"Matrix Reloaded," fails to make necessary emotional connection to its jaw-dropping visual effects, resulting in a dramatically flat 'middle' trilogy.

Rating: 6/10 (20 May 2003)

The first Matrix was technically brilliant as well as narratively sound. In this 2nd installment, "Matrix Reloaded," fails to make necessary emotional connection to its jaw-dropping visual effects, resulting in a dramatically flat 'middle' trilogy. In the first, the cool action sequences served to introduce our characters as super beings, once in the Matrix. In this one, while the action sequences are still pretty cool, now feel long and pointless. Combine this with the film's ambitious effort to bring Greek mythology, Christianity, Buddhism, Marxism and nihilism together in a cryptic way as not to reveal too much in light of the next, conclusive install resulted in an even film. The success of "Matrix Reloaded" should be attributed more to its brilliant marketing strategy than the film itself, which grossed some $160 million opening week worldwide. This one rates 6/10.