 hours are left before the War begins between Zion and the machines. "Matrix Revolutions" is the third (and final?) part of this trilogy, and was filmed during the same time as "Matrix Reloaded," (Part II).

Note: The role of "The Oracle" in "Revolutions" was played by Mary Alice as Gloria Foster died September 29, 2001 from diabetes during the filming of The Matrix Reloaded. She had almost completed her scenes for this film, but had not shot any for the third film. You might remember Mary Alice as "Nurse Margaret" in Awakenings (1990), Bonfire of the Vanities (1990), and many TV guest appearances including: Cosby, Law & Order, L.A. Law, Sanford and Son, (as Fred's Sister), and many other films and shows. She is sometimes acredited as "Mary Alice Smith." The change in actors in this role was quite possible since just about anything can change in The Matrix, being that we now know that The Oracle was "a program" to begin with.

Director Ridley Scott had much more of a challenge in the movie, Gladiator (2000), when Oliver Reed (as "Proximo") died during the making of that film before his role was completed. He suffered a fatal heart attack in a bar in Valletta, Malta on May 2, 1999, after downing three bottles of rum and beating five sailors at arm-wrestling. Some of his sequences had to be re-edited and a double, photographed in the shadows and with a 3D CGI mask of Reed's face, was used as a stand-in. The film is dedicated to his memory since Director, Ridley Scott spent some 3,000,000 dollars to recreate Oliver's face.

Principal Characters of Matrix Revolutions,
(Listed Alphabetically):

Mary Alice: The Oracle
Tanveer K. Atwal: Sati (a young girl)
Helmut Bakaitis: The Architect
Kate Beahan: Coat Check Girl
Francine Bell: Councillor Grace
Monica Bellucci: Persephone
Rachel Blackman: Charra
Ian Bliss: Bane
David Bowers: Q-Ball Gang Member #1
Zeke Castelli: Operations Officer Mattis
Sing Ngai: Seraph (as Collin Chou)
Essie Davis: Maggie
Laurence Fishburne: Morpheus
Nona M. Gaye: Zee
Dion Horstmans: Q-Ball Gang Member #2
Lachy Hulme: Sparks
Christopher Kirby: Mauser
Peter Lamb: Colt
Nathaniel Lees: Mifune
Harry J. Lennix: Commander Jason Lock
Robert Mammone: AK
Joe Manning: First Operator at Command
Maurice Morgan: Tower Soldier
Carrie-Anne Moss: Trinity
Tharini Mudaliar: Kamala (Sati's mother)
Rene Naufahu: Zion Gate Operator
Robyn Nevin: Councillor Dillard
Genevieve O'Reilly: Officer Wirtz
Harold Perrineau Jr.: Link
Jada Pinkett Smith: Niobe
Kittrick Redmond: Second Operator at Command
Keanu Reeves: Neo
Rupert Reid: Lock's Lieutenant
Kevin Michael Richardson: Deus Ex Machina (voice)
David Roberts: Captain Roland
Bruce Spence: Trainman
Richard Sydenham: Dock Sergeant
Che Timmins: Radio Bunker Man
Gina Torres: Cas
Clayton Watson: Kid
Hugo Weaving: Agent Smith
Cornel West: Councillor West
Bernard White: Rama-Kandra (Sati's father)
Lambert Wilson: Merovingian (the Frenchman)
Anthony Wong: Ghost
Anthony Zerbe: Councillor Hamann

The ships of Zion's fleet:

Nebuchadnezzar: Capt: Morpheus, Crew: Neo, Trinity and Link (operator)
Logos: Capt: Niobe, Crew: Ghost and Sparks (operator)
Vigilant: Capt: Soren, Crew: Vector, Binary, Axel and Jax (operator)
Caduceus: Capt: Ballard, Crew: Malachi and Bane
Hammer/Mjolnir: Capt: Roland, Crew: Mauser, Colt, Maggie and AK (operator)
Osiris: Capt: Thadeus, Crew: Jue and three others
Gnosis: Only the crewmember Jacob is mentioned in the film

Ships mentioned but crews unknown: Icarus and Novalis
Captains seen/mentioned but ships unknown: Ice, Ajax, Kali and Tirant
Crew seen/mentioned but ships unknown: Wurm and Corrupt

The story in detail:

Chapter 1: 20 hours to go.

We are aboard Captain Roland's ship, the Hammer, and they can find no trace of Captain Niobe and Ghost's ship, the Logos. Roland tells his crew to search everywhere for the missing ship.

In the medical lab, Maggie brings Trinity something to eat as she watches over Neo, and Bane is lying on the next operating table. They are both either asleep or in a comatose state. Maggie tells Trinity that Captain Roland wants to find out why Bane has self-inflicted knife cuts on his arm when he wakes up. Morpheus asks Captain Roland to search for Neo in the Matrix, even though he is not plugged in. Maggie then tells Trinity that she doesn't think Neo is in a coma, but that his brain patterns resemble one who is plugged in to the Matrix. The crew learns that they have only have 20 hours before the machines reach Zion. Link, the operator, gets a call from Seraph for Morpheus. Seraph tells Morpheus that he must come at once to see the Oracle.

Chapter 2: Trapped.

Neo wakes up but he is not in the Matrix, but rather in a subway train station called "Mobil Ave." He is greeted by Sati, a young girl, who informs him that he is in the train station (a path which leads to the Matrix but is controlled by the Trainman). Sati tells Neo that he must be lost and her father (Rama-Kandra) says that Neo can't go with her and her family. They must do what the Trainman says or else he will leave them there, forever.

Seraph brings Morpheus and Trinity to the Oracle. Trinity doesn't recognize the Oracle at first. The Oracle tells them that she has been changed because she made a choice to help Neo. Now, she is making that same choice again. She tells them that Neo is trapped in a place between this world (the Matrix) and the machine world. The link is controlled by a program called the Trainman. She goes on to explain that the Trainman uses the station to smuggle programs in and out of the Matrix, and that he works for the Frenchman. The Frenchman has also placed a bounty on the lives of Trinity and Morpheus. The Oracle sends Seraph to guide them to the Trainman, and Morpheus asks the Oracle how he can believe her this time. She tells him that he will have to decide for himself, but that Neo is in trouble and needs help from "all of us."

Chapter 3: The connection matters.

Neo tries to explain to Sati where he is from, and then meets her father, Rama-Kandra, (Neo remembers seeing him in the restaurant of the Frenchman), and his wife, Kamala. Neo knows they are programs. Rama-Kandra is the power-plant systems manager for recycling operations, and his wife is an interactive software programmer and is highly creative. Rama-Kandra explains to Neo that he loves his daughter very much because she is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. But where he is from, that is not enough. Every program that is created must have a purpose, and if not, it is deleted. He made a deal with the Frenchman to save his daughter from deletion because of his love for her. Neo doesn't understand how a program can "love" since to him, it is a human emotion. Rama-Kandra replies that "love" is only a word, but what matters is the connection that it implies. He also tells Neo that he can see Neo is also in love and asks what he would give to hold onto that connection. Neo says, "Anything." Then Rama-Kandra says that perhaps the reason why Neo is here may not be so different than his reason for being here.

Chapter 4: Down here I'm God.

Seraph, Morpheus and Trinity are on the train and the Trainman (a skinny, long-haired man) is sitting in the corner. When the Trainman sees the three of them approaching, he jumps up, points his gun at them and tells them to get away from him. Seraph asks for his help and the Trainman says, "No one can help you," and then pulls the emergency brake handle and runs away on the platform. They chase after him while he shoots back at them, and then he jumps across the tracks before another approaching train and vanishes.

Back at the station, Neo, Sati and her parents are waiting for the train which is now late. Neo asks Rama-Kandra if the train is late because of him, but the father doesn't know. He says only the Oracle knows such things. Neo is surprised that he knows of the Oracle and Rama-Kandra says that everyone knows of her. He went to her before meeting the Frenchman. The deal was only for her daughter to be allowed back into the Matrix, and that he and Kamala are to return to their world as part of their Karma. The Oracle would watch over Sati when she arrives. The train arrives and Neo offers to carry one of their bags. But the Trainman stops Neo from getting on and says that he knows him. The Trainman says that he cannot go unless the Frenchman says so, and that he will be here for a long time. Neo offers to pay the Trainman, but the Trainman refuses. Neo then says he doesn't want to hurt him, and the Trainman punches Neo and is thrown back against the wall. The Trainman then tells Neo that he doesn't understand that he built this place and that, down here, he is God. The Trainman and the family leave the station. Seraph suggests to Trinity to contact the Oracle, but Trinity says that she knows what to do. Neo tries to run away from the station on the train tracks, but immediately ends up at the same station again, as if caught in a loop.

Chapter 5: Coat-check chaos.

Seraph walks up to the nightclub where the Frenchman is and tells the bouncers he needs to speak with him. They refuse him, and Seraph, Morpheus and Trinity kill them and enter the front door and take the elevator down to the coat-check area. When the door opens, they grab the coat-check girl and pull her into the elevator, and kill the other guards in a vicious fight.

Chapter 6: Interesting deal.

Once in the club, they enter with guns drawn and the Frenchman stops the music and tells them to surrender their weapons if they want to talk to him and be allowed to leave safely. They give up the guns and talk with the Frenchman. We get the idea that Seraph used to work for the Frenchman before going to the aid of the Oracle. The Frenchman knows why they are here because it is his business to know. Morpheus says they want to make a deal. The Frenchman says that he wants the eyes of the Oracle in exchange for their savior. Trinity loses it and they all start fighting until everyone is at a stand-off at gun point, and Trinity proposes a new deal with a gun pressed against the Frenchman's head. Her deal is that he gives her Neo and she will let him live. Persephone tells her husband that she will kill everyone if she has to because she is in love. The Frenchman remarks how similar the pattern of love is to the pattern of insanity.

