Thoughts on The Matrix Reloaded (SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS)

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2003)

By May 16th, I've seen the movie three times. This has given me time to speak as if I know what I'm talking about, although I still might not. Trinity's opening fight was great, and Neo's dream gave the movie an underlying sense of dread. The world of the Matrix has been expanded, given insight to the lives of other crews, and that Neo isn't the only one that can break the rules of the Matrix. At first, I didn't like the scenes at Zion, I just wanted to get back to the Matrix. But, I understand their purpose (and the mech armor looks really cool!). The fight with Seraph seemed unnecessary at first, but it amazes me that there's a program as strong as Neo. Also, that Neo was arrogant during the Burly Brawl and soon realized that he had to leave. The special effects, while not flawless, were still cutting-edge. Characters like The Oracle, the Keymaker, the Merovingian, and the Architect really hit me hard with the philosophy, and the repeat viewings were, pretty much, for me to understand it all. Other Matrices? Other "Ones" before Neo? Prior destruction and REBUILDING of Zion? Huh? Reloaded is real heavy on talk of purpose, reason, and choice. Also, Smith is a much more disturbing character this time around. Moreso because the Wachowskis let you figure it out. Smith is a virus now, and he can copy himself onto almost anybody. During the Brawl, he summons several copies out of nowhere, which means there could very well be more. If you watch the trailer for Revolutions, there are literally thousands of Agent Smiths. I fear he takes over the entire Matrix, and Neo may have to work with the Machines to get rid of him. Also, Smith manages to cross over into the real world (Wow!) and single-handedly destroys five ships with an EMP blast (Dang!). It seems like Smith is still the main villian of the show.
Back to the story. The freeway chase: I've never seen anything like it. I love the money shot at the end. Neo's flying ability is some of the best flying I've ever seen in a movie; I bought it wholesale. The new spin of Morpheus being a possible delusional, and THEN having his dreams come crashing down. Beautiful. Great inner tragedy. I love the new characters. And I love how confused the Architect made me. I mean, I'm pretty smart. But I STILL don't understand what the Architect says. And that's a testament to the Wachowskis that they can write a machine meets lying serpent villian. He is god of the Matrix and at the same time, the devil. Or you can say the Oracle is the true god, since she's the mother. But whatever.
The point is the Wachowskis shatter any expectations you may have the Matrix. Good for me because I tried to remove myself of any expectations or hype. Some may be disappointed because of their inability to expect nothing and just watch. But once you do that, the world of the Matrix will open up to you. Repeat viewings do pay off, but the best advice is still to sit back and enjoy yourself. Peace (I can't wait for Revolutions!).