The Matrix Reloaded DVD > Reviews > Roll on the Revolutions...

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Good
Characters / Performances	Good
Special Effects	Outstanding
Soundtrack	Good

Advantages:	The action and effects are bigger and better .
Disadvantages:	Loss of originality, screenplay is less absorbing .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

The intense anticipation, hysterical hype and overwhelming clamour of expectation that preceded the release of The Matrix Reloaded could all be adequately captured in one simple question - Would it live up to its most illustrious predecessor?

To answer the question I’d like to take you back four years to the release of said predecessor, a film that redefined a genre and easily lifted the bar for action films (which is what the Matrix is at its core) beyond the reach of any film since. Nowhere had martial arts and jaw-dropping special effects been so seamlessly entwined in a science fiction plot doused in philosophical intrigue, each element serving only to enrapt and enrich the viewing experience. It left an audience disorientated, questioning our existence, mesmerised by the action sequences and blown away by the sheer audacious style and execution of a truly original movie.

With these thoughts in mind it is no surprise that The Matrix Reloaded fails to live up to the original, but how could it? Stripped as it is of said originality and loaded by expectation to raise the bar to new and more impressive heights. This is not to say that this first part of a two-film sequel will not be the cause of much mind spinning, adrenaline pumping and once again bewilderment at the nigh on unbelievable action and effects, because it most certainly will.

This instalment picks up the story just after the ending of the first one but quickly develops the story in terms of scale. In the first film we learned that humanity is subjected to slavery by machines and living a pseudo-existence in a virtual reality world known as the Matrix, as the machines use the unknowing bodies to provide power. The plight of the ‘free humans’ (those who had become unplugged from their computer program prison) lay squarely in the hands of Neo. Here there is a greater range of characters and more to consider than just the events inside the Matrix

After a classic opening sequence where Neo dreams of Trinity’s death we are quickly introduced to Zion, the main underground settlement of the humans of the future, whose existence is in jeopardy from the machines who are rapidly drilling down to destroy it.

The opening half-hour of background, complete with a slightly sanctimonious speech from rebel Morpheus (not all agree with his unquestioning belief that Neo is the saviour of humanity) and a writhing mass of human hedonism, is included, I assume, to let us understand what we’re fighting for. To be honest it is a little overblown and it isn’t until Neo and the gang plug back into the Matrix, seeking the Oracle, that the film kicks into gear… and then some. For much of the remainder of the film, outrageous action sequences spar for screen time with plot advancement in the form of, often more pretentious than profound, speeches from several key figures, both old (The Oracle) and new (The Keymaker, Merigovian and finally The Architect).

The plot is, whilst sometimes unnecessarily verbose, generally uncomplicated with little in the way of twists and turns. The cynic in me wonders how much the co-development of a computer game had to do with this linear plot. In fairness though there are several wonderful moments, a certain chocolate cake experience is pure Wachowki brothers fantasy, there are also times when the contemplative scenes are genuinely thought-provoking although too often they are overly lengthy and hinder the pace of the film. In the first film Morpheus’s explanation of the Matrix was pure genius, no scene here quite replicates that audience feeling of disorientating confusion, wide-eyed astonishment and reluctant comprehension.

Where The Matrix Reloaded exceeds its predecessor though is the action sequences, which are quite exceptional, a far more sizable budget, development of technology and a couple of years of continuous martial arts training have most certainly not been wasted. The much talked about melee with the now rogue Agent Smith is a masterpiece, with Neo whirling and spinning like a dervish causing the necessary havoc and mayhem, as bodies fly and feet and fists blur across the screen, a fantastic château weapons display and the coup de grace, a full fourteen minute long car chase. This scene is truly deserving of the word awesome, not only do three different groups fight it out, but there are cars careening and crashing with movements that almost match the balletic grace of the martial arts on display, agents use cars as trampolines and the final impact of two trucks is like a visual and audio orgasm.

So the Matrix Reloaded is flawed, the Watchowki brothers haven’t quite tapped into the same brilliance as they achieved with the first, although it must be remembered that this is merely one half of the double-headed sequel so I wouldn’t bet against them having something dramatic up their collective sleeves. The cast is also slightly down on their last appearing, a case of too many cooks, as the four main characters share screen time with far too many others to mention, although again their purpose may become clearer over the full stretch of time.

Keanu Reeves again displays his customary slightly out of his depth-confused look that is perfect for the role as Neo, his onscreen beau Trinity (Carrie Ann Moss) gives her best Ripley-esque performance, aided by that unbelievable latex suit. Much of the film rests on their deep feelings for each other and whilst the sparks don’t exactly fly, they some how carry it off with a touching scene near the end respectably remaining the right side of schmaltzy, if only just.

Lawrence Fishburne is a trifle disappointing although mostly due to the dodgy opening speech from which he can never quite recover his previous cool. It falls to Hugo Weaving reprising his Agent Smith character many times over to have probably the most fun role, his straight laced by the book approach is softened and he sneers his way superbly through the film. Other characters drift in and out and are really too numerous to mention.

The Matrix Reloaded is essential viewing for any self-respecting cinemagoer, admittedly it falls short of the expectation and hype, but it still is the best film I’ve seen this year by far. It will in turns leave you puzzled and perplexed, excited and exhilarated but most of all unbearably impatient for November when The Matrix Revolutions (hence the title) is released. Most definitely advised.

Running Time: 140 mins

Tomatometer Rating: 75% - a rating taken from www.rottentomatoes.com.