Chapter 7: The end is coming.

Back at the station, Neo is thinking of a way out and he mentally pictures something in his mind from the machine world. A train arrives at the station and Trinity walks out and embraces him. Morpheus calls his operator, Link, to get them out of the Matrix. Link asks Morpheus if he has found Neo because he cannot detect Neo's presence within the group of them, but rather, something else. Neo tells Trinity that he can't leave the Matrix yet because he must see the Oracle, as it is his last chance to do so.

Sati is helping the Oracle to make a batch of new cookies. Sati asks why she uses her hands and the Oracle claims the secret is that "cookies need love like everything does." Neo appears and the Oracle says she was hoping to have the cookies ready for Neo before he got there. Sati is glad that Neo got out of the train station. The Oracle sends Sati out to Seraph with the cookie dough for a tasting, and the Oracle asks Neo if he recognizes her. Neo says "a part of you." The Oracle says "that's how it works." Neo wants to know from the Oracle where all of this is going and where does it end. The Oracle says that she doesn't know and Neo wants to know if she doesn't know, or she won't tell him. The Oracle explains that no one can see beyond a choice they don't understand. Neo doesn't understand what choice she is referring to. The Oracle says we all have our choices to make. She has hers, and Neo has his. Neo asks if that includes what things she is suppose to tell him and what not to. The Oracle says, "Of course not." Then Neo wants to know why she didn't tell him about the Architect, about Zion and the ones before him, and basically, why she didn't tell him the truth. The Oracle says that it wasn't time for him to know. Neo then wants to know who decided that it wasn't time. Then she said, "You know who," and looks up at the sign above her door which reads, in Latin, "Temet Nosce", or Know Thyself. Neo admits, "I did." Then Neo tells her that he thinks it is time to know a few more things like his ability to "jack in" to the Matrix without being plugged in and his new ability to stop sentinels without the use of an EMP. The Oracle says that the power of The One extends beyond this world and reaches from here all the way back to where it came from, meaning, the source, but Neo was ready to understand that when he "touched" the sentinels.

This dialogue sums up the rest of what Neo must do:

Oracle: You should be dead, but apparently you weren't ready for that either.
Neo: The Architect said that if I didn't return to the source, Zion would be destroyed tonight.
Oracle: Please. You and I may not be able to see beyond our own choices but that man can't see past any choice.
Neo: Why not?
Oracle: He doesn't understand them. He can't. To him, they are variables in an equation. One at a time, each variable must be solved, then countered. That's his purpose. To balance the equation.
Neo: What's your purpose?
Oracle: To unbalance it.
Neo: Why? What do you want?
Oracle: I want the same thing you want, Neo. And I'm willing to go as far as you are to get it.
Neo: The end of the war. Is it going to end?
Oracle: One way or another.
Neo: Can Zion be saved?
Oracle: I'm sorry, I don't have the answer to that question, but... If there is an answer, there's only one place you're going to find it.
Neo: Where?
Oracle: You know where. And if you can't find the answer then I'm afraid there may be no tomorrow for any of us.
Neo: What does that mean?
Oracle: Everything that has a beginning... has an end. I see the end coming. I see the darkness spreading. I see death. And you are all that stands in his way.
Neo: Smith.
Oracle: (with a nod) Very soon, he is going to have the power to destroy this world. But I believe he won't stop there. He can't. He won't stop until there's nothing left at all.
Neo: What is he?
Oracle: He is you. Your opposite, your negative. The result of the equation trying to balance itself out.
Neo: And if I can't stop him?
Oracle: One way or another, Neo, this war is going to end. Tonight, the future of both worlds will be in your hands or in his.

Chapter 8: We meet at last.

Bane awakes from his sleep and sits up on the operating table. Neo awakes from being jacked in to the Matrix at the same time and Trinity asks him if he's all right. Neo nods that he is and says that he needs time. Maggie informs Capt. Roland that Bane is conscious and Roland goes off to question him. The Oracle finishes baking her cookies and Seraph enters her kitchen. The Oracle remarks how she's going to miss the smell of fresh-baked cookies and gives a bag of them to Sati to take with her. Sati asks if she can come back and the Oracle says that she hopes so. Seraph and Sati try to use the elevator, but it doesn't respond. The hallway becomes dark and Seraph and Sati take the stairway down until they see agents coming up the same. They quickly hide in another apartment, but Smith tracks them down. Sati tells Smith that the Oracle has told her that he is a bad man. But Smith says that he's not so bad once you get to know him, and many other copies of Smith enter the room. Smith then goes to the Oracle who is sitting in her kitchen. Smith tells her that the Oracle must have been expecting him, but then wonders why she is just sitting there with this knowledge. He smashes the cookie platter against the wall to point out that Oracle placed it there deliberately. The Oracle asks Smith what he did with Sati, and Smith replies that "Cookies need love like everything does," (which implies that he physically "touched her"). The oracle says that he is a bastard, and Smith replies, "You would know, Mom." The Oracle tells Smith to do what he is here to do. Smith jams his hand into the Oracles arm and she is suddenly transformed into another Smith copy (or so it appears). The copy looks around at the other Smith copies and starts to laugh. The other copies and Smith back away as if something is wrong, or changed.

Chapter 9: The Logos found.

Captain Roland and his crew question Bane about his wounds but Bane doesn't seem to know why he would cut himself, unless he wasn't himself at the time. And if he is not himself, then who is he? Roland asks Maggie if Bane was tested for VDT's and to do whatever it take to make him remember and tell the truth. Neo's vision of the future now reveals three tunnels leading into the machine world. Mauser tells Roland that the Logos has been found and his ship now hovers over it. Morpheus asks if there are any signs on life onboard, but scanners indicate negatively. Niobe and her crew walk up to her ship from outside and greet Morpheus and tells him that her ship only needs "a jump." She asks Morpheus if he got Neo out, (meaning, the train station), and Morpheus asks how she knew about that. She tells Morpheus that she saw the Oracle before the sentinels found her and her ship. Morpheus then asks her what she was told and Niobe says, "Exactly what I needed to hear."

Chapter 10: Volunteers.

Commander Lock addresses the Council and tells them that in 12 hours the machines will breack the dock walls. His opinion is that their chances of Zion's survival will decrease dramatically if the diggers are not destroyed once inside the dock. Otherwise, the only other point of defense would be the entrance to the temple, which would force the sentinels into a bottleneck. He tells the Council that he plans to use the entire APU Corps and half of the infantry. Hamann asks Lovk if there has been any word from the Nebuchadnezzar. Lock replies that there has been none and he doesn't expect that there ever will be. Hamann expresses that "we can hope," but Lock says that hope is an indulgence he doesn't have time for.

Zee is making shells as Cas and her children enters her home. They are evacuating this level of the city and Zee says that she is not going with her as they have called for volunteers to hold the dock. Cas tries to talk her out of it, but Zee asks Cas if Dozer were out there, would she do the same in order to see him again? Cas then agrees with her that she would be making shells, too. In the loading dock, the kid turns over an APU shell loader, and Mifune questions who he is. The kid says he's a unit volunteer and lies about his age. He finally admits to Mifune that he is 16, although the minimum age for the Corps. is 18. He adds that the machines don't care about his age and would kill him just the same. He begs Mifune for a chance to serve and Mifune agrees.

Chapter 11: I believe in him.

Link charges the Logos with a boost from the Hammer. But something is now different about the operators view of the Matrix. Captain Roland confirms that their view is what they see on the Hammer. But Link suspects that whatever it is, it can't be good.

Roland plans to drop down from broadcast level to where the sentinels have entered a pipeline. He suggests to go ahead of the Logos, and punching a hole in the pipe with his ship and then discharging his EMP to offset the invaders and allow Niobe's ship to get through and back to Zion. Niobe suggests another way in through a support line, but Roland and Morpheus doubt that she can pilot through it, even though she has done it before, years ago. She affirms that she can still do it. Roland says that they wouldn't be able to follow her. Neo joins the meeting and informs everyone that he must take one of the ships and go to the machine city. Roland thinks he's crazy, but refuses to give up his ship for this purpose since he is the Captain of it. Niobe offers Neo her ship and to pilot the Hammer back to Zion. Morpheus questions Niobe's reason for her offer because he didn't think she had any faith in "The One". She says that she doesn't believe in "The One," but she believes in Neo. Neo thanks her as Roland storms off in disgust.

Chapter 12: Nothing's changed.

Maggie prepares an injection to help Bane relax and help him remember. Bane asks her what if he doesn't want to remember. He adds that if he had blew the EMP and destroyed the other ships, then it wouldn't be safe for him there. Maggie quickly tries to inject him, but Bane stabs her with a scalpel and kills her. Neo tells Trinity that he is supposed to go to the machine world, but not to return. Trinity knows that he is not returning because she could see it in his face, earlier. She tells Neo that six hours ago she had told the Frenchman that she would do anything to save Neo and that nothing has changed since then.

Chapter 13: Stowaway.

Niobe and Ghost prepare to pilot the Hammer. Roland tells her that Neo didn't need anything for his journey. Link wishes Trinity good luck instead of goodbye. Morpheus tells Neo he hopes he knows what he is doing and Neo tells him it was an honor being with him during this time. Morpheus corrects him saying that the honor was still his as they shake hands. The Hammer departs, but when Trinity starts to leave the power shorts out and she goes down below to investigate it. Bane overtakes her and tells her that he will enjoy killing her as much as killing "him." Trinity realizes that Bane is now psychotic and battles with him. She manages to get to the intercom to warn Neo about Bane. Bane then knocks her out.

