The Wachowski brothers wrap up their blockbuster Matrix trilogy with a bang in The Matrix: Revolutions, a film that is the most visually impressive of the three and brings the story of Neo & company to a satisfying, if still confounding, close.

       Perhaps I'm too dense for the realm of science fiction or the world of the matrix, but I had hoped to finally understand a plot that has confused me from the outset. And, there is a great deal of explanation offered in key scenes between Neo and The Oracle, Neo and Agent Smith, Neo and….well, you get the idea. Problem is, I still didn't get it. So, while I would love to spend this review regaling you with cerebral insights into the spiritual, mystical, scientific, technological, & transcendental over- and under-tones of Revolutions the best I can do is tell you that, from an action & special effects stand-point, this film kicks machine a**!

       Not unexpectedly, Revolutions focuses on the climactic clash of man and machine in a tour-de-force of computer generated mayhem that I can only describe as the mechanical equivalent of the opening scene in Saving Private Ryan. The citizen's of Zion face overwhelming odds as Sentinel after Sentinel streams into the dock and then breaches the wall of the city proper. It is a battle that allows characters who were mere background in previous films to step into the light and don the mantle of heroism. Zee, Mifune, Kid, & Niobe all get a chance to step up and prove their mettle during the final battle. It is a bone jarring, ear-splitting affair that is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

       Neo, meanwhile, attempts to end the war by visiting the machine city and striking a deal with Dues Ex Machina: peace in exchange for ridding the matrix of Agent Smith. What results is a showdown of epic proportions as the two go toe-to-toe in a rain soaked finale.

       Available in 2.35:1 widescreen and a choice of DD 2.0 or 5.1, the DVD package for Revolutions includes a bonus disc packed with extras. The coolest is a feature titled 'Super Burly Brawl' which offers 3 different looks at the showdown between Neo and Smith: the final movie cut, a behind-the-scenes perspective, and the storyboards. 'Revolutions Recalibrated' has cast and crew offering insights into the different aspects of filming all three installments and contains some interesting tidbits. 'CG Revolutions' discusses the use of CGI in the film and 'Future Gamer: The Matrix Online' profiles the online game. 'Before The Revolution' allows you to click on 5 different categories to receive an animated scene description of each one. Finally, '3-D Evolution' is a 3-D gallery of stills from the flick.

The Matrix: Revolutions has obviously lost the philosophical edge of the first film. Hardcore fans of The Matrix will probably be disturbed that this film relies so heavily on popcorn action techniques. However, for the casual fan like myself, Revolutions is a sweet helping of adrenaline pumping eye candy and a perfect companion to Friday night pizza and root beer!