Matrix Overloaded

Rating: 3/10 (17 June 2009)

'The Matrix Reloaded' followed the same pattern as Disney's 'Pirates of the Caribbean' series: part one is nearly flawless and an almost classic and is followed by progressively horrid sequels. What 'Reloaded' had going for it was two above par chase/action sequences: Neo's staircase assault and a wonderfully, never-ending freeway chase scene. Beyond that, it was filled to the brim with enough fluff to supply George Lucas with another 'Star Wars' prequel. The Wachowski creators obviously knew what audiences wanted: more, ah-hem, "smart" and "biblical" dialogue, more action, more green and characters. They succeeded. In a good way? Not really. The so-called smart dialogue was so laughable, that when it was over I longed and actually had to plug in the MTV Movie awards spoof with Justin Timberlake and Will Farrell that made me crack up on how silly some of the 'Reloaded' scenes/dialogue really was. Again we have Keanu Reeves acting his heart out – albeit disastrous – and asking 'why, why, why' or a million other questions every 2 minutes of screen time. Seriously, we're supposed to believe Trinity actually fell for this doofus and that everyone else believe he's the "One." Aside from a short 'Scary Movie' segment on this film and the Will Farrell "ergo" clip, I wouldn't mind seeing a feature-length spoof as there's plenty to ridicule. Too harsh? Perhaps. After all, it's not as bad as the one that follows. And it's definitively watchable. Again, the Oracle steals her scenes, and (only) some of the special effects were top notch –the fight of the million Smiths was enjoyable, but it was like watching a kid play a Nintendo64 game. Summary: Neo's struggling in his 'Superman' role while real humans plan to ward off machines who plan on murder. Somewhat recommended, though people should've stopped at #1.