Enjoyable

Rating: 8/10 (15 May 2003)

Rating: 8 out of 10. Directed by Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski. I just saw `The Matrix Reloaded' today on its opening day. Ever since the `The Matrix' came out in 1999, fans have eagerly waited for this sequel and the upcoming `The Matrix Revolutions'. I waited several minutes in rainy cold weather to buy my ticket, and while waiting, I was constantly thinking that this better be worth it. It was worth it, but barely.
Three good things about `The Matrix Reloaded': One, the special effects are great. There is this highway chase scene that is visually stunning. Two, it is appealingly stylish in a very artistic way. Three, it doesn't suffer from the strong beginning but weak ending' syndrome, it gets better as the story progresses, however, the ending is a cliff hanger that shocks the viewer.
Three terrible things about `The Matrix Reloaded': One, the trite annoying dialogue that plagued the first movie is here as well. Two, there are several new characters that are not well introduced, and therefore, become distractions that add little to the movie, however, a couple of these characters are visually welcoming diversions. Three, the fight scenes get a bit tedious.
Like the first Matrix movie, the special effects and fight scenes dominate, and the story is lacking in substance, but I gave it a high rating anyways for its entertainment value. I also found myself laughing several times, there is some subtle humor thrown in.