Better recent cultural icon trilogy: Matrix or LotR?

[George_Bonanza]

My vote goes wholeheartedly to Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, over the Wachowski's Matrix trilogy. Why? For one, the LotR movies have actually gotten progressively better, while the Matrix movies have gone the other way. I once read that the Wachowskis never wanted to make another movie after the Matrix, but did it because of the unexpected windfall that movie became. Hmm, maybe the last two Matrix movies reflect that inner conviction. I really liked Reloaded, but I could see why so many people hated it. Neo's Jesus-like abilities sort of kill the drama, and the Architect's interesting but pompous speech used so many buzzwords straight outta the thesaurus. Pretension? The Matrix has spawned an extremely diverse and lucrative universe that will probably become Star Wars-like in its following and spin-offing.

Anyway, back to LotR. I liked Fellowship, but at times, it's too expository, as if it spends 2 hours trying to expose us to Middle Earth. Sublime the first time, a drag a fifth. However, the Two Towers has no need to aquaint us with the rich world, so it dives straight into story and action, and it becomes a wonderful epic. Return of the King promises to be one of, if not the, greatest epic of all time. Dynamic heroes, beautiful heroines, ornery wizards, fall and rise of kings, huge battles, etc. Not even Lawrence of Arabia had all this.

[WindRavenX]

1. Cultural identity award goes to Matrix

But for sheer quality of the actual films, it's LoTR for sure.
BTW, Fellowship was slow for a reason- it gives us the false sense of hope and security. This is especially true for the books; but it serves a purpose to magnify the sheer terror of Sauron in the following books.
Without a doubt, LoTR is one of the greatest trilogies ever made. Matrix is quality, but in a different sense: it makes us think. LoTR is more literary, IMHO.