Chapter 14: See your enemy.

On the Hammer, AK tells Roland that Maggie has been found murdered and now Roland realizes that Bane has killed her and fired the EMP which murdered the other ships and crew. They search their ship, but realize that Bane is on the Logos and that they should not go back and allow him to get control of another EMP. They are now on their own, just like them. Neo confronts Bane who has a knife to Trinity's throat. Trinity tells Neo to shoot him, but he can't do it. Bane tells Neo to put down his weapon and to turn away from it. Bane throws Trinity down a hatch and gets to the gun before Neo does. Neo doesn't know who Bane is at first, but then realizes that Bane is really Smith behind Bane's flesh. Trinity cuts through the rope which binds her hands and manages to cut the power just as Bane fires at Neo and misses. They battle and Bane manages to blind Neo with a loose power cable. Neo gets up and starts walking in Bane's general direction, but Bane doesn't think that he can see him. Bane tries to hit Neo with a metal rod, but Neo gets a hold of him and tells Bane he can see him, (as Agent Smith). Bane says it isn't over, but Neo decapitates him with the metal crowbar. Neo then frees Trinity from the lower level. She is shocked to see Neo's burned eyes, but Neo tells her he will be okay as long as she drives.

Chapter 15: Give 'em hell.

Seismic readings indicate that there are only 22 minutes left until the dock is breached. Commander Lock orders the APU's into position to concentrate on the diggers. The kid and other volunteers finish loading the ammo into the APUs and Mifune leads them into formation. He tells them that if they must give up their lives to the machines, he asks that they give them hell before they do. Zee and Charra admit they are scared as they await with the other infantry. But Charra says if Zee keeps loading shells for her, she will keep shooting.

Chapter 16: Detected.

As Niobe approached her entry point into the support line, she accidentally bumps into a formation and the sentinels start to chase after them. Link and others run to man the turrets and Niobe makes a run for the entrance under full power. Niobe flips the ship into the entrance and Roland is surprised that his ship is capable of such a maneuver. The sentinels are close behind.

Chapter 17: Breaching the dome.

The dome of the dock is breached by a digger and it crashes to the ground. Sentinels begin to swarm in and the APUs return fire. As the fallen digger rights itself to begin digging again through the base of the dock, Charra and Zee fail to cripple it with two shots from her bazooka. They seek a better position from which to fire. The swarm of sentinels intensify and crash the control room. Locks demands that his infantry take out the digger.

Chapter 18: Storming sentinels.

Charra and Zee fire again and disable the digger. A sentinel attacks them but Charra manages to seal a hatch before it reaches them. A second digger breaches the dome. Sentinels are hot on Niobe's trail as her gunners fire at them. Some sentinels attack the ship's radio tower and manage to take down one of their guns.

Chapter 19: Trying to keep up.

Charra finds a vantage point above the digger and fires at it. A sentinel then kills her and Zee escapes. Sensors detect a Zion ship coming in through the mechanical line, but Lock thinks it's a trick and demands access codes from the ship. Niobe tells Morpheus to keep up with her navigation commands. The command center finally confirms that the ship hammer is really just about 12 minutes away from Gate 3. Lock is doubtful, but he is told that their EMP could take out the sentinels while Lock believes that an EMP will cause them to lose control of the dock. He is informed that the dock has already been lost to the sentinels, and commands to open the gate for the Hammer. The sentinels have taken control of the gate and they can't get it open.

Chapter 20: Unfinished business.

The dock interior is swarming with sentinels and infantry are being grabbed and killed throughout the interior tunnels. Only 13 APUs are operational. The kid reloads Mifune's APU but one of the shell canisters gets stuck. The kid forces it in and Mifune turns to attack a swarm of sentinels which eventually overtake him. He tells the kid that the Hammer is coming and he must take over and cut the counterweights to Gate 3. The kid replies that he never completed the training program, and Mifune replies, "Neither did I," and then dies.

Chapter 21: Hell of a pilot.

Roland wants to fire the EMP now, and Niobe prays for somebody to open the gate. The kid takes command of the APU place and rushes over to the gate, trying to remember how to properly operate the it. Lock learns that Mifune's APU is back up and running, and transmits by radio that he must get the gate open for the Hammer to enter. Zee hears this message on her radio and prays that Link is still alive. As the kid lines up to shoot at the counterweights, a sentinel knocks him over, but Zee manages to kill it. She tells the kid to "Do it." The kid says, "Neo, I believe," and fires through the chains. As the gate opens, Niobe crashes into the dock area and the EMP is deployed, wiping-out the sentinels. Morpheus tells Niobe she's "one hell of a pilot." And, the infantry cheer the defeat of the attackers. Zee calls out to link and tells him she knew he would return. Links tells her he made a promise to come back. She notices that Link is wearing her good luck necklace, and Zee tells her he is never going to take it off.

Chapter 22: Report to the Council.

Lock scolds Niobe for firing the EMP inside the dock and thus, wiping out all of their defenses against the next wave of attack by the sentinels. They seal off the shaft leading from the dock with an explosion. The Council then questions Niobe's reason for giving her ship to Neo. Hamann asks if the Oracle had anything to do with this. Niobe explains that the Oracle told her that Neo would need her help anf she would choose to help him or not. The council cannot understand how one ship could be effective agains the machines, and Roland adds that Neo went without any ammo at all, being out of his mind. Morpheus corrects him by saying that Neo is doing what he believes he must do. He adds that he doesn't know if what he is doing is right, or if he will reach the machine city. But he does know that Neo will not give up as long as he is alive.

Chapter 23: Believers.

Neo senses that their ship is over the cultivation fields and points out three power lines as their path. The sentinels manage to restore a digger back into operation and Lock suggests to the Council that the people of Zion should retreat into the temple. When asked about their chances of survival, Lock tells the Council to ask Morpheus since he believes in miracles.

Chapter 24: Glimpse of the sky.

The machines launch an attack of bombs against Neo and Trinity's ship, but Neo is able to detonate them from within the cockpit. Sentinels swarm in from behind and there are too many of them for Neo to handle. He tells Trinity to head up to the sky over machine combat line. The ship breaks into the daylight and Trinity remarks of its beauty. The ship stalls out and plunges back to the machine city. Neo tells Trinity to pump the igniter slowly to restart the ship, but it crashes into a large tower.

Chapter 25: Saying what matters.

Neo thinks they have arrived safely, but Trinity is impaled on a protruding bar on the ship's floor. Trinity asks Neo to kiss her once more and she dies.

Chapter 26: A truce.

Another digger enters the dock and continues downwards. Link prays to Neo to do something quick. Neo climbs out of the ship and can see a bright light all around him. He walks to the rear of the ship and looks out at the machine city. The Deus Ex Machina rises to meet Neo as sentinels swarm all around him. Neo offers a truce to the machine. He tells the machine that Smith has grown out of control and will soon spread through the machine city, just as he has spread through the Matrix, but he can stop him. The machine replies, "We don't need you!", and that they need nothing. Neo argues that if this is true, then he's made a mistake and they should kill him now. The machine asks what he wants. Neo replies, "Peace."

Sentinels arrive at the temple gates, but pause for a moment. Morpheus puts down his weapon and walks out to them, unarmed. Neo allows himself to be plugged in by the machines. The Deus Ex Machina asks Neo, "What if you fail?" Neo replies, "I won't." Niobe looks up at the swarms of sentinels and says Neo's name out loud and Morpheus adds, "He fights for us."

Chapter 27: It ends tonight.

Back into the Matrix, Neo walks past thousands of "Smith copies" who are lined-up on both sides of the street and in every window, until he meets up with the original in the middle of the street. Neo tells Smith "It ends tonight." And, Smith says that they both know that he is the one who will beat him. The copies will just "enjoy the show." They brawl in the street and then take-off into the sky (as they now are equally matched in strength and with similar powers).

Chapter 28: Urban splash.

The fight continues inside a building. Smith tells Neo that he is thankful that he has learned his purpose of all life from him, and that is: "The purpose of life is to end." They fight some more until Neo knocks Smith's sunglasses off of his face and then kicks him out through the window. They charge towards each other and their battle continues up in the sky as an intense thunder storm surrounds them.

Chapter 29: Neo's choice.

Smith manages to brings Neo down with him; and as they crash, they form a large crater in the pavement. Smith stands over Neo and says:

Agent Smith: "Why, Mr. Anderson?
Why, why, why?
Why do you do it?
Why? Why get up?
Why keep fighting?
Do you believe you're fighting for something?
For more than your survival?
Can you tell me what it is?
Do you even know?
Is it freedom or truth? Perhaps peace?
Could it be for love?
Illusions, Mr. Anderson. Vagaries of perception.
Temporary constructs of a feeble human intellect trying desperately to justify an existence that is without meaning or purpose! And all of them just as artificial as the Matrix itself. Although, only a human mind could event something as insipid as love.
You must be able to see it, Mr. Anderson.
You must know it by now.
You can't win.
It's pointless to keep fighting.
Why? Mr. Anderson. Why? Why do you persist?"
Neo: "Because I choose to."
They fight some more and Neo punches Smith into the side of the crater. Smith leaps out the mud.

Smith: "This is my world! My world!"

Smith smashes Neo onto the ground.

Chapter 30: Inevitable and over.

Smith: "Wait. I've seen this. This is it. This is the end.
Yeah. You were laying right there, just like that. And I... I..., I stand here, right here, and I'm supposed to say something.
I say: "Everything that has a beginning, has an end, Neo."
What? What did I just say?
No, no. This isn't right. This can't be right.

Neo gets back up again and walks towards Smith.

Smith: Get away from me!
Neo: "What are you afraid of?"
Smith: "It's a trick."
Neo: "You were right, Smith. You were always right. It was inevitable."

