Better than the first!

Rating: 10/10 (15 May 2003)

I went to an advanced screening last night, and I am glad I did!! Being an avid Matrix / Sci-fi fan I was very psyched about the film, but I had heard a few negative reviews and that had put me in an apprehensive mood (some reviews said it was like Star Wars Episode 2...too wordy and convoluted with an almost religious fervor). But the opening sequence glued me to my seat.
Now shortly after an opening fight sequence, the exposition started and we get caught up on what went on since the events in the Matrx. I really loved the political conflicts that went on here, you get a sense that not everyone is on board with the whole idea of Neo being the "One". These sequences are helped along by the cast doing a great job of acting (not just fighting). Reloaded does a great job at juxtaposing the bright world of the Matrix with that of the grey Zion. You also get the sense that in the Matrix, our heros kick butt, but outside of the Matrix they are very vulnerable. As for the fight scenes in the movie....WOW. Some of the best action sequences I have ever seen. Simply jaw dropping. From the characters using almost every weapon to their gravity defying kung-fu fighting, these scenes can best be described as intense. One thing I would have liked to have more of though was the music. Some scenes you had to strain to hear the music over the sound effects...but this could have been the theater I was at.
Overall I would say Reloaded out does the first movie in everyway. The action sequences are better, the story is more indepth and there is a greater sense of urgency. Although not as ground breaking as the first, think of it as an "upgrade".
My rating 10/10. (If you like the Matrix, check out Dark City and Ghost in the Shell, both great movies which more than likely had an impact on the creators of the Matrix movies.)