Good story. Decent Acting. Great Effects. Killer Ending.

Rating: 9/10 (16 May 2003)

So the summer of sequels begins. Some are legitimate extensions of an original story. Some are just cheap copies of the first, a pathetic attempt by the Big Movie to rake in the dough. The Matrix: Reloaded definitely falls in the first category.
Firstly, if you haven't seen the first film, don't go see this one until you've rented first. You will be lost, confused and probably emotionally scarred. It doesn't pick up right where we left off, but it assumes you already know the main characters. We have Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss), Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), and the new bad guy you love to hate, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving). We are introduced to a number of new characters, too many to mention, who help us dig deeper into the Matrix world. We are taken into the Matrix, onto various ships, including the Nebuchadnezzer, and into the real world. Again, Neo, the Messiah of the film (or as another character refers to him as "The Anomaly") is the main focus. He's supposed to save the humans from the machines. Things build from there, with some interesting twists and turns.
This movie is very heady. Matrix I had a lot of metaphors, analogies, and references to religion and philosophy - including Christianity. This means Matrix II has all the more. Here you get caught in extended philosophical discussions between characters. If you're not paying attention, it will overwhelm you. These discussions, though may seem slow, are essential to the story. Unlike most movies, this one does have a point and the Warchowski are going to make sure you get the whole picture. There is some references to Christianity, eastern mysticism, Buddhism, and a hodgepodge of philosophy. It will probably take more than one viewing to absorb it all and figure out what belief is part of which system.
Now this film is heady, but don't worry, Hollywood didn't leave out the eye candy. If you pay attention, you'll notice everyone in Zion (yes, we get to see Zion) is good looking and at the right weight. Very realistic. (Please note sarcasm)
Once again the brothers are pushing the envelope with special effects. Don't worry. They succeed. The Burly Brawl was intense. If you're concerned about spending money on this film, the entire freeway scene is worth the price of admission alone. Everything is well choreographed and very intense. You get engulfed. You're immersed. You have to see what will happen next. And, there is one part of the Freeway Scene that just nails what your thinking - hint: it's with Link.
Acting is on par with other quality films. I still find Keanu a little plastic. I think he's trying to be stoic. But he does a decent job. He is Neo. There can be no other. Everyone seemed to gel. No one seemed disconnected from another. Everyone was working together.
The story does get a little slow with all the dialogue, but its OK. The story still moves, doesn't get to the point of dragging. I did realize this is a kind of Terminator meets Tron meets your-college-philosophy-prof movie. An interesting mix.
Over all this is a good film. It's enjoyable. It has a cliff-hanger ending. It's a good thing we only have to wait six months for Matrix III. Another three years would be too long of a wait.