Smith jabs his hand into Neo and he appears to transform into a copy of himself.

Agent Smith: "Is it over?

Neo nods a "yes" and the "plugged-in Neo" receives a charge of energy from the Deus Ex Machina which causes the new copy of Smith (Neo) to explode.

Agent Smith: Oh, no, no, no! No, it's not fair!"

Then Smith and his copies disintegrate since the real transformation was Neo balancing the equation by imprinting himself onto Smith, thus allowing the machines to destroy "both sides" as part of his deal with the machines.

Chapter 31: Real peace.

The Head Machine: "It is done."

Neo is unplugged and dies. The sentinels retreat from Zion.

Morpheus: "He did it."
The kid: "He did it. He saved us. He ended the war... Zion! Zion! It's over… The war is over!"
Morpheus: "I have imagined this moment for so long. Is this real?"
Niobe: "Neo, wherever you are. Thank you!"

Neo's "crucifix" (on the ship) is carried away into the source of the Machine World.

Chapter 32: Freedom and sunlight.

The Matrix is now transformed into the "Real World" and a "deja-vu" of the black cat we saw before (representing a change in the Matrix) wakes up Sati who is asleep on the pavement. The Architect walks over to the Oracle who is sitting on a park bench by the water.

The Oracle: "Well, now. Ain't this a surprise."
The Architect: "You played a very dangerous game."
The Oracle: "Change always is."
The Architect: "Just how long do you think this peace is going to last?"
The Oracle: "As long as it can.
Architect: [skoffs]
Oracle: "What about the others?"
Architect: "What others?"
Oracle: "The ones who want out."
Architect: "Obviously, they will be freed."
Oracle: "I have your word?
Architect: "What do you think I am? Human?"

The Architect walks away as the sun rises over the park. Seraph and Sati come over to the Oracle and Sati has made a beautiful sunrise to honor Neo. She asks the Oracle if they will ever see Neo again, and the Oracle says, "Someday." Seraph asks the Oracle if she knew this would all happen, but the Oracle said that she didn't know, but that she believed.

Chapter 33: End credits.

Background chorus during movie credits - (in Sanskrit):
Lead us from darkness to light... from untruth to truth...

NEEDFUL THINGS (1993)
Directed by: Fraser Clarke Heston
Written by: Stephen King (book)
W.D. Richter (screenplay)
Castle Rock Entertainment and New Line Cinema

The animated Castle Rock Entertainment logo seems to have been designed for the lighthouse in this film. A stranger comes to the quaint New England town of Castle Rock and opens a "curio shop." His ad reads, "You won't believe your eyes," (and the name of the shop), "Needful Things." The whole town, in time, is curious, including "Nettie" (Amanda Plummer), who works across from it at the local café. A young boy, Brian Rusk, cuts school and rides his bike down to the shop to explore it the day before its official opening. To his surprise, as he peers through the front window, he notices an "Open" sign on the front door and enters (ringing a small bell as the door hits it).

The shop's owner, a tall elderly man named Leland Gaunt, startles Brian a little when he appears and claims he's from Akron, Ohio. He asks Brian what he desires and seems to already recognize Wilma Jerzyck and her husband, Pete who are outside buying feed for their turkey farm. Brian informs Mr. Gaunt that Wilma is a crazy person. Leland asks Brian what would make him happy and Brian tells him it's a Topps 1956 New York Yankees Mickey Mantle baseball card.

Meanwhile, across the street, Sheriff Alan Pangborn (Ed Harris) is proposing to the café's owner, Polly Chalmers (Bonnie Bedelia). Gaunt reappears from his inventory with an autographed Topps 1956 Mickey Mantel card which is surprisingly signed, "To my good friend, Brian." He hands Brian the card and tells him to close his eyes. Brian immediately senses he is there at the 1956 baseball game. Leland barters with Brian for the card and accepts a mere 95 cents as half-payment, (the part which is paid in cash) while the other is a "deed" or "prank" he is to perform for him. As each person contracts with Gaunt for their "needful thing," he adds their name in his little book under the new town heading of Castle Rock. The only one who doesn't need anything from the shop is Sheriff Pangborn.

And so it continues with the other members of the community, each finding the object of their desire in exchange for a deed they must perform for Mr. Gaunt. A veritable definition of "Buy now. Pay later." We later find out that these errands are quite mischievous and destructive, and cleverly crafted by Gaunt so that each victim suspects someone else of each devilish deed. It isn't long before the whole town is involved as everyone is now controlled by their debt to Gaunt and their "deeds" are not complete until Leland says so. Mischief leads to total chaos and Alan figures out Gaunt's real identity which is now feeding the fueled hatred of the townspeople. Even Brian has attempted suicide knowing that his debt can never be satisfied according to Gaunt.

These little pranks have some rather serious repercussions. Brian virtually destoys Wilma and Pete's home. Hugh kills and then skins Nettie's dog, Reyna, for a desired high school jacket, and later duels with Henry Beaufort. Nettie sneaks into Buster's home and decorates it with summons signed by Deputy Norris Ridgewick. Wilma and Nettie fight each other to the death. Danforth Keeton fights with Deputy Ridgewick and then kills his wife, Myrtle. And even Alan Pangborn is supected of embezzlement of town funds by his fiancee Polly, now that Gaunt has her under his spell, but it is really Danforth who has appropriated the town funds. Reverend Rose and Father Meehan are at each other's throats. And finally, amidst much looting and fighting in the streets, the sheriff confronts the Devil himself and informs everyone that all of this has all gone far enough and shows them how Gaunt has orchestrated it all. Danforth threatens to blow himself up, but then decides to take the Devil with him in the blast. The shop is consumed, but not Gaunt who informs Pangborn they will meet again and make history, and then departs Castle Rock in his black Mercedes-Benz.

Cast:

Max von Sydow: Leland Gaunt
Ed Harris: Sheriff Alan J. Pangborn
Bonnie Bedelia: Polly Chalmers
Amanda Plummer: Netitia 'Nettie' Cobb
Shane Meier: Brian Rusk
Valri Bromfield: Wilma Wadlowski Jerzyck
Frank C. Turner: Pete Jerzyck
J.T. Walsh: Danforth 'Buster' Keeton III
Gillian Barber: Myrtle Keeton
Ray McKinnon: Deputy Norris Ridgewick
Duncan Fraser: Hugh Albert Priest
Eric Schneider: Henry Beaufort
William Morgan Sheppard: Father Meehan
Don S. Davis: Reverend Willie Rose

The Notebook (2004)
Directed by: Nick Cassavetes
Writen by: Nicholas Sparks (novel), Jan Sardi (adaptation)

"Behind every great love is a great story."

This film tells a story about two young lovers, Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun, as read by a kind, patient and elderly man named Duke, (James Garner), to an elderly woman, (Gena Rowlands), who is suffering from dementia in a nursing home. The story is somehow familiar to her, as if he has read this story to her sometime before. (Click onto the image to see the main characters).

In this story, Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) is romanced by Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling), but her wealthy parents John (David Thornton) and Anne (Joan Allen) disapprove of Noah's lower social status and move Allie far away from him. For over a year, Allie does not seem to reply to Noah's daily letters to her, but she does become engaged to a handsome soldier, Lon Hammond (James Marsden). Noah still loves Allie and decides to rebuild his 200-year-old dream house with the hopes of winning her back. Allie is compelled to visit Noah to check up on him, and they both rediscover their love for each other.

I just cannot spoil this film for you. You must see for yourself why Allie was sent away from her true love, why she never replied to Noah's love letters, and how this love story pertains to Duke and the elderly woman. The film is quite an emotional experience, visually beautiful, and is complemented with a moving score by Aaron Zigman. Once again, James Garner gives an exceptionally dynamic performance as the caring story teller to his aptly-casted audience, Gena Rowlands. Sam Shepard is again quite comfortable in his role as Noah's down-to-earth father, and Rachel and Ryan also will capture your attention throughout this movie. Joan Allen also delivers a powerful performance as Allie's mother and I will let you discover this for yourself. I strongly suggest to have a box of tissues handy for viewing this movie, as there was not "a dry eye in the house" when I saw it. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, despite the relatively weak rankings by other film critics.

If you enjoy a good love story, I also suggest the following films: Always (1989), Forever Young (1992), Titanic (1997) and Pearl Harbor (2001).

Principal Cast:

Ryan Gosling: Noah Calhoun
Rachel McAdams: Allie Hamilton
James Garner: Duke
Gena Rowlands: Allie Calhoun
James Marsden: Lon Hammond
Sam Shepard: Frank Calhoun
David Thornton: John Hamilton
Joan Allen: Anne Hamilton
Original Music by: Aaron Zigman

REMO WILLIAMS: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS (1985)
Directed by Guy Hamilton

Based on the popular pulp series "The Destroyer," by Richard Sapir and Warren Murphy, a New York City cop (Fred Ward) who answers a call is ambushed. The next day his funeral is faked by a secret organization called CURE, using this opportunity to alter his looks, create a new identity, and train him for a specialized covert operation. Conn MacCleary (J.A. Preston) comes to the hospital and brings "Remo Williams" (his new ID) to meet the head of CURE, Harold Smith (Wilford Brimley), who explains why he is needed for this, and he is then turned over to Chiun (Joel Grey), the Master of Shinanju, to be quickly trained in his ancient method of Korean martial arts in time for the mission.

