Fabulous Ride for mind, body and soul!

Rating: 9/10 (16 May 2003)

I have been anticipating this film for quite some time. I have avoided most all the "hype" and advertising of it because I knew this film would be good and didn't want to have anything potentially spoil any element of the story for me, like reading a sound track title which gives away a major plot point, or something equally as lame which was the case with "The Phantom Menace" and the track, 'The Death of Qui-Gon' for many folks.	Once again I was treated to a incredible experience full of fun, thought and an excitement level I have felt only a dozen, or so times in the theater in my 30+ years of movie going. This film was not only action packed, but intellectually packed just like its predecessor. It is wonderfully designed again with superb pacing, innovative and attractive costumes, solid dialog, strong acting and of course 'kick ass' special effects and beautiful choreography! My favorite thing about this film is what I loved about its predecessor and films such as "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon", which is the balance of a meaty story and exquisite action choreography that allow the actors nearly unprecedented opportunities to shine and create meaningful characters that are interesting to most anyone and loved by millions: something any good story does no matter the medium in which is told.
Woo-ping Yuen should receive a special academy award for his years of beautiful and outstanding choreography in so many wonderful films! Reeves used to bother me at worst ("Dracula" 92) and was tolerable at his best ("Little Buddha") and my wife couldn't stand him at all, yet we both loved him in both Matrix films (even when he says "Whoa. Free your mind, free your mind" and sound a lot like 'Ted'). Fishburne is the epitome of cool and confidence and that ability is allowed to shine here even more than before. It is only bonus that all he believes in falls into question once more in his life! Again, the hallmark of a great story.
I could go on and on in so many directions, but I will not. Suffice it to say that if you are a fan, or even have some interest in action movies that have not only heart, but actual soul you will enjoy this film. You might even find yourself loving it. The Wachowski brothers are a pair to watch out for since all the films they have made are far above average. These two have done more to make films more visually interesting than any other directors save perhaps Ridley Scott and Akira Kurosawa. The fact that they are also the writers of their stories makes them all that much more exciting.	I have seen "Reloaded" twice now and will see it again in a few days. I am sure I will continue to find more to love. Having a super enthusiastic audience, as my first viewing (5/14/03 at 10 PM) did, makes it all that much more enjoyable. You know a film is good when most of the audience not only laughs at the same time, but OOOHs and Ahhhs as well and then stays through all the credits (something I do 95% of the time) as a scant few do!	Yeee Ha can't wait till November!