Style far beyond Hollywood

Rating: 7/10 (17 May 2003)

While this movie can't give the same simple amazement that the first gave us, Reloaded has so much continued style and beauty I couldn't help but fall in love with it after my second viewing. The first time I watched it, I actually missed a fair bit of coolness for trying to understand the story as much as possible. And something just didn't feel right. But the second time around I was able to catch a few things that just made ridiculously masterful scenes even better. Things started to fall together and make sense in light of the first movie. What's going on just beyond our reach of understanding has me more than curious. WHAT the @#$% IS THE MATRIX?

Visuals: Make sure you take a look at the stair/hand weapon fight scene closely... that was just incredible... it has got to be the coolest fight scene I've ever watched. And for a person who typically finds car chases the most boring thing in any movie... well, the one in this movie beats them all by making it (again) an absolutely beautiful affair. The slow mo cars twisting in the air... the glass raining down... and I absolutely love the freaky posturing of Morpheus in that attack jump near the end of the car scene.
Which brings me to an important point. This movie well outdoes the first when it comes to correct posturing and movement in fight scenes, except for the CGI which still isn't bad. When the characters jump 15 feet in the air, their body positioning, movement, and the affects of physics are completely believable... I wish every movie paid so much attention to detail. I am still astounded. To all the actors, especially Fishburne, Moss, and Reeves, I salute you for your hard training. Reeves definitely moved more naturally during the kung fu. To the directors, you guys are my heroes. My pet peeve is while not actually seeing the wires, but knowing exactly where they are because of the way the characters are thrown around. This movie deserves and award for getting it right.
So yes, this movie could win me over easily by just being beautiful. And I don't mean for the CGI, although most of it was excellent like the ships and mechs (I actually didn't like some of the close ups of rendered humans... not realistic enough)... but that's one of my few complaints. My other complaints? Well, I did miss Tank. Ok... in general, I wasn't terribly excited about the Zion scenes... but you can't like every scrap of dirt, steel, or extra can you?
Beyond beautiful visuals? It's sometimes very hard to separate what the visuals do to you because they make you think and feel so much. It's like visiting a foreign country... everything is somehow exotic and intriguing... you want to take it all in. Despite that, I say the whole movie is just great... which is why I bet all 3 of these movies will be considered classics.
The music (while not frequent as in the first movie) moved me quite a bit. As a matter of fact, the "rave scene" which at first felt very out of place, actually did something to me after it got going because of the excellent sounds. In retrospect, it did somehow fit in when you look at some of the scenes in the first movie.
The story was very good... you'll have some surprises after seeing The Matrix, and that is good for a sequel. Secrets are revealed while others are created. I will admit to being confused about a few things, a few major things, but that's what was meant to happen. If you are one of those that don't pay attention to important details, be ready to walk away wondering if Neo even exists (sarcasm, not some sort of spoiler). This seems to be the main complaint of the type that don't like this movie. Well I'm sorry, but I like movies that treat you with respect and allow you to think some of it out. Not to mention surely part 3 will answer those really important questions.
The characters? Morpheus is always cool even when he's grimacing in pain. Trinity is charming and kicks butt like always. Mr. Smith is always a pleasure. The Oracle is a sweetheart. The twins are chilling. The "French guy"... oh boy... he steals the show. Even the new characters that I thought I'd dislike were quite good.
Anyway, the whole thing is extremely stylish and inspiring. This movie (like the first) should even appeal to people who aren't usually into action or science fiction, just like Clint Eastwood makes Westerns cool even for those who aren't normally huge fans. After watching Reloaded I want to quit work and take martial arts lessons daily. I want to make movies and write stories. I also want to see this movie again!