Indeed, it is reloaded!!!

Rating: 8/10 (19 May 2003)

When `The Matrix' opened in late March of 1999, it was unlike anything audiences had ever seen before. Visually, it was astonishing, introducing the new visual effect technique of Bullettime. The film became a box-office success making around $27 million in its opening weekend, and going on to become one of 1999s biggest box-office smash hits worldwide. But that wasn't the end. It can easily be argued that `The Matrix' revolutionized DVD sales in that it was a top seller for a long period of time. In fact, people were buying DVD players just to have the movie. And so now, at long last, the story continues in one of two films to be released this year, `The Matrix Reloaded,' and indeed, it is reloaded. This film is a lot bigger than it's predecessor and its visual effects are in a word, striking. However, it doesn't feel as remarkable as the first film. But that's hardly saying that it is a let down. On the contrary, `The Matrix Reloaded' is a noteworthy sequel.	Keanu Reeves (`Speed') returns as the chief character, Neo, the one human who is prophesied to lead all humans against the machines that control everyone in a virtual world known as the matrix. Since we left `The Matrix,' time has passed, and various characters that were a part of Morpheouse's (Larence Fishburne) ship have died (the explained reason for the absence of the character Tank, played by Marcus Chong.) As such, there are new members as part of the crew, and their situation grows darker as war is approaching between the freed minds of the underground city, Zion, and against the machines that control the surface of the earth. As war approaches, Neo is confronted with the notion of loosing his love, Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), to the war. Ultimately, he must make decisions that could not only affect his future with Trinity, but decisions that could change the very fate of every living human in world, be they freed or not.
It was guaranteed that visually this sequel would be superior to the first film. In many ways, it is. Some of the effects seem to look like that of a computer game, but then again, they are supposed to because that's exactly what the matrix is, a computer generated dream world. Having said that, there are those visual effects shots that just leave the audience blown away! The first criticism of the film rests in the thought that perhaps its fight scenes were too drawn out and delved into the unnecessary. There are several amazing fight scenes between Neo and agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), who has found a way to copy himself. Hence, there are many upon many agent Smiths throughout the film. It seems that the directors, Andy and Larry Wachowski, wanted to wow their audience. They undoubtedly did so, but it was a little over the top. A second complaint would rest in the idea that the scope of the film is enormous. In `The Matrix,' we are presented the fact that a city exists that is the last human city buried deep underground near the earth's core, where it is warm-but we never see it. The scope of the first film is far smaller than this one and just presents ideas for the audience to play on. We don't see much beyond the ship that Neo, Morpheous, and Trinity are plugged into the matrix from. What we see of Zion in this film is extraordinary, but at the same time, the anticipation is gone. It becomes less mysterious and intriguing and becomes more of what is reality. The most impressive parts of the film were those with Fishburne playing Morpheous. Fishburne is a tall, broad man and his presence is extraordinarily heroic. Who wouldn't want to be like Morpheous if they were in the matrix? What's more, the character of Morpheous is portrayed more as a monk than as it was in the previous film, making him seem all the more wiser. Monica Belluci, an Italian actress who has been in such films as `Malena,' and `Tears of the Sun,' joins the series as Persephone, a woman who aids Neo, Morpheous, and Trinity. Belluci is quite possibly the most beautiful woman in the whole of modern cinema. Moreover, she is an accomplished actress and her very presence adds a captivating feel to the film.
Essentially, `The Matrix' films are exactly like the `Star Wars' and `Lord of the Rings' films in that all three deal with the classic mythological concept of good verses evil. But what separates all three films is their setting and characters. There will be more films that deal in the same genre in years to come that will astound audiences with similar stories. But for now, `The Matrix Reloaded' is a dazzling visual achievement and a great sequel. However, the first film remains to be the best of the series, so far. FYI-stay until the end of the credits and see the teaser trailer for `The Matrix Revolutions,' due out on November 7. ***