matrix_reloaded

The Matrix Reloaded is second of a trilogy, unfortunately because of the "To be concluded" ending - it didn't stand on it's own two feet as does it's precesessor. When "The Matrix" was released, audiences were dazzled with eye-candy like they had never seen before in special effects. And while some weren't able to follow every detail of the storyline, they found with viewing after viewing, in sunk in a little deeper as they were able to unravel the mystery of what is..The Matrix. It was the question that drove Neo.

In the sequel the question becomes irrelivant, it is the reason. It is not the what, but the why. Sure the audience was jam packed with matrix geeks in their trench coats nitpicking all the scenes, and even staying after the credits to get a sneak peek at "Revisited". After all, the movie managed to become an almost instant classic that has become part of most movie fanatics collection. It's a staple! But Reloaded was very much that, a reloaded simulation of a program we've already seen. It's got alot of great action, the fight sequences are longer and loaded with new things. While bullet-time what where it was at, we see nothing particularly new and groundbreaking here, just a few twists on whats been done. Some scenes seemed to pause unecessarily with nothing of visual interest, and to be honest the scene with Neo and Agent Smith's clones felt overwhelmingly CGI at times that I felt like i was watching a video game.

In this sequel - Neo is more than a savior, he's God-like. Zion is threatened by the sentinals, they have just 72 hours to save Zion from total destruction. The only way is to get into the mainframe through a back door - and to do that they must locate the keymaster. Agent Smith has chosen his own path away from being an Agent, he has a personal score with Neo. He's also figured out how to replicate himself, and get into the real world. There is a reason for the R rating, quite a steamy scene between Neo and Trinity. I can't presume the fight scenes would affect the rating since we see so much violence in PG films these days. Yet I don't know, I couldn't quite feel the chemistry between Neo and Trinity.

Maybe I lost that connection with Neo because in this sequel he has lost that innocence. Now he is a self assured superhero, worshipped by many (including himself I wonder at times) and everyone else around him is trapped in the world of cool trenchcoats and shades. How cool do you need to be? :)

Alot of time is spent in Zion, although we don't get to see much of the day to day life and culture of the people - just familiarizing ourselves with some of the main characters and watching a little bumping and grinding during a celebration.

Overall? You can't beat the original, it has substance and style. Reloaded is more style than substance. I overheard someone saying you had to see it more than once to "get it". It isn't true, nothing is that deep where you can't get it the first time around. The plot is fairly easy to follow. There are some questions raised toward the end that makes you question what the real world is, questions that will no doubtedly be addressed in the third film. Is Neo "the one"? Well, he believes he is and because of that he is able to do extrordinary things. But until part 3,we can only speculate.

It's a fun summer film with lots of action and escapism, revisiting a familiar favorite. I have a theory that those who like it better than the first are the same group of people who tend to like most sequels better, because honestly sequels do tend to have more action and effects cram-packed in it. And if that's what you like, then you won't be let down!But this one becoming a sci-fi classic with the original?...nah. Sometimes I think a good thing should be left alone. Will I see the third installment?

You bet!

psst: and if you want to see the trailer for Revolutions, stick around after the credits are over.

Read THE MATRIX review

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