Pretentious Pap

Rating: 5/10 (25 October 2003)

Where did it all go wrong?
Although I didn't really dislike The Matrix Reloaded, I had no real affinity for it either. Whether it was the dragging rave scene or the way too OTT CGI, I just couldnt be 'amazed'. The fun in the Matrix was in the discovery, your discovery of "the matrix", and the storyline discovery of Neo.
While not being a English graduate, I have a good grasp of the English language and felt the dialogue was clunky and obtrusive. In the Wachowskis clamour to have grandiose speeches, they forgot to make the point of them clear to the average cinema goer. A lot of people have mentioned they understood the speeches after repeated viewing but I dont think that really cuts the mustard.
I almost yawned during the "Agent Smith Park" scene because instead of being visually impressive, i found the execution, if not the idea, dull and soul less, alot like most recent blockbusters in the sense that all the purpose of the elaborate set pieces is to visually out do the pack of contemporary action films instead of really having a point or any logic in the scene.
I think that was my whole problem with the movie, it seemed an execution in self indulgence from the Wachowskis and lacked the charm and mystery of the first film. I did enjoy some of the ideas and certainly the final predicament but i have the impression this will be the "filler" between The Matrix and The Matrix Revolutions.
I hope I'm right.