Everything I hoped it would be

Rating: 10/10 (15 May 2003)

Despite a clunky, overly Star Wars reminiscent opening, Matrix Reloaded sets a new benchmark for science fiction and action cinematography. More than that, though, the Wachowski brothers manage to once again deliver a script that makes you scratch your head and nod at its cleverness. Many reviews have touted a lifeless script, but I would argue just the opposite. The storyline of the Matrix Reloaded manages to turn many concepts the audience has taken for granted into fresh and new story ideas without resorting to trite plot twists and surprise occurances.
Hugo Weaving obviously gets to have fun with his role as the gleefully rampant and power-mad Agent Smith, an interesting change from his dire, emotionless role in the first of the series.
The effects do still steal the show, however. The Matrix Reloaded, as in the first, managed to amaze a techno-jaded viewer such as myself. There is true artistry in the mayhem of this film. What impressed me the most was that, although I could spot CG characters, I could not quite manage to catch the transitions back into the flesh and blood actors. And the credits pay tribute to this excellence, there is a veritable army listed as the crew for this film.
I hoped beyond hope for a sequel that would excite me and make me glad that I love movies so much, and the Matrix Reloaded delivered in full.