I'm going to stand in line to get my money back...

Rating: Null/10 (18 May 2003)

After I saw the Matrix, back in the idyllic 90's, I spent a good three hours waxing philosophic on the nature of reality with my fellow viewers.
After I saw the Matrix Reloaded, I wanted to personally contact the filmmakers and ask for my money back. My buddy pointed out that I'd probably have to take a number.
A LOT of fuss has been made about this film, but none of it really stacks up. As a transitory piece I'm sure it works quite well, storywise. As a dime a dozen kung-fu flick it works wonderfully. But, as a self-proclaimed staple in "hard sci-fi" moviedom, it falls flatter than flat.
The character development is limited to Morpheus and his crumbling beliefs, a concept and a story thread that feels extremely alien after the revelations of the first film. The story goes from point A, trips over dozens of fight scenes (most of them unnecessary) and grueling philosophical expositions (we, as an audience, can think for ourselves, I'd like to imagine) and finally reaches point B, which could have been met about 20 minutes into the film had the special digital effects gods not been at the helm.
I will admit that the scene on the freeway was truly impressive, and I found myself fixed to the screen. Beyond that, though, action scenes are action scenes wherever you go, and even though I can fully appreciate the tremendous amount of work that goes into them, if you cook a full course steak dinner for your date, you have to accept the fact that she might just be happy with the appetizer. I very much would have been happy with an appetizer on this one.
Still, I was pleased with the social commentaries maintained in the film, particularly the racial representation and power structure (where The Man is is always a white guy in a suit, and the downtrodden come from all walks of life)... those were very nice.
Aside from that, and Fishbourne's incredibly intense presence, there isn't too much working for the Matrix Reloaded (except for a ton of money and merchandising, that is... funny how that works out, isn't it?)