Reloaded? No. Shut down? Definitely not!

Rating: Null/10 (16 October 2003)

Let me explain my somewhat vague summary above. I say that this movie is not "reloaded" because it certainly does not live up to the first film. However, in its defense, I also have to admit that this film lacks the originality of the first since it really is just a continuation of it.
However, in reading many of the comments, I have come about something that is undoubtedly annoying me (being the movie fanatic that I am) and that is the constant comments that this movie "leaves more to be desired ... " DUH ... that's the point! If we compare this movie to the Superman series (which, ironically, it is quite comparable to) we see a trilogy of films in which Superman is faced with an issue, solves it, and goes back to happy go lucky life at the end. Well, folks, that's not real life. It's mundane watching the next Superman and thinking "well, things have been good for awhile, but, here's the next problem" and Superman goes and solves it, and then, success! Back to the North Pole for a little R&R ... So, really, the idea that this movie leaves us with no ending is absolutely the perfect ending ... we have to want to come back to see the third one, and there HAS to be something to come back to. This movie perfectly set the stage for the third one, as we can already go in knowing what the objective of the Zionions (I guess?) are trying to do.
However, with that said, this movie is still not perfect, and as is customary, I will give the news ... *SPOILERS AHEAD*
The Good News:
1. The action scenes, though somewhat cartoonish, are nonetheless very cool, and even though we know it isn't really Keanu Reeves (nor even a stuntperson for most of them), it is at least cool to watch. And, hey, that's a great part of this series.
2. Plot-push ... for anyone who doesn't know what this means, it is almost always prevalent in trilogy film series. The second film in the trilogy is almost always responsible for pushing the plot from an "introduction" to setting the stage for the end. This movie completely succeeds, as the movie first shows Neo proving he's 'The One', and at the end setting the stage for Revolutions.
3. Chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Ann Moss ... it isn't the strongest romance I've ever seen on film, but not bad at all. The two play a very good couple trying to cope with a career that time and again leads them to disaster.
4. Smith is back! Hugo Weaving is an actor with unparelleled charisma, and his ability to go from the wise Elrond to the dark and ominous Smith prove his capacity as a versatile actor. Thank God Smith is back!
And, the Bad News ...
1. Believe it or not, everyone watching this film does not have a degree in philosophy, quantum physics, and mathematical integration. But, if you don't, there's a good chance the architect is going to sound like Albert Einstein teaching Harvard-level math to a four year old, and don't take that personally ... I had to watch this three times to get atleast the idea of what he was saying.
2. The Oracle was suddenly shown as potentially being against the humans. Why? And why did this question never get answered? That was a little frustrating.
3. The general design and make-up of Zion is left extremely vague ... who's in charge? The film does show a council making important decisions, but yet, one councilor was able to overturn the orders of the military commander? A little confused on that.
Overall, the movie gets 8/10, of which "The Matrix" was given 9.5/10. A little downhill, yes. But it did not sink as far as many would say it did, and I would certainly suggest seeing this movie as I do believe that it will lead to a good and conclusive third installment. See you all November 5th!