Tools for this page
Print

The Matrix Revolutions

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Finale with same heavy violence, weaker script.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Very strong minority and female characters.
  • Violence:

    Extreme peril and violence, characters killed, some gross effects. Extreme peril.
  • Sex:

    Some brief passionate kissing.
  • Language:

    Frequent swearing.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Matrix Revolutions was written by Nell Minow

Parents need to know that as with the first two films, there is a great deal of battle violence. Characters are wounded and killed and there are some grisly graphic images. Characters swear a lot, mostly the s-word.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the source of the character names, a veritable encyclopedia of mythological references. What do the discussions of balance and choice mean? Of love and karma? Who is the Oracle? Who is the Architect? What is the train?
Did this review help you decide?

Are you going to see it?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on The Matrix Revolutions

What’s the Story?

The third installment of the Matrix series focuses on two storylines. First, Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith) has to pilot a ship through some very tricky thing while guys in huge robot things fight off zillions of cool flying octopus-like machines. Meanwhile, Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), on another ship, are heading straight for city occupied by the machines for a Dorothy-and-the-wizard-in-Emerald City-style confrontation. There is a brief encounter with the Frenchman and Persephone (the still unimpressive Monica Belluci) in a nightclub that appears to be occupied with writhing bondage and discipline freaks. Neo visits the Oracle in her cozy kitchen (now played by Mary Alice, replacing the late Gloria Foster) and has a strange conversation about love and karma in an antiseptic train station.

Is It Any Good?

Please someone, get me the blue pill. I want to forget that this ambitious and noteworthy series is ending so weakly. The Matrix: Reloaded ended with the rebel forces of Zion preparing for the imminent invasion of the machines. Whatever script problems it had were more than made up for by the spectacular action sequences and the promise of a third chapter that would bring everything together. But that promise has been broken. REVOLUTIONS has the weakest script of the three, with pretentious dialogue that provoked laughter from the audience and a muddled structure that removes a lot of narrative tension. Worst of all, it has nothing to compare to the innovative "bullet time" effects of the first film or the sensational highway chase scene and combat between Neo and dozens of Smiths of the second. Instead of taking us to the next level, it all seems like a tired rehash.

The dialogue thuds, a mishmash of barked orders and cardboard heroics. But some of the performers manage to inject some life and dignity. Jada Pinkett Smith is the Matrix's Han Solo, a charming rogue who can pilot a ship better than anyone else. Nona Gaye (Zee) makes her brief time onscreen memorable as a woman who overcomes her fear to give everything she has to the revolution. Though Mary Alice does her best, she cannot replace Foster, whose Oracle was the anchor of the other two movies. Hugo Weaving remains superb as Agent Smith. But it takes too long to get to the big final confrontation between Neo and Smith and the fight is not worth the wait. The scariest moment in the movie was when it intimated that there might yet be another episode.

Movie Details

Studio: Warner Bros., Directors: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Run time: 128 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/5/2003, DVD release: 4/5/2004
MPAA Rating: R for sci-fi violence and brief sexual content

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about The Matrix Revolutions?

or

to post a review

See all 17 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0

    great movie 14 and over

    yo the action in this movie killed me truth is that this would be the best matrix movie ever made but there a sad part at the end but that doesn't make it a bad movie a mature 14 can watch it if. great movie

  2. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    perfect for sci-fi lovers that are mature

    a very predictable, violent and rough end to a good series. one main character is killed in a brutal way, and strong throughout the entire movie makes it a teen only show

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 2.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Disappointing Finish. Weak Story, Strong Violence.

    I really was disappointed with this movie. It wasn't nearly as good as the first 2. It was more gory and sad, with lack of story. The only reason I could think of watching this movie is to see how the story will conclude. Because after the 2nd movie ends, it leaves you with "to be continued" in the middle of the story, which really gets you worked up. But once the 3rd movie's over, your left with a really sad ending that makes you feel really bummed out. So if you get around to watching the first 2 movies, prepare to be disappointed with the 3rd.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    No worries!

    Like all of the Matrix movies, VIOLENCE AND CURSING ARE ISSUES!

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 2.0

    Final Matrix is a let down

    I was really hoping for something better. This movie lacked the creative power found in the first and second movies, and while it did a mediocre job of providing a conclusion to the trilogy, it didn't add anything to the storyline. It didn't have enough matrix action, and the few parts it did have weren't very good. The Oracle, now a different actor, did well, as did Hugo Weaving as Smith, but most of the other actors were exceptionally marginal at best. The battle for Zion was great in special effects, and would have been cool if it hadn't dragged out for an hour. One character dies in an extremely bloody and gory way, while most only die in a bloody way. The final fight scene was WAY to corny and stretched out, though it did include some good dialouge. Very little sex, but horrific violence in some parts. Lots of language, also. I would have liked to see more of Morpheus and the Architect, as well as more of the Matrix itself. Overall, the movie was just barely passable.

