As good as the first?

Rating: 9/10 (16 May 2003)

Okay, so opening night I just had to see The Matrix Reloaded and I can honestly say, without a doubt, this one is as good as, if not better than the original.
I'm not giving an overview although I've heard complaints that the story takes a dive and it's too hard to figure out what's going on. If you pay attention, you will understand everything. I've only seen it once and there's not one part that I question--I know I'm gloating, get over it.
I think a lot of people went in with too high of expectations--I just went looking for great special effects and a neat story and that's exactly what I got.
Yes, the fight scenes are longer and more drawn out than they probably needed to be, but I was never bored watching them. The chase scene itself is ridiculously long-winded, but nevertheless it kept a smile on my face the entire time.
Of course, negative strikes could include lack of character development, plot holes, blah blah blah, who cares? Actually, if you review the movie there are not ANY plot holes--everything is carefully answered.
And cliffhanger ending? Not really, but you can be rest assured that I will be viewing REVOLUTIONS.