Almost...but not quite.

Rating: Null/10 (23 May 2003)

Let's be honest...disappointed? Yeah. Bored? Not that bad. Momentarily blown away? Sure. Maybe the "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy has spoiled me into thinking that sequels can actually be worthwhile. But if you're comparing this film with the original "Matrix"...there is no comparison. Fantastic special effects, INCREDIBLE car chase, fight scenes galore - but what happened to the story? There were two many pauses for SHOWING OFF. And what was with the 5 minute orgy scene that completely HALTED the film so that we could watch undulating bodies in sheer garb and maybe catch a nipple, or 17?! Why do filmmakers think they have to add pointless sex scenes to up the appeal? Do we really need to see two actors (uncomfortably bare) exchanging their "O" faces to believe their characters are in love? Maybe that could be accomplished with...oh, I don't know...GOOD WRITING? It just felt like the director was throwing in all of the bells and whistles possible to distract the audience from the fact that the story doesn't really start until about 45 minutes into it. Or maybe he just likes nipples. As for the beautifully choreographed fight sequences - beautifully choreographed, as always. Except for Neo's battle with the multiplying agents, a little too computer animated and cartoonish for me. Other than that, I liked the new characters (very creative), loved the highly stylized look of the film, and enjoyed the twist at the end - which makes one feel that the 3rd movie will be the real kicker. Will I see it? Of course, but only on one condition...that I'll never be forced to watch the Matrix Reloaded again.