The magic is gone

Rating: 6/10 (15 May 2003)

Although I'm not gonna say matrix reloaded was a bad movie, it was certainly a disappointing movie. The visual effects, fight scenes, action sequences etc. were superb, and indeed far beyond those of the first movie. What was sorely lacking though was that sense of wonder and amazement there was in the first movie as the viewer journeyed with neo in discovering just what the matrix is and and just what the task was at hand. Also, I felt that the dialogue fell flat in many areas, and that was on of the strengths of the original as well. When I learned that sequels were being made, I wondered how they were going to manage to keep the excitement with neo being something equivalent to superman. Sadly, I was right in surmising that it would just be a special effects spectacular devoid of the surrealism and sense of mystery that made the first one a classic. Rather, this movie was just a ludicrous amalgamation of cool powers and hokey plot conveniences which just didn't satisfy the viewer as completely as the original matrix. Overall though, it was still a very entertaining movie, and I would not say don't see it, but also, don't go in with expectations soaring as I did. True Matrix fans will be disappointed as the producers sold the soul and passion of the original for a cheesy action spectacular reminiscent of "the one" with jet li.