Can you repeat that MR Architect...?

Rating: Null/10 (24 September 2003)

Some spoilers herein.
A much anticipated sequel to the epoch-making 'The Matrix', Reloaded retains the special effects and brilliantly choreographed action sequences that made the original a huge commercial success. However, too much reliance on the aforementioned means the acceptable script of the The Matrix has dropped to spiritual rambling, something that is clearly apparent in the Neo - Architect discussion and soon becomes tiresome. The remaining dialogue is laughable, with lines like 'you do not truly know someone until you fight them' dominating the screenplay. The overall standard of the acting is reduced by Keanu Reeves, who shows absolutely no emotion even when his love interest Trinity is apparently dying. Hugo Weaving gives the only performance that can be classed as charismatic as Agent Smith, who Neo has to fight a 100 duplicates of during one of the longest action sequences. This fight is the only scene where Neo shows any vulnerability as he is overwhelmed by the virus and is therefore one of the best. Weaving gets the most interesting lines but Keanu's lines are few and restricted to one liner taboo. Ironically, one of these is the funniest in the whole film. However, there's no chance for any characters to develop as the dramatic sections seemed to be rushed along for another kung fu fight. Even the plot, something that was strong in the original, is now paraded by vampires, werewolves and the protagonists ability to control machines out of the Matrix. The whole concept of it's predecessor was to free the mind to thus faster and stronger, now Neo achieves control over the machines magically, ruining any consistency in the world of the Wachowski's. The majority of the time this blockbuster is enjoyable, but the ending is terrible. The film asks more questions than are answered. I hope the second sequel, 'Revolutions', is more sophisticated in pace, acting, plot, characterisation...