The Matrix 2-bloated

Rating: 1/10 (19 May 2003)

Sorry about the bad pun. I attended a screening of The Matrix Reloaded, and was thoroughly disappointed. I am a fan of the first Matrix film, as it is one of the coolest movies ever produced-from the costuming, cinematography, philosophical musings, to 'bullet time'.
In Reloaded, the SFX were insane, particularly the car chase sequence. But the acting was horrendous, while the plot was melo-dramatic and dull-- filler between one piece of eye-candy action to the next. I understand why people LOOOOVE this flick. It is the Matrix equivalent to Mission Impossible 2. There are thrilling moments, but the careless execution of story, told through mediocre acting leaves an awful taste. It is nowhere as good as the first film.
The first half hour of the movie, that is set in Zion could have been completely eliminated and it would have made no difference to the story. It would have been a much better film.
Worst moment - "I won't let you go, Trinity. I love you too damn much!" Then Neo precedes to pump her heart with his fist. Cool.
To see the second part of the Matrix was an exercise in re-packaging. All the brilliant elements of the first film are thrown in a blender for good measure, mixed together to make crap, and sold as the real thing. The incredible special effects are there, but the great film-making isn't. But hey, go see it. You'll just be another Agent Smith.