Low Expectations Result in Pleasant Surprise

Rating: 9/10 (7 June 2003)

With all of the hype surrounding this movie, I entered the theatre with low expectations. After all, the sequel is the most difficult movie to make. Very few films in history have had good sequels, much less excellent ones.
That being said: This sequel is excellent. I read all the griping about the dance scene in Zion (I went with my wife: we agreed it was hot). I also read all the griping about no plot. I guess these are the same people that came out of Contact (1997, Zemekis) going HUH? The plot is pretty wild...
While the did not seem to be any breakthru special effects, they did perfect the ones pioneered in the first Matrix. The action seemed "cleaner"... the car chase was pretty good as well.
If you want to enjoy highly anticipated movies without being disappointed, then adhere to the following rules:
1) Do not watch any specials (interviews, "making of" etc.) 2) Do not download ALL trailers and watch them over and over. 3) Ignore "water cooler" discussions about the movie until you have seen it
When it comes to highly anticipated movies, ignorance is truly bliss. Why pay 10.00 a ticket when they show everything but the credits for free? After all, if you have seen all the action, punchlines, and twists before you enter the movie theatre, what's the point of going?
Great movie, I gave it a 9. The soundtrack is great as well. Ignore the cynics: have fun with it!