A Fine Follow-Up To A Phenomenal Masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (6 June 2006)

WARNING: Knowledge of the plot of the original "Matrix" is imperative before reading this review!
The original "Matrix" is without a competitor as my most favorite film of all time. Ever since I first saw it on DVD I have been in love with the picture, and so when I heard of the inevitable follow-up, I could not wait. I saw the first Saturday of its release and, although it does contain some flaws, I found "The Matrix: Reloaded" to be a very entertaining sequel to a film I was not expecting a whole lot out of.
It's been a little while since the first "Matrix" ended: Tank has been replaced by an operator named Link and Neo is a phenomenal fighter. Nevertheless, the Nebuchadnezzar, its crew, and Zion are all in trouble when the final transmission from a ship called "The Osiris" reveals that a huge sentinel army is boring down from the surface into Zion, and that they will reach there in a matter of days. Zion's only hope is for the One to fulfill his destiny.
Neo meets with the Oracle, who instructs him to retrieve the Keymaker from a program known as the Merovingian, one of the oldest, most sinister, and most powerful programs ever created for any version of the Matrix. If this is done, then Neo must meet with the Architect, where Neo will have to make a life-changing choice. Throw in a little fight with Smith, one of the best car chases ever filmed, and some emotional tension thanks to Trinity, and you've got yourself "The Matrix: Reloaded."
In the fields of visual effects and fight choreography, this installment surpasses its predecessor with flying colors. The fight scenes are dynamic and keep the audience interested throughout their run time. However, when it comes to plot, "Reloaded" falters a bit. Although the Neo/Trinity romance does add some emotional weight to to the film, it also sets the stage for one of the most unnecessary scenes in the film: The Rave. If machines are coming to kill you, do you send for the guns or dance your troubles away? Also, the addition of the Persephone character struck me as a bit superfluous as well (although she does get them to the Keymaker...).
To sum it up, if you liked "The Matrix," you're bound to like "The Matrix: Reloaded." Not only does it expand the horizons of its predecessor, but it has amazing fight scenes that no one should miss. The plot does have some issues, but not so many as to deter from the fun of watching "The Matrix: Reloaded."
Rating-***