This isn't just another pretty action flick...

Rating: 10/10 (15 May 2003)

Geez... once again, like X2, I'm surprised at the lack of depth seen in these reviews. C'mon, everyone, start using your brains! This isn't just a nice, pretty action movie like the original Matrix could have been. This is the second part in a trilogy. Just like the original Star Wars trilogy, this trilogy cannot survive on just the first movie alone. I won't deny that the Matrix was an awesome movie--I still rank it one of the best, but I know that the Brothers have a lot more planned for this trilogy than just that one movie. These movies are designed to make you THINK, and I hope you do that as you watch this movie, because the plot line takes some interesting twists and turns that will leave you all surprised and amazed.
On that note, let me say this--I believe this film had an AWESOME plotline. It made me think when I left the theater, and I am still thinking 24 hours after having seen it! I won't reveal anything, but the plot is sound--it builds a good bridge, and I expect the third will be kickass! I thought that the acting was great--we get to see more of our favorite characters, not just the awesome fx fight scenes. I don't have to say anything about the fx. It says enough for itself. =) Soundtrack is quite solid, like the first, with help from P.O.D, Manson, Paul Oakenfold, and, of course, Rage, to set the proper tone for this movie.
Now, putting all the pieces together, I see this as a great movie when watched after the original Matrix. I suggest that you watch the first one before seeing the second one--you'll understand things a whole lot better. If nothing else, when the Brothers finish this thing in November, I expect it to be one of the best trilogies out there, on par or better than LotR, Star Wars, and any other trilogies sitting out there (not many left to name, really).
Ranked 11/10 (if such a rating existed =) )