Style Over Substance

Rating: Null/10 (14 May 2003)

Well, I know this flies in the face of all previous comments... but here it goes.
It's 1:00am and I just got back from Wednesday's 10:00pm premiere of The Matrix: Reloaded. Contrary to my normal routine of going into a theater prepared to be underwhelmed, I actually had high hopes for this one as I very much liked the original and was impressed with the trailer. Was I ever in for a surprise.
The Wachowski brothers took the road too well traveled by following up an original, atmospheric and stylish movie with a sequel that takes numerous over-choreographed and over-stylized action sequences and wraps them around a thin thread of story line laced with mediocre dialog and uninspired acting. I found myself unable to care about the characters or their plight and instead just wished for it all to end. Two hours and eighteen minutes later, my wish was granted.
If your idea of a great night out is partaking in a smorgasbord of over-the-top action and competent if unoriginal computer generated effects, then by all means indulge. Otherwise, wait for the DVD and rent it. That way, you're less likely to feel as though you've wasted your money. ... but that's just my opinion. Anyone else?