A Slightly Different Review

Rating: Null/10 (19 May 2003)

It disturbs me to see so many people who would consider themselves fans of movies in general to mark off Matrix Reloaded as being such a terrible movie. I, myself, waited until the 17th to see the movie, allowing time to see reviews such as the ones published on this site to make a final decision to see the movie. After seeing even the national newspapers turn their noses up at Reloaded, I just had to see if it really was that bad.
After having seen the movie, I can't help but disagree with the 75 percent of you people who are discouraged from this movie. Yes, it was different from the original Matrix. Yes, the special effects are a little more fast-paced than the original. Yes, the martial arts sequences in this movie are a little less kung-fu than the original. I agree to these three things. I do not fully understand why Woo-ping Yuen's choreography this time was a little less Hong-Kong and a little more American. What I do understand is that there really IS a plot in this film, and while the action sequences may cover it up, the idea of fate vs free will is still as strong in Matrix Reloaded as it was in its original. Choice is key in this new installment and considering Neo is given a choice between the ultimately destructive or the ultimately creative, he is still given that choice and takes it freely (for more info, see the movie or check out the philosophy section of the official Matrix website).
I advise those of you who were disappointed with your inital viewing of Matrix Reloaded to watch it again and see the movie for what it really is, not what you wanted it to be. I have seen many people I spend my day with do such and have been made content with the way this movie plays out. Also, remember this movie is the MIDDLE installment of a trilogy and, being such, is subject to being a little less conclusive than most viewers would want or expect. Catch the movie again, you might just change your mind.