Excellent mate to the first film

Rating: Null/10 (14 May 2003)

The first film was an excellent peek into the universe of the Matrix and gave us the answer to the question What is the Matrix? - which, incidentally, was aptly utilized as the promotional tag line from the 1999 film.
Now, in the eagerly anticipated sequel, The Matrix Reloaded, we pick up the story some time after the first and learn SOOO much more about the Matrix, its universe, and about the war that rages on.
Without spoiling the film, just be aware that some time has passed since we left the first story. Neo has exercised his abilities. Agent Smith seemingly is growing stronger. and the universe is a LOT bigger than we had originally thought.
I will refrain from telling you any details about the story, or how it develops, but it does lend heavily on the premise that you know what happened in the first episode. Unlike many other sequels, this one does not remind you where you have been or what you have already seen. That being said, if you think you might need a refresher course, you probably should watch The Matrix again before going to see it.
There is no shortage of action in this film. All well orchestrated special effects, (including the trademark Bullet-Time effect), well choreographed fight scenes (ala Matrix-style of course) and a superbly done chase sequence that could only have existed inside the Matrix itself.
The great thing about inventing a world like the Matrix, is that the Wachowski Brothers can do pretty much whatever they want to inside this universe. Even better is that they don't over-do it and make it foolish. Even though in any other movie, it might be. here, it's all feasible and believable.
By now you are aware that this story line aims to be a trilogy, with the third film being released this coming November. Although the first film arrived 4 years ago, 2003 promises to be the year of The Matrix. what with two major motion pictures, a major video-game tie-in, and The Animatrix short film releases (currently online and with a DVD coming soon).

The Matrix Reloaded is a very comfortable fit as a sequel. It's a good match, and is on-par with the first film. It doesn't out-do its predecessor, but it does serve up a decent pay-off for the setup you were given already. It also does well to lead us up to part three: The Matrix Revolutions (thankfully we don't have to wait another 4 years for that!)
[Note: If you want a little more of a tease to help get you psyched up. stick through the final credits. There's a little surprise at the end you might enjoy. ]