A shameful waste.

Rating: 3/10 (25 August 2003)

How is that possible? ONE terrible movie isn't enough, it must be diluted to make TWO installments? That's a shame, because it was quite a challenge to do something both appealing and imaginative after the first Matrix, in storyline as well as visuals. Here on the good side, some eye candy (the multiple Mr Smiths, the "Superman thing", the highway chase), a few funny moments (the French collector, the background images in the final face-off with the architect), a and some really interesting work on what different computer programs would behave and look like in virtual reality. However, those rare good points are drowned in pseudo-suspense, and are only marginally enjoyable, while dangling plot pieces (the kiss with no consequences of any sort, the seraph who's only good enough for a fight), overpresent and boring fights, and positively revolting elements (the induced orgasm, the party, the utterly ridiculous bullet-removal scene) bring acute embarrassment and displeasure. The "to be continued" screen at the end nailed it: that's a serious case of coitus interruptus and throws major disrepute on the film's makers. That's barely worth a 3: yeah, I did have a few laughs.