A very satisfactory sequel - just make sure you saw its predecessor first

Rating: 5/10 (5 June 2003)

I'm not going to even bother with a summary of the plot for The Matrix: Reloaded because it's too complicated. Besides, the sheer possibility of giving away details is too great. What I can do is suggest that if you have not seen the first Matrix, don't bother with this one yet. I've known two people who inexplicably went to see this film without seeing the original and disliked it greatly. Until I saw it for myself, I couldn't understand how they could dislike the film, even as a stand-alone entity Â– the answer was apparent within the first 10 minutes. The Wachowski brothers don't insult us and waste 20 minutes rehashing the complicated plot of the first film, rather they continue right along where the former ended.
The first time I saw the original Matrix, I walked out of the theater with my friend who asked me what I thought of it. Answering quite honestly, I replied with, `I have no idea what this film was about, but it was really f-ing cool.' Of course, with a repeat viewing the answers became a little clearer, and this film answers a few of the questions one may have carried over from the original. Indeed, the film opens up new areas of confusion which will be presumably covered in the final installment. Even as I walked out of the theater a little less confused this time, I still had the same comment to make: `It was really f---ing cool.' I didn't expect to be as amazed this time as I was while watching the predecessor because at this point the effects that the Wachowski brothers pioneered are hackneyed, but I was pleasantly surprised at how fun and exciting the action sequences were.

There's no point in commenting on the acting, as it the characters are fairly formulaic: Hero, Mentor, Love Interest, Villain(s), and none of the roles are a stretch. If I had to comment on the acting, I would have to say that I at least wasn't irritated by Keanu Reeves, who has the acting ability of a 12 year old community theater hopeful. The best way to approach the film is as an interesting science fiction piece with plenty of incredible action sequences. I have heard a minimum of 12 theories as to what everything in the second film means, but I think I'm going to choose not to overanalyze the film and simply enjoy it. And if you haven't seen the first Matrix but decide to see this one, you can pretty much go to any video store, cable channel or even your next door neighbor and watch it before you see this one. Or, don't bother: If you didn't care to see the first one, you probably won't like this one, regardless of the hype.

--Shelly