Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Keanu Reeves plays Neo in "The Matrix: Revolutions," the thrilling conclusion to the science fiction trilogy. Neo tops his fight scene of battling thousands of Agent Smiths in "Reloaded" by battling a few thousand more in "Revolutions."

(U-WIRE) WALTHAM, Mass. - If a philosophical guide to the world of "The Matrix" were ever compiled, it would read as an anthology of some of the most important pieces of thought ever recorded. Even from a cursory glance, the films in this series are filled with obvious references to both Old and New Testaments, Hindu legend, Buddhist contemplation, 18th century Enlightenment thought and 19th century nihilism.

Several books have been written on the philosophical content of the Wachowski Brothers' work, and volumes more could be assembled. When the band of cybernetic warriors were last seen in "The Matrix: Reloaded," Neo (Keanu Reeves) lay comatose after disabling a group of sentinels, the squid-like machines that run amok in the physical world. Morpheus' (Laurence Fishburne) beliefs lay in ruins, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) continued to wreak havoc inside the Matrix and the machine army drew ominously closer to Zion. But the function of the second act is to be the transition piece, and in "The Matrix: Revolutions," the hanging plot lines are all dealt with in a most exhilarating manner.

Few new characters are introduced in this final act, but the existing characters are at long last fully developed. As in the previous films, "Revolutions" opens with a sweep through a sea of green code, but this installment begins in the real world.

Morpheus and company are desperately trying to uncover the source of Neo's coma while simultaneously trying to find the location of Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith). From this point, "Revolutions" develops into an endless sequence of action, revelation and emotion. This film was hotly anticipated, and the Wachowskis do not fail to live up to the excitement and deliver a spectacular conclusion to their cinematic epic.

Of the new characters, a young Indian girl named Sati (Tanveer Atwal) is most relevant to the fabric of the story. Her importance is slightly perplexing, but she ultimately finds a place in the world. When Neo awakens, he meets Sati but is then unpleasantly introduced to the Trainman (Bruce Spence), a depraved lunatic under the employment of another loathsome character. The aptly named deus ex machina completes the array of players in the war between humanity and the machines.

Several characters are also elevated in their roles for the conclusion. Morpheus and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) enlist the help of the Oracle's guardian Seraph (Collin Chou) in their quest to end the war. The ultra-Gaullist Merovingian (Lambert Wilson) and his seductress wife Persephone (Monica Bellucci) return briefly. The Architect also returns for a short period, reinforcing his role as the ultimate technocrat.

Of all the anticipation surrounding this film, two inevitable showdowns drowned out the rest of the hype. The machine army arrives at Zion for a fight that is nothing short of pure visual gratification. While the battle is obviously expected, it is thrilling to the last moment.

The other inevitable fight is the culmination of the personal war between Neo and Agent Smith. As hinted in trailers, Smith has amassed a vast army of, well, himself. Hugo Weaving always brought a naturally insidious quality to Smith, but his overwhelming malevolence this time nearly steals the entire film. Smith was always a particularly abhorrent enemy, but he has never been more twisted and more enjoyable to watch.

"The Matrix" has expanded this year beyond the typical nature of action and sci-fi series. The full trilogy, with its continually groundbreaking visuals, deeply rooted philosophy, inherent complexity and innovative action sequences are astounding. Although this is only cinema, there is a genuine attachment between the characters and the audience. It is slightly distressing to see the series end, but it will undoubtedly remain one of the most inventive, enlightening and visually gratifying set of movies to appear on the screen.