Considering the lofty expectations that preceded it, The Matrix Reloaded triumphs where most sequels fail. It would be impossible to match the fresh audacity that made The Matrix a global phenomenon in 1999, but in continuing the exploits of rebellious Neo (Keanu Reeves), Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) as they struggle to save the human sanctuary of Zion from invading machines, the codirecting Wachowski brothers have their priorities well in order. They offer the obligatory bigger and better highlights (including the impressive "Burly Brawl" and freeway chase sequences) while remaining focused on cleverly plotting the middle of a brain-teasing trilogy that ends with The Matrix Revolutions. The metaphysical underpinnings can be dismissed or scrutinized, and choosing the latter course (this is, after all, an epic about choice and free will) leads to astonishing repercussions that made Reloaded an explosive hit with critics and hardcore fans alike. As the centerpiece of a multimedia franchise, this dynamic sequel ends with a cliffhanger that virtually guarantees a mind-blowing conclusion. --Jeff Shannon
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Interesting but flawed Comment: The Matrix revolutionized the action genre with its amazing storytelling and incredible action sequences. The Matrix: Reloaded continues the legacy of incredible action sequences; however, the storytelling has suffered over these years. In the previous film, action complimented the ideas the plot needed explained; the notion of matrix reality vs. actual reality was enforced greatly thanks to fights that culminated in short lines ("You think that's air your breathing?"). Reloaded faces the challenge of developing new ideas about the matrix as well as the reality outside it. Unfortunately, explanations come and come and come...Long conversations and speeches seem independent of the action in the film, and, as a result, the film has an odd pacing which contrasts greatly from the constant adrenaline rush of the first. I felt I needed a flowchart to fully grasp the characters and their places in this story. The confusing and tedious storytelling aside, the plot continues to be intriguing and I anticipate the third installment. The following of the first will guarantee this saga success, despite some problems. Customer Rating: Summary: Too Philosophical, Too Fake, Too Confusing Comment: After being absolutely blown away by the original "Matrix" film, I was expecting much of the same the second time around. Unfortunately, that is EXACTLY what happened...albeit too much.
The major appeal of the first film was that the complex story was put into terms that, while sometimes complicated, most people could still understand. "Reloaded", however, ratchets that level of difficulty in understanding the subject material into the stratosphere, as characters expounded on the notions of "rogue computer programs", "choice", and "free will". Far too many times I felt as if I needed undergraduate degrees in philosophy and computer science to understand what the heck was going on!
The other readily-apparent flaw in this film was its overuse of action scenes. The first film provided just the right combination of talk vs. action that made the showdown with Agent Smith all the more enjoyable. "Reloaded" throws scene after scene of intense martial arts at you, in the process making those scenes a whole lot less unique and thrilling. Plus, the scenes are often so over-the top (where it is too obvious for a major motion picture that high-tech computers are used to shoot the entire scene) that the entire film has a fake feel to it.
With those major critiques out of the way, however, the film did have its bright spots. For me, the experience of watching this film can be summed up by Neo's meeting with "The Architect"...though I was fascinated but what was being said, I could only comprehend every third or fourth concept due to the highly-complicated nature of the subject matter. Like I said, one must be almost professionally versed in philosophy and computer programming to know exactly what is transpiring.
Overall, then, I would recommend this film to all the hard-core computer programming nerds out there that will be absolutely fascinated by its musings. For the more casual science fiction viewer, however, just try to comprehend as much as you can and wait for the big conclusion coming in the third film. Customer Rating: Summary: Mostly Action Comment: I agree with most people that this Reloaded sequel doesn't live up to the original The Matrix. To me that just compliments the original, though. I wasn't expecting anything better than the first and neither should you.
To make up for the reuse of the recycled elements of The Matrix, they've poured in action to the brim. It's almost too much. Where as before one agent could kill all three or more of them, each individual has this new confidence and ability to handle themselves, not to mention Neo who can just Superman his way out of a 25-Smith situation. Very convenient.
Still, it's worth seeing how the story plays out being you can buy this DVD new for $5 including shipping. Can't beat that! Customer Rating: Summary: My favorite Matrix Comment: Truly stunning visual effect. Keanu Reeves,Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss totally rocked in all that action. Hey it's sci-fi fantasy the story line can afford to be blurred. Customer Rating: Summary: Definitely Reloaded Comment: Part 2 may have been the best as far as action goes out of all three. I like the story line and yes there were some holes but it is still a movie. The Matrix series is one of those movies where it's basis was more about life and reality as we know (or maybe don't know it)but they used the ides of computers and technology to explain it. Hence the coming of the chosen one to save the human race, the architect, and this reality not being our real home.
