TWO WORDS..'WA-OW, WOW.'

Rating: Null/10 (14 May 2003)

The Matrix RE-Loaded raises the bar of action flicks. Bombs bursting here, Uzi's bursting there and the biggest surprise Keanu has learned to act.
Reloaded picks up where The Matrix left off. A group of Freedom Fighters, led by Morpheus, played by Laurence Fishburn, continue their assault against the machines that have enslaved the Human Race in The Matrix. This time we get a glimpse of Zion, the last free human city. We meet a cast of new characters including Jada Pinkett-Smith as Niobi, and Link, played by Harold Perrineau Jr., who pilot's Morpheus's ship the biblically named Nebecanezzer. Plus, Neo played by Keanu Reeves and Trinity played by Carrie Ann-Moss, are back and this time around the movie centers on their budding romance. There is a story here, a good one in fact, but it would take a book to explain, so lets move on. What I can tell you is there is a fantastic chase scene that takes up most of the second act, and boy is it cool. Cars flipping, trucks crashing, Motorcycles jumping here and there. It's a high-octane rush. All brilliantly choreographed almost like ballet. It end on a perfect note, with a spectacular shot I won't even begin to describe cause it's worth the price of admission.
Now comes the part of the review I hate, that moment when I have to mention what I disliked about the film. There is a scene early in the film, where Neo and Trinity consummate their love. The scene plays out longer than necessary, and really stops the story dead in its tracks. We get the point 3 minutes before it's over and I a serious blight to the film. I mention this scene to tell parents to keep young children and teenagers away from this film. It's fun for it's target audience 17 and up The Matrix Re-Loaded earns it's R rating.
This is the Best Blockbuster Popcorn Flick I've seen all year. If you do decide to see the Matrix Re-Loaded do me two favors, 1) If you haven't seen the first one in a while rent it cause you'll be lost and 2) Stay 'til the very end of the credits and you'll be treated to a short trailer for The Matrix Revolutions due out this November.
On a Scale of 1-5 I give this Bad Boy ****1/2.