Great film that enhances its predecessor

Rating: 8/10 (28 May 2003)

The Matrix Reloaded is an extremely well made movie that successfully builds upon the universe introduced in the first film. Considering all of the hype behind this movie and fact that the basic premise isn't as novel after four years, this movie upholds its original standard well. My only criticism is that in an effort to "one up" the first film it extended fight scenes a bit to long and slightly misused the bullet time effect. In the first film bullet time helped draw you into the scene building on anticipation, in this application it as if the timing is slightly off--slowing down some of the scenes. Nonetheless everything looks great and scenes are well acted. Pay attention to Gloria Foster's (The Oracle) scene with Neo in the courtyard--its one of the best in the movie.