"Matrix OVER-loaded" Desperately straining to match the original, it tries to cram in way too much psuedo-profundity

Rating: 7/10 (15 May 2003)

As a "stand-alone" action movie "Matrix 2" ain't bad. It's technically clever and inventive. As a sequel to "The Matrix," however, it falls quite short. The first "Matrix" dazzled audiences with its special FX, to be sure. But more than that, I believe it conveyed a model of human breakthrough that inspired people consciously, and on unconscious levels. Whatever it was, SOMETHING about the first "Matrix" movie captured people's imaginations on a level much deeper and more profound that mere special effects wizardry.
"Matrix Reloaded" was very obviously under tremendous pressure to duplicate and advance that earlier success--- both in the technical crafting of the film, and the transcendental vibe that sparked out from the first movie. This "Matrix Reloaded" script strains to be "heavy," and strains to over-load with fluffy philosophy, profundity, and meaning. It tries desperately, and that vain, panting effort in the script is evident. It tries too hard. To quote the recent movie "Super Troopers," "Desperation is a stinky cologne."
Funny thing--- if there was no "The Matrix," this flick would probably be a 9 or 10. But because it is a sequel, comparisons are invited, in fact, comparisons are demanded--- and "The Matrix Reloaded" falls way short. I give it a generous 7 out of 10.