The Matrix Reloaded became the biggest opening R-rated film of all time last weekend, grossing more than $93 million in ticket sales despite being open only to adults.

WEEKEND MEMOS

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It's a sequel to The Matrix, a film set in a post-apocalyptic world where computers have taken over the world. But this isn't your standard futuristic thriller. The series wraps itself time and time again in ancient philosophy and Christian theology as the characters struggle with the nature of reality.

As a result, the movie has triggered several books written by serious philosophers, countless essays written for high school philosophy classes and at least one college-level class titled "Philosophy of The Matrix."

Those in the know - well-read religious and philosophical thinkers - seem to appreciate the movie for what it is: a fun but superficial dabbling in contemplative thought.

But what about everyone else? It's disturbing to realize that The Matrix Reloaded might be the extent of many Americans' training in philosophy and theology.

The parallels to certain foundational philosophies are obvious. The series shows scenes of helpless humans in captivity underground, being fed an illusory world they think is real. It's practically an exact replica of the Cave in Plato's The Republic, as well as Descartes' writings on the unreliability of our senses.

Even more notable are the strong parallels to the stories of the New Testament. The lead character has superhuman powers and has a small, devoted group of followers. There's even an ancient prophecy foretelling his role as "savior" of mankind.

There's nothing new about Christ figures or ancient philosophy in movies. But The Matrix series has done it with far-reaching flair never seen before.

The result? Countless viewers will see The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded as groundbreaking and profound, when in fact their writers are just handpicking bits and pieces of many divergent philosophies and throwing them all together - and maybe missing some other important ones altogether.

Movie theater philosophy is better than nothing. But certainly, something gets lost in the translation. Are we replacing classrooms and churches with movie theaters?

Maybe the movie - in which oblivious masses function in a superficial, made-up world - isn't that futuristic.

Ben Fischer