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The Matrix Reloaded

Reality check: The world we live in is an interactive computer-generated fantasy designed to enslave our minds while machines harvest our body heat for survival. By now the story is familiar, the hype has been raging for months and the wait is finally over. However, die-hard fans of the trilogy might be somewhat disappointed by the saga's middle chapter. For starters, no film can possibly live up to the media hype that precedes its release, i.e., Star Wars: Episode I. Fortunately for Matrix afficionados, the talented Wachowski brothers have more respect for their audience and general moviegoer's intelligence.

Six months after the events of the first film, Neo (Keanu Reeves) is trying to come to grips with the meaning of being The One while haunted by a recurring nightmare of Trinity's (Carrie-Ann Moss) death. Much of Zion's populace questions his Messiah status and the Oracle (Gloria Foster), enigmatic as ever, warns him of an upcoming decision he will have to make and the consequences that could result. She also tells him about a rogue program, known as The Keymaker (Randall Duk Kim), who is being held hostage by the Merovingian.

Zion has been placed in mortal danger by machines drilling down to the human stronghold and The Keymaker holds the -- no pun intended -- key to its salvation. Only 'The One' the Oracle prophesizes can save Zion and end the war between man and machine. Or can he? As before, nothing and no one is what it seems in the world of the Matrix. New characters have come onboard, as well, some of whom are working for the humans and others for the machines.

The problem with the new film isn't the special effects, of which there is no shortage. Nor is it a matter of there not being enough martial-arts fight scenes, stunts, or action sequences, all of which are visually stunning. Even the storyline delivers much of what it should by exploring the previous characters in more depth, as well as several new ones who present many an interesting and thought-provoking plot twist. So what is the fatal flaw in the Matrix? It's just not the same the second time around.

Granted, the Wachowskis had a tall order to fill by attempting to outdo or, at the very least, match a film that revolutionized the cyber thriller genre and popularized bullet-time photography. In many respects, Reloaded definitely proves that they are up to most of the challenge -- the much-talked-about chase scene that takes place on a freeway is worth the price of admission alone. The special effects are just as dazzling and the Matrix universe has been expanded to allow a first look at the last human city, Zion. Among the new kids on the block are -- the formidable Twins (Neil and Adrian Rayment) who can move through solid objects; The Keymaker, a megalomaniacal Merovingian (Lambert Wilson); and, The Architect -- rogue programs with varying agendas. A number of new human characters also join the cast; the most intriguing of whom are two from the first film: Neo, a.k.a. The One and the Oracle. Both, it seems, are not who they were first implied to be. The question of fate evolves to that of purpose and choice and leads to several intriguing plot twists and character-development arcs.

What's missing is the suspense and tension of Reloaded's predecessor. The narrative is more linear and the element of surprise and mystery is gone. The first hour tends to drag its feet; relatively unimportant characters and conflicts receive too much emphasis while some of the more crucial plotlines such as the machines that are drilling down to Zion and Agent Smith's (Hugo Weaving) ability to copy himself, are swept to the wayside. Some of those subplots might receive more attention in the final installment, which in itself leads to another, almost inescapable flaw of any trilogy: the sophomore part plays out like a whole lot of middle with not much resolution and a cliffhanger for a conclusion. However, it does whet the appetite for the eagerly-awaited third film that is due to be released in November. Despite its more disappointing aspects, Reloaded does maintain one of its predecessor's most important qualities; it leaves the audiences thinking. Reality check: The world we live in is an interactive computer-generated fantasy designed to enslave our minds while machines harvest our body heat for survival. By now the story is familiar, the hype has been raging for months and the wait is finally over. However, die-hard fans of the trilogy might be somewhat disappointed by the saga's middle chapter. For starters, no film can possibly live up to the media hype that precedes its release, i.e., Star Wars: Episode I. Fortunately for Matrix afficionados, the talented Wachowski brothers have more respect for their audience and general moviegoer's intelligence.

Six months after the events of the first film, Neo (Keanu Reeves) is trying to come to grips with the meaning of being The One while haunted by a recurring nightmare of Trinity's (Carrie-Ann Moss) death. Much of Zion's populace questions his Messiah status and the Oracle (Gloria Foster), enigmatic as ever, warns him of an upcoming decision he will have to make and the consequences that could result. She also tells him about a rogue program, known as The Keymaker (Randall Duk Kim), who is being held hostage by the Merovingian.

Zion has been placed in mortal danger by machines drilling down to the human stronghold and The Keymaker holds the -- no pun intended -- key to its salvation. Only 'The One' the Oracle prophesizes can save Zion and end the war between man and machine. Or can he? As before, nothing and no one is what it seems in the world of the Matrix. New characters have come onboard, as well, some of whom are working for the humans and others for the machines.

The problem with the new film isn't the special effects, of which there is no shortage. Nor is it a matter of there not being enough martial-arts fight scenes, stunts, or action sequences, all of which are visually stunning. Even the storyline delivers much of what it should by exploring the previous characters in more depth, as well as several new ones who present many an interesting and thought-provoking plot twist. So what is the fatal flaw in the Matrix? It's just not the same the second time around.

Granted, the Wachowskis had a tall order to fill by attempting to outdo or, at the very least, match a film that revolutionized the cyber thriller genre and popularized bullet-time photography. In many respects, Reloaded definitely proves that they are up to most of the challenge -- the much-talked-about chase scene that takes place on a freeway is worth the price of admission alone. The special effects are just as dazzling and the Matrix universe has been expanded to allow a first look at the last human city, Zion. Among the new kids on the block are -- the formidable Twins (Neil and Adrian Rayment) who can move through solid objects; The Keymaker, a megalomaniacal Merovingian (Lambert Wilson); and, The Architect -- rogue programs with varying agendas. A number of new human characters also join the cast; the most intriguing of whom are two from the first film: Neo, a.k.a. The One and the Oracle. Both, it seems, are not who they were first implied to be. The question of fate evolves to that of purpose and choice and leads to several intriguing plot twists and character-development arcs.

What's missing is the suspense and tension of Reloaded's predecessor. The narrative is more linear and the element of surprise and mystery is gone. The first hour tends to drag its feet; relatively unimportant characters and conflicts receive too much emphasis while some of the more crucial plotlines such as the machines that are drilling down to Zion and Agent Smith's (Hugo Weaving) ability to copy himself, are swept to the wayside. Some of those subplots might receive more attention in the final installment, which in itself leads to another, almost inescapable flaw of any trilogy: the sophomore part plays out like a whole lot of middle with not much resolution and a cliffhanger for a conclusion. However, it does whet the appetite for the eagerly-awaited third film that is due to be released in November. Despite its more disappointing aspects, Reloaded does maintain one of its predecessor's most important qualities; it leaves the audiences thinking.

Written by: Michael McDonough

Reviewers Rating: 8
Reader's Rating: 7.43
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