The character of Chiun is perhaps one of Joel Grey's best, ever!, and many won't even recognize him after seeing his classic role as the Master of Ceremonies from Cabaret (1972). Chiun is hard on Remo during his training, and it takes a while for either one of them to take the other seriously. Chiun thinks Remo is weak and totally out of shape. Remo gets frustrated with Chiun's idea of proper diet and exercise (and his passion for a Soap Opera of the likes of General Hospital), among other things. The symbiosis of these two is very entertaining throughout the film and is similar to that found in the movie The Karate Kid (1984) between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Kesuke Miyagi (Pat Morita), only, more humorous. Chiun is always reciting Zen-like lessons "by the numbers" and finally shuts-up a babbling female who comes to their aid, Major Rayner Fleming (Kate Mulgrew), with a quick paralyzing grip to her hand, then stating: "Lesson 22... Blessed silence."

They must get hard evidence against George Grove (Charles Cioffi) and if CURE is found out in the process, the agency must disappear and Chiun must kill Remo to clear all traces of their operation. The "mission impossible" type of plot is loaded with fun and adventure, and Ward and Grey are outstanding together, making this picture a sublime treat of its' time.

Principal Cast:

Fred Ward: Remo Williams
Joel Grey: Chiun
Wilford Brimley: Harold Smith
J.A. Preston: Conn MacCleary
George Coe: Gen. Scott Watson
Charles Cioffi: George Grove
Kate Mulgrew: Maj. Rayner Fleming
Patrick Kilpatrick: Stone
Michael Pataki: Jim Wilson
Tom McBride: Jim/Soap Opera
Andrew MacMillan: Doctor/Soap Opera
Wendy Gazelle: Linda/Soap Opera
Suzanne Snyder: Nurse/Soap Opera

If you like Fred Ward in this movie, may I also recommend his performance as Detective Harry Philip Lovecraft in Cast A Deadly Spell (1991).

SOLARIS (2002) Directed by: Steven Soderbergh (US)
SOLARIS (1972) (aka: "Solyaris") Directed by: Andrei Tarkovsky, (Soviet Union)
(1973) USA
Screenplay by: Fridrikh Gorenshtein and Andrei Tarkovsky
Novel by: Stanislaw Lem

I remember seeing this film in a theater in Manhattan back in '73, and it left quite an impression on me at that time. Now, (some 30 years later), the remake has renewed my interest in this movie and I have enjoyed both versions of this film. The plot concerns a spaceship which has reported some problems while orbiting "Solaris." We naturally assume that it is a either a planet or a celestial ocean, but as the plot develops, we learn that it might be something else which includes some form of intelligence. In the original version of this film (edited from the 1971 version for American audiences), Solaris appeared as a swirling circle of clouds over what could possibly be the "Solaris Ocean", rather than a planet, so we never really see what was beneath this cloud formation. In Soderbergh's version, Solaris is quite nebulous and luminescent, almost like a gaseous state of energy without a solid form. It glows bright red compared to the cold blue steel colors and lighting of the space station. Tarkovsky's scene transitions are a little more abrupt than the remake, and there are also some differences in both characters and the general plot. However, in both versions of this movie, the element of continual rainfall on Earth is somewhat the same, perhaps creating some sort of unity between Earth and Solaris. The viewer might be wondering if they were, in fact, separate realities, a flashback, or just a dream.

The 1972 version is on DVD, but is difficult to find in-stock. You might find this film for rental on two VHS tapes. If you enjoy sci-fi movies that probe the "what if?", this should do it for you. But the original version is quite long and drawn-out compared to the 2002 remake.

Plot Summary:

A psychologist is sent to investigate a space station which is over the Solaris Ocean. He finds the station is in extreme disorder and two out of the three scientists onboard are the surviving crew. They really can't explain what is going on until it is discovered that some sort of intelligence has taken them over, including their new investigator, who is now grown an attachment and doesn't want to leave because of it.

In Solaris (2002), George Clooney plays Chris Kelvin (the psychologist) who is summoned by his friend and crew member, Gibarian (Ulrich Tukur). He comes aboard the ship to find Gibarian dead and tries to get answers from Snow (Jeremy Davies) and Gordon (Viola Davis). Natascha McElhone plays Rheya (Kelvin's deceased wife) and we often flash back to their original meeting and their relationship on Earth. She now suddenly appears on the space station, but is it really her, or a materialization of Kelvin's memories of the past as probed by the unknown? George is wonderfully confused (with his "lost puppy" look) about what is real throughout a rather fantastic turn of events. Davies is also well-cast as a whirl of confusion, while Gordon seems to be the only one who is determined to return home.

A "spoiler":
There are two different endings between the original film and the remake. In the 2002 version, Chris Kelvin doesn't get into an escape ship with Gordon (and this is suggested as he pauses to climb in through the entrance hatch) because he sees a clone of himself already seated before take-off. Instead, he remains on board and the space station soon loses its' orbit and enters the Solaris Sea. We then discover that his clone is back in his apartment on Earth with Rheya to live together eternally. In the original film, Hari (who is Kelvin's former wife in this version) has destroyed herself because she realizes that she can never totally become the human being that Kelvin once loved. The movie ends as Solaris is beginning to develop islands on the surface of the sea. It is suggested that this is a result of contact between the humans onboard the space station and the "intelligence" of Solaris. We then see Kelvin at his parents' home but something is a bit strange. Kelvin's father is packing-up his son's belongings as water falls on him from inside the home. He doesn't seem to take notice of this, but comes out to greet Kelvin, who falls to his knees in an embrace. As the camera pans back, we see that Kelvin is not at his home on Earth, but rather at a reconstruction of his father's home from Kelvin's memory, along with a clone of his dog and father on one of the new islands on the Solaris surface. We are not sure whether Kelvin is himself or a duplication, and the fate of the space station is not answered, as well.

Principal Cast of Solaris (2002):

George Clooney: Chris Kelvin
Natascha McElhone: Rheya
Viola Davis: Gordon
Jeremy Davies: Snow
Ulrich Tukur: Gibarian
Shane Skelton: Gibarian's Son
Donna Kimball: Mrs. Gibarian

During a flashback to a moment in his past at a library, Kelvin recites the first stanza of his favorite poem to Rheya. It is a poem by Dylan Thomas, "And Death Shall Have No Dominion." Here is the complete poem:

And Death Shall Have No Dominion
Dylan Thomas

And death shall have no dominion.
Dead men naked they shall be one
With the man in the wind and the west moon;
When their bones are picked clean and the clean bones gone,
They shall have stars at elbow and foot;
Though they go mad they shall be sane,
Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again;
Though lovers be lost love shall not;
And death shall have no dominion.

And death shall have no dominion.
Under the windings of the sea
They lying long shall not die windily;
Twisting on racks when sinews give way,
Strapped to a wheel, yet they shall not break;
Faith in their hands shall snap in two,
And the unicorn evils run them through;
Split all ends up they shan't crack;
And death shall have no dominion.

And death shall have no dominion.
No more may gulls cry at their ears
Or waves break loud on the seashores;
Where blew a flower may a flower no more
Lift its head to the blows of the rain;
Though they be mad and dead as nails,
Heads of the characters hammer through daisies;
Break in the sun till the sun breaks down,
And death shall have no dominion.

Cast of Solaris (1972):

Donatas Banionis: Kris Kelvin
Nikolai Grinko: Kelvin's Father
Vladislav Dvorzhetsky: Burton
Tamara Ogorodnikova: Aunt Anna
Yulian Semyonov: Chairman at the Scientific Conference
Georgi Tejkh: Prof. Messinger
Jüri Järvet: Dr. Snaut, a cybernetics expert
Sos Sargsyan (Sarkisyan): Dr. Gibarian, a physiologist
Olga Kizilova: Gibarian's Guest
Anatoli Solonitsyn: Dr. Sartorius, an astrobiologist
Natalya Bondarchuk: Hari, Kelvin's Wife
Olga Barnet: Kelvin's Mother
Aleksandr Misharin
Bagrat Oganesyan
Tatyana Malykh
V. Statsinsky
Valentina Sumenova
Vitalik Kerdimun

Music by Johann Sebastian Bach:
Chorale Prelude in F minor


Spellbound (1945)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Writers: Francis Beeding (novel The House Of Dr. Edwardes)
Angus MacPhail (adaptation)
Ben Hecht (screenplay)
Composer: Miklos Rozsa
Director of Photography: George Barnes
Original Art by: Salvador Dalí

Principal Cast:

Ingrid Bergman: Dr. Constance Peterson
Gregory Peck: John Ballantine, (aka Dr. Anthony Edwardes, 'J.B.', and John Brown)
Michael Chekhov: Dr. Alexander 'Alex' Brulov
Leo G. Carroll: Dr. Murchison
John Emery: Dr. Fleurot
Steven Geray: Dr. Graff
Paul Harvey: Dr. Hanish
Donald Curtis: Harry
Rhonda Fleming: Mary Carmichael
Norman Lloyd: Mr. Garmes
Wallace Ford: Hotel Masher
Bill Goodwin: Hotel House Detective
Art Baker: Lt. Cooley
Regis Toomey: Sgt. Gillespie
Irving Bacon: Railway gateman
Richard Bartell: Ticket taker (uncredited)
Joel Davis: John Ballantine as a boy (uncredited)
Edward Fielding: Dr. Anthony Edwardes (uncredited)
Erskine Sanford: Dr. Galt (uncredited)
Alfred Hitchcock: Man leaving elevator (uncredited)

Spellbound is one of the first Hollywood films on the subject of psychoanalysis. The head of Green Manors mental asylum, Dr. Murchison, is retiring to be replaced by Dr. Edwardes, a famous psychiatrist. But when Dr. Edwardes arrives and romances Dr. Constance Petersen, it soon becomes apparent that Dr. Edwardes is really a paranoid amnesiac impostor (J. B., from some initials he has found), then believing he has killed the real Dr. Edwardes and assumed his identity. He escapes from the institution and goes on the run with Constance who tries to help him. She knows in her heart he is innocent, but he is suffering from a illness which she feels she can treat with the help of her former mentor, Dr. Alex Brulov, to find the truth of what has happened to the real Dr. Edwardes before the police find them. Brulov and Petersen gather clues from John Brown's dream which is portrayed in a famous "dream sequence" designed by Salvador Dalí with an Oscar-winning musical score by Miklos Rozsa.

