The Matrix Part II

Rating: 8/10 (10 September 2014)

After the success of the radical first Matrix film, a sequel was inevitable, as Agent Smith would call it. The Matrix Reloaded starts to cover the events prophesied in the first movie, which are concluded in Revolutions.
Neo, the man who will save mankind from extinction, seems set to fulfill his destiny when Sentinel robots drill underground towards the main (last?) human city, Zion and wipe out all the inhabitants.
To make sure humanity survives, Neo, Morpheus and Trinity must find their way to the Keymaker, a computer program that could lead to the salvation of Zion. Of course, they have to fight endless obstacles, leading to several fantastic action sequences, which obviously couldn't be crammed into the plot of the first movie.
The scenes make up for most of the excitement of this movie. There are more fights, but they can easily be engaging, especially the ChÃ¢teau sequence, Rob Dougan's namesake soundtrack perfect for the situation. Then you have the freeway chase scene which will hypnotize you.
But the film is flawed. The movie doesn't delve into themes from the first movie that much. Some scenes, including the freeway chase feel like they're too long. Plus the CGI looks old and dull despite the Wachowski's best attempts in using it to add to the spectacle.
The characters are well developed. We get to see more of the romance between Neo and Trinity. Alongside the amazing Morpheus and Agent Smith, newer supporting characters like Link and the Keymaker are cool, but Niobe and the Kid appear to have been shoehorned. However, it is the dead-pan Architect and his scene near the climax that kill for me. Also Monica Bellucci is great as knock-out chick Persephone.
Reloaded almost feels like any old action movie and a slightly sub- standard version of the Matrix. But for what it is, it tries to be different, is still a brilliant sequel, doesn't feel unnecessary and is still awesome to watch.