Armitage: Dual Matrix assumes you've already watched the prequel, so it
pretty much jumps right into story.
The setting is around 7-8 years after the original Armitage, with Naomi and
Ross living in Mars along with their daughter Yoko.
Everything seems to be at peace until a riot breaks out in an anti-matter
plant on Earth.
Armitage learns that the riot is a plot to suppress evidence of illegal
research and development of more "Third" robots. Thus she decides to go to
Earth to find out who is behind this heinous act.
What Armitage discovers is the most powerful enemy she has ever encountered…
replicas of herself!
Review: Armitage III: Dual-Matrix
I have to admit, when I first saw Armitage III a few years ago on the Sci-Fi
channel, I was amazed by the story and acting.
I immediately recognized Elizabeth Berkley's voice. I liked it so much that I was overjoyed when I heard a sequel was in
production.
I was then shocked to find that Armitage's voice would be changed (to Juliette
Lewis) but I didn't let that get me down.
I waited diligently and the question at hand is: Was Armitage III: Dual-Matrix worth the
wait? Well, let's see..
The animation is really different from Poly-Matrix. This Armitage looks almost nothing like the original one. In fact, everyone
seems to have a softer look to them.
The sound in both English and Japanese 5.1 is a mix of hard-hitting rock and
at times more mellow music in certain moments.
I've only listened to the 5.1 English, and it's very good with lots of bass
and in some scenes lots of action in the rear speakers.
Also included in the special edition DVD is a 5.1 music player which allows
you to listen to three of the movie's songs in 5.1. It's an ok feature but
it's just an extra…
Those who've watched the original will in some cases have to be in a different
mindset to fully enjoy Dual Matrix (Armitage Dual Matrix english Dub).
The story focuses more on Armitage's trials and struggles within the
robot/human world and her love for her family.
It does not have the straightforward get the info, track the badguy, shed some
light on Thirds, and blow the case wide open theme of the original.
The feature begins with a violent attack on an anti-matter plant on Earth,
while at the same time we see Armitage in the kitchen in normal attire making
a birthday cake for her daughter Yoko -- an indication that this is no longer
the Armitage of old.
As she's icing the cake Armitage receives a direct feed of the attacks on the
anti-matter plant and becomes seriously intrigued to say the least.
This is where the story begins on the long jaggy road. Naomi and Ross have adjusted comfortably to their new life on Mars with their
daughter Yoko.
Ross lives under the alias "Kevin" and works as a security guard while
Armitage is the standard housewife.
Now onto the nitpickings. First, the villain in the movie is not fleshed out
as much as he could have been.
He appears suddenly, gives a fairly good motivation for his action, but then
takes a back seat the rest of the time.
Both Armitage and Ross has been "toned down" in such a way that they're just
not as tough as they used to be.
For instance, in one segment when Armitage is fighting the replicas of herself
she is getting beaten senseless.
Now I know what you're probably thinking, but in the original she was beating
down anything in her path including robots three times her size.
One of the reasons could very well be the fact that she is now a mother and
has calmed her ways for the sake of Yoko. Another could be that keeping a low profile keeps them out of the government's
watchful eye.
Speaking of which, if they're living incognito just about
everyone important in the story seems to know who they really are.
There are a few other plot holes, but they aren't really damaging. Don't let
this mislead you however because this is a good movie, it just feels that it
could have been better.
There are some really good moments though, such as when Armitage is fighting a
replica and Yoko notices the exposed wiring on her mom's arm. She gets scared and runs back to Ross.
This is a very touching scene in the
midst of the action. You actually feel sorry for Armitage, seeing Yoko run in fear because she
thinks she's a monster.
For all the downfalls of Dual Matrix there are enough to still make it a
worthy follow-up to Poly-Matrix. I'd say rent it first if possible to see if
it's for you.
Miscellanies: Armitage III: Dual-Matrix
There are four versions of the DVD release:
- Feature only
- Special Edition
- Deluxe package with Poly-Matrix
- Special limited edition lunchbox set including an Armitage figurine
Armitage III: Dual-Matrix | |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 1 |
| Status | Finished Airing |
| Aired | Jun 25, 2002 |
| Producers | Pioneer LDC |
| Studio | AIC |
| Rating | R - 17+ (violence & profanity) |
| Themes | Mecha |
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