For big Matrix fans ONLY

Rating: 7/10 (22 May 2003)

I know some people may disagree with me. So be it.
I believe that unless you are a huge fan of the first MATRIX - and more specifically - of the story and concept (rather than the style and action), you will NOT appreciate this movie. You will probably not even like it.
I have seen it twice now and can say that it's much better the second time around. Still, I enjoyed the original much more.
RELOADED is not as instantly rewarding as the original MATRIX was. The style and pacing is different. There is much more focus on the "philosophical" aspect, thus a lot more dialogue and less intensity.
*** VERY MINOR SPOILERS ***
I felt that some scenes were only there to please fans and meant very little to the story (Morpheus fighting an agent atop a moving semi truck, a lot of Neo's flying around, along with most of the extended action sequences.), while others just dragged on and on (the "club Zion" party scene and the "love" scene with Trinity and Neo, the "burly brawl" scene, the "dinner party" and cake scene, Link's home life, etc.).
*** SPOILERS END ***
It seemed they stuffed a lot in just to justify making two movies out of these sequels. They could have easily cut out at least half an hour without losing the gist of the story. This should have been the "extended cut" like Jackson has done for the LOTR films. That way the cinema version could have been more tailored for regular audiences and been more enjoyable.
Still, the story IS very very cool and I loved the twists that come and make you wonder what the Matrix "really" is.
As much as I liked the last 15 minutes (from just after the infamous "Highway chase" sequence), I can't help but wish the overall film was polished down a bit.
I give it 6 out of 10, and hope for a better-paced final act!
Oh, and just to set it straight: This IS a positive review. :)