Not what was expected

Rating: 5/10 (15 May 2003)

*****SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD*****
I was fortunate enough to be able to view Matrix Reloaded on Wednesday at a sneak preview show here locally.
After the block-buster of The Matrix, I expected Reloaded to be more than the first: more impressive, more expansive, and just plain more.
What you get, in reality, is just more of the same. Not better, just an extension of the first movie (which is what was planned.) However, that's not great--and certainly not what was expected. I expected to be blown into the back of my seat--I expected there to be richer and better special effects; but what we got was the same "bullet time" leftovers from the Matrix. I find bullet time to be boring now, and need something better than this one "catch effect" to impress me--and sadly, Reloaded has this in so many places that it's almost like they were hinging the whole film on it. That's insulting.
I loved The Matrix, as did many; Reloaded isn't the Matrix. It's "ok" but not "great." Had there been more substance to this fantasy I'd be a happier man.
Agent Smith returns in mass--looking for "purpose" to his now meaningless existence. I look for him to have a pivotal role in the final installment--shades of Gollum, perhaps?
The fight scenes and the chase on the freeway were nice, but that does not make a movie. I have no choice but to give The Matrix Reloaded a "5", indicating it as average film-fare. The Brothers "W" should have known better. The fans wanted more and were left wanting. Perhaps the final installment (due later this year) can redeem this otherwise mediocre effort.