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    The Matrix Trilogy Goes Out With A Bang

    Matrix Revolutions is the best possible conclusion to the Matrix trilogy. It pulls no fast ones, and leaves viewers with a resolution, but still unrest. This is one of the few movies, such as Phsyco minus the end phsyciatrist and SIgns, that keeps building tension through the end of the film. Most of our questions are answered, and the characters stay true to their motives. The fight for Zion is the scariest scene in film this year. The tension and anticipation for smith/neo oracle/architect and zion/machines battles created during the first two films and Reloaded especially makes the action scenes in this movie so effective. Matrix could not stay true to its science fiction roots and be an action film. But Reloaded and Revolutions strike the balance perfectly with their video game dialogue and epic scenes that fill viewers with wonder. The Matrix is a trilogy with three masterpieces. Revolutions does not pale in comparison with its predecessors.

  7. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Awesome Movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    The Matrix Revolutions is a great movie.

  8. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    Matrix Revolutions, the third installment of the Matrix trilogy, is a must see for those who have seen Matrix and the Matrix Reloaded. The movie is filled with incredible special effects and fight scenes, and the love scenes from Reloaded have been replaced with shorter, more touching ones. However, due to the violence and profane language, it would not be recommended for young children.

  9. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title pause for age 8 and give it 3.0

    Strong proactive women and diversity rule

    This review applies to all 3 films in the Matrix Trilogy.

    Although the Matrix series contains some graphically violent scenes, they are done poetically (think "Crouching Tiger") so that their artistic value comes through more than raw aggression. The Matrix series gave us a chance to discuss some interesting facts of life with our son such as impermanence, the illusory quality of appearances and the basic goodness and wholesomeness of life. I would strongly recommend that parents preview the Matrix series before allowing your kids to watch. It may be appropriate for some and completely inappropriate for others regardless of age. I would also recommend having a good conversation and debriefing after viewing to clear up any misconceptions about the reality of the "poetic violence" and to discuss some of the interesting philosophical ideas.

    Women and people of color are stong, brave, wise and proactive in the movies and the cast is totally diverse. There are some wonderful role models here.

    "The Matrix" was by far the strongest film in the series with Reloaded and Revolutions quite a bit weaker. Most of the characters and philosophical ideas were fully developed in "The Matrix". In the subsequent 2 films, the plot got muddled and characters seemed tired with the special effects taking center stage.

  10. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 3.0

    extremely entertaining but in a whole, relatively weak

    The Matrix Revolutions is very entertaining while watching in the theater, mostly because of an amazing use of technology and the development of some characters (noteably Niobe), and because the tremendous amount of violent action adds to the rush of being in the theater. However, its plot and dialogue were ultimately unsatisfying. After the excitement of the first Matrix, its many vitues, which included complexity and simplicity molded into one amazing plot, and its unforgettable characters, were hard to beat. Revolutions finally finishes with a bitter-sweet end that leaves you missing the first film of this declining trilogy.

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 3.0

  12. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 5.0

    Weakest of them all? Bah! Those guys are on something strong...

    The Matrix Revolutions has to be about ten times better than Reloaded, and equal to or a bit better than the original. I have no idea how anyone could think this was the worst movie in the trilogy! It has a hell of a lot more story than the second one, and has an incredibly epic feel, especially during the war at Zion. One of the things lacking in the second one was a lack of emotion and humanity, especially in the fight scenes. Revolutions has brought this all back and draws you in deeply, so you feel like your fighting the war for Zion, and you really want the humans to win. The violence is less than in Reloaded, but more than MAtrix. They've added a fair amount of blood (spurting from the bodies, graphic wounds on people), but the Wachowski brothers also took out the pointless sex. Language is the same as always: the "s" word mostly, with some "bastards" and "asses" thrown in their during the war. If your kid saw the second one, than this is probably alright. But otherwise, I know I am mature for my age, this might not be alright for all teens. But hey, if they can see "R" movies, than this is perfectly fine. It actually isn't that bad comapred to other movies, such as Saving Private Ryan. Mature Teens and Up. PS: SEE IT!!!!!! AWESOME!!!!! REALLY GOOD!!!! RUNNING OUT OF WORDS TO USE!!!!

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  14. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 4.0

    This is for a 15 year-old only but great

    Unliek the first this one has one grotesk sexual dance party awy from that it was good. I would let a 14 year-old see it if that danc seen wasen't in it but thats the ay it go'sI guess.

  15. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

  16. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 4.0

    I think the best of the 3

    I dont see why people say this one has the weakist plot. I think its a bit predictable and slow, but good nontheless. The action is some of the best in the series (has gunplay, brawling, and giant robots fighting the machines). It has taken the #2 spot of my fave. action movies.

  17. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 3.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    foursquare

    foursquare

    Is this social network too risky for your child?

  • Advice for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Facebook for Parents

    Get info and facts to keep your kids safe and smart on Facebook.

  • Book of the Week

    Beautiful Creatures

    Beautiful Creatures

    Dreamy, lyrical supernatural Southern romance.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Game of the Week

    Simplz: Zoo

    Simplz: Zoo

    Family-friendly puzzler mixes in a bit of zoo simulation.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name