Although the film is in black and white, two frames where the gun shot goes off while pointed at the camera are tinted red. The shot where the audience sees the killer's view down a gun barrel pointing at Peterson was filmed using a giant hand holding a giant gun to get the perspective correct.

The dream sequence was designed by Salvador Dalí, and was originally supposed to run for 20 minutes. It included a scene with Dr. Peterson covered in ants. Only part of it was filmed, and even less of it ended up in the released version.

The snow falling on John Ballantine and Dr. Peterson during the skiing scene was actually cornflakes.

David O. Selznick wanted much of the film to be based on his experiences in psychotherapy. He even brought his psychotherapist in on the set to be a technical advisor. Once when she disputed a point of fact with Alfred Hitchcock on how therapy works, Hitchcock said, "My dear, it's only a movie." Alfred Hitchcock walks out of an elevator at the Empire Hotel carrying a violin case, (the director's cameo appearance).

Memorable Quotes and Scenes:

"The fault...is not in our stars...but in ourselves..."
- Shakespeare

It looks like you've had instructive time. Instructive? Gentlemen, notice her stockings. The lady has been climbing trees. Or lawling in a briar patch. No, no, it's trees. There are two leaves in her hair. Allow me, Dr. Petersen. You're surpassing yourself as a "charmer," Dr. Fleurot. Don't run away, do have some coffee. Oh, Dr. Peterson has already eaten, as one could tell by the mustard on her right forefinger. I would say hot-dogs on the State Highway. Would you really? Your diagnosis is, as usual, wrong, Dr. Fleurot. Not hot-dogs, liverwurst! I'm very sorry I have to leave this nursery. I must see Mr. Garmes. Looks as if we have Casanova, himself at the head of Green Manors. Did you notice her blush every time we mentioned his name?

It's very late. Ah, I was going to read your new book again. I would like to discuss it. I've never discussed an author's work with him. Of course, at school, we had several literary professors, but that was quite different. I sound rather nervous, don't I? Not at all. I thought I wanted to discuss your book with you, I'm amazed at the subterfuge. I don't want to discuss it at all. I understand. Quite remarkable to discover that one isn't what one thought one was. I mean I was entirely aware of what was in my mind. And you're not, now. Quite ridiculous. It was stupid of me to come in like a distracted child. You're very lovely. Please don't talk that way, you'll think I came in to hear that. I know why you came in. Why? Because something has happened to us. It doesn't happen like that, in a day. It happens in a moment, sometimes. I felt it this afternoon. It was like lightning striking. It strikes, rarely.

Ahh. It sure feels good to take the weight off your feet. I'm from Pittsburgh. There's a town for you. You really can meet people in Pittsburgh. Friendly! A fella could live and die in this town and he couldn't meet nobody. How about you and me having a nice little drink together now that we're acquainted. No thank you, I... Well you don't have to be so snooty about it. I'll have you know, Madam, that I know better people than you in Pittsburgh. Yeah, I'm sure you're a great social success, given half the chance. Now you're talking. Do you mind not sitting in my lap in public. That's enough of that! Beat it! I'll have you know that I'm a guest in this hotel. Who do you think you are. I'm the House Detective. Get going! Aye, this town's getting worse and worse.

Oh, there is nothing so nice as a new marriage. No psychosis yet, no aggressions, no guilt complexes. I congratulate you, and wish you have babies and no phobias... .

Look how I am living by myself and a can opener. My housekeeper has gone to work, my secretary is a wreck. And I got a cleaning women who can't cook and who hates me. Cook me my coffee in the morning and the house is yours. That's wonderful of you, Alex. Oh, there's nothing wonderful about me. It's nice to see my old assistant. The youngest, but the best one I ever had. But who knows, now? As my old friend, Tannenbaum, used to say, "Women make the best psychoanalysts, 'til they fall in love. After that, they make the best patients!" Heh heh heh! Good night and happy dreams, which we will analyze at breakfast.

Oh darling, you mustn't be frightened. You mustn't, we're making progress. We have the word "white" on our side.

This is what I found in his hand last night. He didn't know he had that. Alex, you mustn't think that. He didn't try to do anything to you, he couldn't. My dear child, he's not responsible. But that's not correct. I'm just a little more experienced with this type than you. I grant you know infinitely more than I do, but in this case... Do not complete a sentence with the usual female contradictions. You grant me I know more than you. But on the other hand, you know more than me. Women's talk...bah! Alex what are going to do? Something more for you than for me. Alex! I'm calling the police. No no, please, I... ! You are giving the orders. My own pupil. You don't know this man, you know only science, you know his mind, but you don't know his heart. We are speaking of a schizophrenic, and not a valentine. We are speaking of a man. Oh! Oh yes! A laugh! Look at you, Dr. Petersen!...the promising psychoanalyst is now all of a sudden a school girl in love with an act and nothing else. Alex, let me tell you about him. What is there for you to say. We both know that the mind of a women in love, is operating on the lowest level of the intellect. Doctor told me not to smoke in the morning, but I'm too excited.

And how do you know what his real character is? I know! She knows! This is the way science goes backward. Who told you what he is. Freud? Or a crystal ball? I couldn't feel this way toward a man who was bad, who had committed murder. I couldn't feel this pain for someone who was evil. You are twenty times crazier than him. 'She couldn't love him if he was no good.' This is baby talk, nothing else. What do you want I should do? Give me time to treat him and cure him, or a least shock him into a curable condition. This could take years. No, no, no. Oh, all right, a half a year? We should sit and hide for a half a year, waiting to find out if he's going to cut your throat, my throat and, and set fire to the house. Oh my dear girl. Even to a woman in love, such a situation must seem a little unreasonable. Just a few more days, Alex, before you turn him over. Just a few more days so then if I can't do anything,... if we both can't, well then you can call the police. You're not hiding a criminal. There is no evidence against him, except his own guilt fantasies. He's wanted only as a possible witness as to what happened to Dr. Edwardes. But in his present condition he could tell the police nothing. Don't you see you're doing nothing against the law. We are helping them by investigating the patient as doctors. Doctors who want the truth even more than they do. All right! You'll wait? Go, make me coffee. I'll pretend to myself I'm acting sensible for a few days. Thank you, thank you very much. I'll make you coffee with an egg in it.

Who are you? I'm Dr. Brulov. Brulov? Oh yeah, that's right. Bromides, who's been feeding me bromides? I give you, to sleep. Brulov, oh yes, Rochester. What's your name? I don't know. Constance told you. No, nobody told me. If I don't know a patient with amnesia when I see one, what do I know? You don't remember your father or mother? No. Wife or sweetheart? No! Don't fight me, I'm going to help you if I can. I'm going to be your father image. I want you to look on me like your father. Trust me, lean on me. It's a shortcut, but we haven't much time. All right, go ahead, I'm leaning. Maybe you got something you want to tell me, a single thought, a few words in the corner in your head. Come on, talk to me. Whatever comes into your head, just say what it is. There's nothing. Maybe you dreamt something. Yeah. What did you dream? I don't believe in dreams. That Freud stuff's a lot of hooey. Oh, you're a fine one to talk! You got amnesia and you got a guilt complex and you don't know if you're coming or going from some place. But, Freud is "hooey". This you know. Hmm! Wise guy! You don't like me, Papa. You want I should help you, or not? I'm sorry. I'll explain to you about dreams, so you don't think it is "hooey". The secrets of who you are, and what has made you run away from yourself, all these secrets are buried in your brain. But, you don't want to look at them. The human being very often doesn't want to know the truth about himself. because he thinks it will make him sick. So, he makes himself sicker, trying to forget. You follow this. Yeah. Oh how do you feel? Ah, coffee! Awful! The patient is going to tell us what he dreamt. Oh, fine, I'll take notes, I'll get my glasses. Now, here's where dreams come in. They tell you what you are trying to hide. But, they tell it to you all mixed-up like pieces of a puzzle that don't fit. The problem of the analyst is, to examine this puzzle, and put the pieces together in the right place and find out what the devil you are trying to say to yourself.

THINGS CHANGE (1988)

Directed by David Mamet
Written by David Mamet and Shel Silverstein

Plot Summary:

Gino, an Italian-American shoe-shiner who resembles a certain Mafia don, is paid to take the rap for a murder. Jerry, a two-bit gangster on probation, is given a chance for redemption by guarding Gino for the weekend. But instead of sitting around a dingy hotel room, Jerry decides to give Gino a weekend to remember at Lake Tahoe. Jerry's bragging to his friends of his important charge, as well as Gino's dignified and quiet demeanor, soon result in much complication for both of them.

The Story in Detail:

The film opens with a book of old photos with an old coin sitting on the cover (the old coin is of significance). The coin is lifted and someone is flipping through the book of photos, which include old photos from Italy including fishing boats and family shots.

A man is trying out a mandolin in a music store in Chicago, while two men (Frankie and Mr. Silver) are standing in the front of the shop watching Gino across the street, through the music shop's front window. The two men then follow Gino to his shoe repair shop and come in to speak with him. Mr. Silver approaches Gino and tells him that a friend of theirs wants to speak with him that evening and gives Gino a card with a $100 bill. Gino says, "I justa shine shoes." The man says that there will be shoes there and the two men leave the store.

