Ties up loose ends, but creates new ones

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2003)

This new Matrix helps to better understand the ideas of what the Matrix really is and who has the control. You learn what Neo is really supposed to do, what his choices are, the inevitable end to the Matrix and Zion, what purposes the agents play, what purpose Zion plays, and what purpose the Oracle plays (plus many more). However, much like Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back, there are new problems and mind games that the main characters must address. I'm not going to lie and say that this was better than the first, or that it is worse. It stands on its own in a way. If you did not see the first Matrix you will be lost in this one, like wise, if you do not see Reloaded, you will not understand the next Matrix. The first lets you know what Neo must do and the last will show him doing it, but if you miss what happened in between, you will be missing many big concepts about Neo that were not presented in the first. This is much the sense for movies series like Star Wars and Back to the Future. The second movie in many respects is not as good as the first or third, especially in the case of Star Wars. However, Empire is great. Just like this. I guess what it all boils down to is this: If you were/are a fan of the first, you should see this movie. You may get bored or feel the special effects are a little overdone compared to the first, but if you watch this one on its own (i.e., don't compare to the first Matrix) you will see just as great a story this one is, with all new concepts that tangle up your whole concept of what the Matrix is and who Neo is. I give it two thumbs up, but I am not the biggest Matrix fan, although I am a pretty big fan. I just had to write this because I was getting flack from my friends who did not like it because it was slower than the first, but I said: The first was all new concepts, so of course everything is going to seem faster than any sequel after it, since you will have at least an idea of what could or is going to come in later Matrix's. Heck, my girlfriend hated the first Matrix, she thought it was boring and slow with overproduced fight scenes.