Because they can...

Rating: 8/10 (31 May 2003)

The much awaited "The Matrix Reloaded" by Andy and Larry Wachowski is entertaining, great looking, bewildering, and ultimately an exercise in making a big budget movie, "because I can" rather than making a complete movie-- which The Matrix was. I liked the movie, although there is something missing in this one. "Reloaded" clarifies The Matrix, and then goes down the path of layered cyber-reality coupled with both Bibical and Buddhist references. What is the Oracle? And who is the Architect of the Matrix? Is Neo really the One?
The acting is uneven. And is this surprising given the quality of the first movie. Lawrence Fishburne really chews up the scenery in a couple scenes as Morpheus. Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss fare much better by underplaying their roles. My friend, Carrie-Anne, is very good-- I thought. Then again I am biased in this. As Trinity, Carrie-Anne is strong, sexy, and vulnerable. Keanu returning as Neo is efficient, and perhaps a little too stoic for the evolving role of the chosen One.
The visuals in Reloaded are absolutely stunning-- the highway sequence is totally amazing. The fighting sequences are excellent. The one thing that was missing for me, was an emotional investment and payoff. Reloaded is high on cool, and very Zen-ed out. At times it is like (really when you think about it) The Wizard of Oz jacked on steroids and coke. However, Reloaded lacks some of the charm and humanity of The Matrix. This may be one of the dangers or pitfalls of catching a Messiah tale in Act 2. "Reloaded" is also a bit significant about itself. What made The Matrix great, is that it was a cool action movie with a rather novel concept. People just read significance into it. At times "Reloaded" is a convoluted philosophical sledgehammer. Anyway, I may be too far down the rabbit hole on this one...