Gino brings his shoe shine box and meets with Mr. Green in his home. Mr. Silver explains to Gino that someone was murdered and a friend of theirs was mistakenly accused of the crime. They show him the picture and the man resembles Gino, almost to a tee. They tell him that they need him to take the rap for the crime and do a term of 3-5 years, in exchange for a large sum of money per year for each year he is in prison. They ask him what "his dream" is, (something of value), and Gino tells him it is a fishing boat. They tell him that in three years he could earn that fishing boat, but if he stays in his shine shop, what will he have? They ask him if he will do it for them, and Gino says no. They tell him that he's made a grave mistake and then Mr. Green tells Gino to "shine 'em up, Joe" (meaning, his shoes). But Green gets up before Gino starts shining his shoes and walks away. Gino sees a beautiful woman and offers to light her cigarette, but she walks away from him. Gino finally agrees to do the job for him, and Green thanks him and gives Gino a small old coin and says,

"This is a Sicilian coin. The Sicilian people say that 'a big man knows the value of a small coin.' My friendship is a small coin. But it is all that I have to offer you."

Gino takes the coin and signs a confession. They give him a gun to get his fingerprints on it. Gino does this and Green and Gino drink a toast to their new friendship.

(Reviewer's Note: The names of these characters has some significance. Mr. Green and Mr. Silver stand for "money", Frankie is very "frank" about everything, and Jerry is both comical and theatrical like "Jerry Lewis".)

Jerry is in the kitchen washing dishes because he is on probation. Silver tells Frankie to pick someone to watch Gino for the weekend and Frankie selects Jerry for the job. Jerry accepts the assignment in hopes of finally getting off of probation, and Frankie tells him to stick to him like glue and they will see about the probation if he doesn't mess this job up. They give Gino the coat and hat of the man he is going to be on the court date and a folder with his photo in it, and then Gino and Jerry take off for a small hotel to stay in over the weekend.

Jerry and Gino rehearse what he's going to say at the trial, over and over again until he has it down pat. Jerry is convinced that Gino knows the script perfectly and is a natural for this. He then realizes that Gino is going to jail for three years and offers Gino something special he would like to do before going to court and then prison. Gino doesn't want to do anything because he is suppose to stay in the dingy hotel. Instead, Jerry offers Gino a good time and the two fly off to Lake Tahoe for the weekend (two days), and then return to Chicago and go through with the original plan.

When they arrive at the Vegas airport, Billy Drake (William H. Macy), a limo driver, recognizes Jerry as they are about to get onto the Capri Motel shuttle bus and asks Jerry what he is doing there. Billy tells Jerry that he heard he was on probation back in Chicago, and Jerry counters by pointing over to Gino. Billy want's to know who the stranger is and Jerry tells him that if he doesn't know who he is, then maybe he shouldn't tell him. Billy thinks that Gino is really someone important and asks Jerry if they are staying in the hotel. Jerry says yes and that someone is sending a car down to pick them up, so Billy offers to drive them instead. In the car, Jerry tells Billy that the rumor about him being on probation was a story sent out and that the man in the back seat (Gino) is "the man behind the man" and he can't talk about it. He goes on to say that they are at Lake Tahoe for a good time but wants to keep a low profile.

They drive up to the Galaxy Hotel and Billy is all over them. Jerry reminds Billy about wanting to keep a low profile and the hotel manager (J.T. Walsh) starts to get a key from the lower floors, but Billy nods his head "no" until the manager goes higher and higher until he gets a key from the top row which is to "upstairs" on the Criterion Floor (the most luxurious in the hotel). Jerry tells the floor butler, Randy, that he is with Mr. Johnson and that they want to keep a low profile.

The suite is luxurious with a grand piano and spacious rooms, bath and décor. While Gino goes to the bathroom, Randy offers Jerry anything they require including credit at the casino and complementary tickets to Jackie Shore's show that evening. Again Jerry reminds Randy that no one is to know about Mr. Johnson and Gino replaces the paper wrapper on the toilet after he is done with it. He tells Randy that their bags got lost on the flight over from Chicago. Gino explores the rest of the suite which includes a private Jacuzzi. Randy tells Jerry that their money is no good in this hotel and departs after the staff is through bringing in flowers and setting up the suite.

Gino and Jerry get a new wardrobe and manicure, and then head to the casino. Jerry gets $20 worth of chips, but the pit boss tells the cashier to give them all the credit he needs, so Jerry changes his request to get $1000 worth of chips and to put it on his tab. Jerry gives Gino a chip for a slot machine. While Gino is playing the slots and losing, Jerry goes over to the casino pit boss and asks him if can fix it so that Mr. Johnson can win at something and he will cover it. Gino spends his few chips and is almost tempted to use the small coin Mr. Green gave to him, but then puts that back in his pocket for safekeeping. They then go over to a side roulette room and the pit boss tells Jerry to bet on "12". Jerry tells Gino to bet on their flight number which was also "12". And he wins a few chips. But while Jackie Shore, Jerry and the pit boss are talking at the front of the room, Gino bets the whole stack of $1000 on the same number and wins again. Since the odds were 35-1, they now have won $35,000 worth of chips and Jerry is now forced to explain to Gino that this is not their money and they have to give it back. He does this by explaining that for the "sake of honor" they must give the money back since they are guests in the hotel. So Gino goes over to the Wheel of Fortune and bets $35,000 on number 12. A lot of people come in on the bet, too. The wheel is spun and it just passes the number "12" and lands on "74." The Wheel operator apologizes to Gino that he lost all of that money, and Gino tells her, "Things change."

Gino and Jerry go to see the Jackie Shore show in the Constellation ballroom, and during the show, Jackie introduces "Mr. Johnson from Chicago" to the audience by spotlights and Jerry is perturbed that their "low profile" has now been compromised. After the show, Jerry and "Mr. Johnson" go backstage to let Jackie know that they want to keep a low profile and in the middle of the conversation, two attractive show girls, Cherry and Grace notice and smile at Mr. Johnson and Jackie tries to introduce them to Mr. Johnson, but they are quickly getting into their positions on stage.

Later on, in the tub room, Cherry, Grace, Jerry and Gino are relaxing in their private hot tub. While Jerry is drinking champagne from the bottle, he tells Gino, "I always wondered where I was meant to be." Jerry replies, "Is good to work, Jerry, but it is also good to play." He goes on to tell a fable while the girls relax nude in the hot tub:

The Ant And The Grasshopper.

"One upon a time, there was an ant and a grasshopper.
All summer long the ant work hard.
The grasshopper he play the violin.
He danced.
Winter come.
The ant grow fat.
The grasshopper is cold.
The grasshopper eat the ant."

The girls nod in acknowledgment and then Gino sings a few lines from "Return To Me" in Italian while Jerry interprets in English:

Ritorno me... Return to me
Cara mia ti adore... My darling, I adore you
Solo tu, solo tu... Only you, only you
Mi cuore... In my heart.

The two girls offer to take them fishing on their boat, but Jerry tells them that they might not be back for a long, long time.

The next morning, Jerry awakes to find a fishing invitation and a phone number the girls have left for them. Jerry discovers that Gino is not in his room. He grabs his clothes and searches around to find Gino teaching one of the butlers some of his tricks on how to shine shoes with a shoe shiner's apron on. Jerry quickly brings Gino back into their suite and tells him that they are going back to Chicago because he can't follow his orders and Gino says he can't go back because he doesn't have his shoes. The butler knocks and gives "Mr. Johnson" his shoes and Gino tells Jerry that he wants to go fishing with the girls. They are interrupted by a knock on the door and Billy brings in Kenny and Harry who tell "Mr. Johnson" that Joseph Vincent (Robert Prosky) invites him to be his guest at his estate for a luncheon if it is convenient for them. They offer to pick them up at 1 pm.

Jerry realizes that they are in big trouble because he knows that Joseph Vincent probably wants to know what Mr. Johnson is doing in town. They drive to his house and Jerry coaches Gino what to say when they get there.

Jerry and Billy hang out in the kitchen while Gino talks to Joseph. Joseph talks about pride in knowing all about one's family. Gino agrees and Joseph asks him to give him some names. Gino starts to name some people in "his family" but Joseph doesn't know these names. He then is very direct and asks why he is here and Gino says that he is just on vacation. Joseph doesn't accept this answer and Gino takes out the small coin and says to Joseph, "A big man he know the value of a small coin." Joseph puts his hand over the coin Gino is holding and shakes his hand in friendship, and he then reveals to Gino a tattoo on his wrist that shows he's from Sicily, too. They drink a toast to their new friendship while Jerry eats nervously in the kitchen.

Mr. Johnson and Joseph go down to the lake and Gino asks Joseph to show him his fishing boat. Joseph asks Mr. Johnson to stay the night, but Gino asks what he can give to him for this. He gives Joseph the old coin in friendship, and Joseph gives Mr. Johnson a new coin (a quarter) in a box and writes his phone number on the top of the box. He tells Mr. Johnson that this is only a new coin, but that if he ever needs his help, to call him and he will grant him anything he needs if it's within the power of his new friend.

Joseph tells Kenny that Mr. Johnson is staying over for the night and to go over to the hotel and get their things. Jerry tries to say that they can't stay, and Mr. Johnson tells Joseph that he put him on probation. Joseph goes on to say that he is having some people over for the evening, and then tomorrow they will go fishing.

Kenny drives Jerry over to the hotel and tries to find out how big his guy is. But Jerry doesn't say a word. When they get to the hotel, Vinny tells the hotel manager to check out Mr. Johnson, and the manager repeats the instructions out loud to the desk clerk. Jerry storms into the manager's office and asks him why he is saying this name all of the time and that he should not know of a "Mr. Johnson." The manager apologizes and says that he thought they were here for the meeting. Jerry asks "What meeting?", and then sees Mr. Green, Mr. Silver and the group from Chicago checking in at the main desk to the Galaxy Hotel. Jerry then realizes that it is good they are now staying with Joseph and not at the hotel, but then realizes that the meeting is going to be at Joseph's house and that he has to get back and get Gino out of there before he is discovered by the group from Chicago.

