Not the icon that "Matrix" was, but very entertaining

Rating: Null/10 (27 May 2003)

Well, what was to be expected? It is impossible to re-gain the element of surprise that was the Matrix' existence in the first film. It was challenging enough to think up new uses for known special effects (very effective bullet-time scene with Carrie-Ann Moss aka Trinity), and new twists to the fight scenes which were already stunningly choreographed and displayed in "The Matrix". "Reloaded" is like two different mediums: a fast-paced, visually stunning video game (complete with the music in the background...) and a deep discussion of religious, mythical and ethical beliefs mixed with thoughts on causal chains and the power of decisions. All-in-all, I found myself looking at my watch quite often, which I find is already a bad sign, alternating between exasperation at yet another fight scene (like seeing "you have reached Level 3, please choose your weapon") and confusion at some rather long-winded monologue on different subjects which may or may not be relevant to the action in the film. I think I enjoyed "Reloaded" and am certainly looking forward to "Revolutions", but it didn't blow me away as did the "Matrix". SPOILER: By the way, did you know resuscitation by heart massage also works in the digital world?