Gibberish sequel number one

Rating: 2/10 (4 August 2013)

*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*SPOILERS*SPOILERS I still remember the excitement when I was waiting (just like the rest of the word) for Matrix sequels . I can't say I'm Matrix maniac , but the Matrix universe that was crafted by Wachowski brothers ( well , now brother and sister ) had so much potential that one could expect great things to come . Sadly , the sequels turned out to be not only not as good as they should be , but also made people seriously doubt the quality of the original movie.
"Reloaded " gives us more of the Matrix universe . We get to see Zion – humanity's home . We are also introduced to few new characters that are either the part of Matrix – The Architect , Serafin, Cluemaster , Merowing , Persephona or human inhabitants – Niobe , Zee , Captain Mifune.
We also learn few more things about the story of Matrix – this is the 6th version of Matrix , The Chosen one is just another form of control , The Architect is the father and The Oracle is the mother of Matrix and that Agent Smith is getting out of control .
The movie seems to flow in a simple way : a little bit of action – a little bit of philosophy – a little bit of action - a little bit of philosophy . It feels too mechanical and it's annoying after a while and on repeated viewings . Not to mention that the action scenes are strangely flat and unexciting . The only action scene that is truly superb and can compare to the visual beauty of the first movie is the highway chase . Everything works there . There is tension , fun , visual beauty and even humor. From what I've heard it took them a lot of money and time to make it work , but it was worth the effort . Too bad that is the only action piece worth watching . The other action scenes feel generic (at least by Matrix standards ) and are often incredibly forced into the story – for example , why Neo is wasting his time fighting copies of Agent Smith if he could just fly away ? The fight takes a few minutes and is rather unintentionally laughable. Another forced action sequence is at Merowing's home when Persephona helps our heroes , yet she calls her husband for no real reason , so the movie can put another action sequence. On the plus side the special effects are definitely impressive even after all those years.
The movie tries to build the relationship between Neo and Trinity , but I have to say it just doesn't work for me . It came out of nowhere in the first movie and despite more screen time here it still feels fake and unconvincing . Even the sex scene doesn't help. Not to mention that Wachowski also put a cringe worthy "orgasm scene " and the subplot with Persephone that wants to be loved , so "kiss me like you would kiss her" . Yuck.
First movie had some tendency to be style over substance . Here , it's ALL style over substance . 90% of the dialogue is some gibberish pseudo-intellectual speech that pretends to be meaningful . It's obvious when you look at the talk between Neo and The Architect . They should put some subtitles there to explain what the hell The Architect is talking about. Funny thing – The Architect actually says simple things only in a rather confusing way . For example – Architect won't say "You love Trinity so you won't do it" . Instead he says something like "By the chemical reaction of the neutrons in your brain I can see that your subconscious already made the choice you're brain isn't willing to accept " . LOL . Add the fact that he's not the only one here walking and talking about God-knows-what and prepare your head for two hours of pain.
The movie ends with interesting cliffhanger, but it can't save the movie from the fact it's a disappointment. Putting aside the gibberish dialogue , action scenes , special effects, and the muddled details of this universe , there's nothing underneath this movie . First "Matrix" was a brilliant metaphor of the world we are living today. "Reloaded" feels like an empty bridge between part one and part three. The part three was supposed to be the conclusion "Matrix" fans were waiting for. Too bad it was also a failure.
I give it 2/10.