He tells Gino that they must leave now and as they are trying to leave before the first guest arrives, Gino goes back upstairs to get his "lucky quarter". Jerry hides behind the open front door when he sees Mr. Green and Miss Bates (his companion) arrive. Gino is almost discovered by Miss Bates, but manages to get out before she looks again.

Jerry and Gino get into one of the cars parked outside and Jerry goes under the hood to try and jump-start it. Gino crosses himself to the Madonna figure on the dashboard and when he picks it up, the key falls out from underneath the figure and the two of them take off before being discovered. On the way to the airport, they run out of gas in the car and stop at a station to get some. Gino doesn't have any money, so Jerry asks the station owner to give them $1.00's worth (which is all that he has left in his wallet). The station owner puts $5.00 worth in and Jerry says that he only wanted a dollar's worth and will send him the other four. The owner starts to call the police and Gino and Jerry go over to negotiate with him. While they are at the phone, they hear their plane leaving from the airport. Jerry offers the station owner a plane ticket to Chicago for a full tank of gas, but then realizes that he doesn't have his jacket with the tickets. The station owner starts to call the sheriff again and a jeep pulls up to the station for gas and honks their horn. Gino goes over to the jeep and comes back with the money. Jerry can't figure out where he got the money from as Gino sadly waves good bye to Cherry, Grace and the shoe-shine butler from the Hotel Galaxy, who are on their way to go fishing in the jeep that pulled into the gas station.

Jerry and Gino pull over by the side of the road to discuss the future and his time he will spend in jail. They return to the dingy hotel room in Chicago. It's about 5 am, and Jerry tells Gino that he should get out of there before they come to pick him up for the trial. Jerry tries to convince Gino that he is being hustled in this deal, but Gino rebuts this by saying that he made a deal. Jerry pushes Gino out of the room and shuts the door. Gino knocks on the door and tells Jerry that he gave his word and he's going to keep it.

Gino comes back in and shaves to get ready for court, making sure he looks exactly like his counterpart in the photo. Frankie comes to pick them up early (before 8 am) and walks with them over to the courthouse. On their walk, Gino reads the invitation to go fishing from the show girls from the Galaxy Hotel. Jerry notices that they are not walking to the courthouse and Frankie says that they are going to walk over to the lake to get some air in Gino's lungs. Gino rips up the invite and tosses it into a trash can as he walks ahead of Frankie and Jerry. Jerry is suspicious as they reach the pathway down to the beach and Frankie finally tells him that they are not going to court. The new deal is to kill Gino since they have his signed confession and it will be cleaner that way. Frankie adds that "Things change." Jerry argues with Frankie that Gino kept his word and now they have set him up. Frankie tells Jerry that he has to kill Gino with the gun with his fingerprints on it to get himself off of probation. Frankie adds that if Jerry can't handle it, then he will kill Gino.

Gino walks alone on the beach and Jerry comes up to him and tells him the bad news that there has been a change of plans. He shows Gino the gun and Gino says that he kept his word. As Jerry gets excited and tells Gino that he told him to run while he had the chance, Frankie comes up and Jerry slugs him in the head with the revolver. Frankie tells Jerry that he is dead and then passes out. Jerry asks Gino if he has the keys to the car, but then Gino discovers he has the box with a quarter and Don Joseph's phone number. He rushes over to a pay phone and calls Don Giuseppe (Joseph Vincent) collect.

We then are in the courthouse and the judge gives his sentence of imprisonment of 20 years to life, the maximum allowed by law, and then we discover Frankie is the defendant with a mustache and glasses while he confesses to the crime.

The movie ends with Gino and Jerry working in the shoe repair shop. They look at each other and shrug their shoulders as if to say, "Things change... but things could be worse."

Principal Characters:

Don Ameche: Gino
Joe Mantegna: Jerry
Robert Prosky: Joseph Vincent
J.J. Johnston: Frankie
Ricky Jay: Mr. Silver
Mike Nussbaum: Mr. Green
Dan Conway: Randy, the Butler
Willo Hausman: Miss Bates
William H. Macy: Billy Drake
J.T. Walsh: Hotel Manager
Steven Goldstein: Randy
Jonathan Katz: Jackie Shore
Lionel Mark Smith: Pit Boss
Felicity Huffman: The Wheel of Fortune Girl
Sara Eckhardt: Cherry
Karen Kohlhaas: Grace
Vincent Guastaferro: Kenny
Christopher Kaldor: Harry
Paul Butler: Gas Station Owner
Dick Cusack: Judge


The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Directed by: John McTiernan
Written by: Alan R. Trustman (story) and Leslie Dixon (screenplay)
Music: Bill Conti
Michel Legrand ("The Windmills Of Your Mind," sung by Sting)

Principal Cast:

Pierce Brosnan: Thomas Crown
Rene Russo: Catherine Olds Banning
Faye Dunaway: The Psychiatrist
Denis Leary: Detective Michael McCann
Frankie Faison: Detective Paretti
Michael Lombard: Proctor Bobby McKinley
Ben Gazzara: Andrew Wallace, Crown's Lawyer
Fritz Weaver: John Reynolds
Charles Keating: Friedrich Golchan
Mark Margolis: Heinrich Knutzhorn

This is the remake of the 1968 film of the same name. Faye Dunaway returns to this film as Crown's psychiatrist (she played the role of Catherine Banning opposite Steve McQueen as Thomas Crown). In the original, Crown masterminded a Boston bank robbery, and in this sequel, Crown is an art thief who targets a Monet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rene Russo (as Ms. Banning) is "hot on the trail" as a bounty hunter for insurance interests in Crown's art theft, leaving New York Detectives McCann (Denis Leary) and Paretti (Frankie Faison) in quite a daze throughout the film. The comic banter between Banning and McCann is quite amusing. She seems to be a few steps ahead of him on this case, and his personal life, too. The film is quite stylish and the action is non-stop and Pierce Brosnan brings a subtle touch of his "James Bond" style to the role of Thomas Crown, and the casting of Russo and Brosnan works extremely well.

Crown is suspected of stealing Monet's "Venice at Dusk," although he professed to the museum's proctor, Bobby, that he had no interest in the painting, but rather preferred looking at "Haystacks" (also by Monet). An attempted diversionary heist gives Crown a chance to lift the Venice at Dusk painting, quietly exit the museum and stash it behind a copy of Magritte's "The Son of Man" in his study. But when Banning breaks in and brings the painting back to headquarters for examination, the art specialist finds a ghost painting of "Dogs at Cards" underneath, so the investigation continues to find what Crown did with the original work of art.

Claude Monet "Venice at Dusk" Click onto image to see "Dogs at Cards"

Does Banning "always gets her man?" You'll enjoy finding out as the hint of Magritte's painting comes into play in the final verdict.

Magritte's Son of Man

Michel Legrand's "The Windmills Of Your Mind" was appropriate for both versions of this movie, indicating the police running around in circles after Thomas Crown in a whirlwind chase and "pictures hanging in a hallway." Sting gives a rather smooth rendition during the end credits of the remake (with a few substitutions in lyrics). The DVD menu for this movie is also quite clever as a virtual tour of a museum as various animated scenes from the movie are viewed as framed artwork on the walls. The movie is a thrill ride from start-to-finish and keeps everyone guessing as a "who done it." We suspect the "who," but there's a final twist deployed in the "how." Keep your eyes on the "Man in the Bowler Hat!"

The Windmills Of Your Mind (with Sting's lyric substitutions)

Round, like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel,
Never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel,
Like a snowball down a mountain, or a carnival balloon,
Like a carousel that's turning (burning) running rings around the moon.
Like a clock whose hands are sweeping past the minutes of its face,
And the world is like a apple spinning (whirling) silently in space,
Like the circles that you find in The Windmills Of Your Mind!

Like a tunnel that you follow to a tunnel of its own,
Down a hollow to a cavern where the sun has never shone,
Like a door that keeps revolving in a half forgotten dream,
Like (Or) the ripples from a pebble someone tosses in a stream.
Like a clock whose hands are sweeping past the minutes of its face,
And the world is like a apple whirling silently in space,
Like the circles that you find in The Windmills Of Your Mind!
Keys that jingle in your pocket, words that jangle in your head,
Why did summer go so quickly? Was it something that you said?
Lovers walk along a shore and leave their footprints in the sand.
Is the sound of distant drumming just the fingers of your hand?
Pictures hanging in a hallway and the fragment of a (this) song,
Half remembered names and faces, but to whom do they belong?
*When you knew that it was over you were (were you) suddenly aware
That the autumn leaves were turning to the color of her hair!
*[female sings: When you knew that it was over in the autumn of good byes,
For a moment you could not recall the color of his eyes!]
Like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel,
Never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel,
As the images unwind,
Like the circles that you find in The Windmills Of Your Mind!

Pictures hanging in a hallway and the fragment of a (this) song,
Half remembered names and faces, but to whom do they belong?
*When you knew that it was over you were (were you) suddenly aware
That the autumn leaves were turning to the color of her hair!
*[female sings: When you knew that it was over in the autumn of good byes,
For a moment you could not recall the color of his eyes!]
Like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel,
Never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel,
As the images unwind,
Like the circles that you find in The Windmills Of Your Mind!

(repeat last section)
( ) = Sting's substitutions.

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Mark Prigoff
Digital Jazz Productions
February 2008