it was just like neo said - "whoa"

Rating: 10/10 (15 May 2003)

i was very impressed with this installment of the matrix. it's not every day that a movie that lives up to such colossal hype. this will be a very satisfying moviegoing experience for most, yet it is not without flaws.

i like my bad news first, so here are my gripes: first, and most importantly, the thrill and serendipity of the first film proved impossible to duplicate. when i walked out of the first matrix movie, i was completely blown away. after four years of waiting and months of drooling over the trailers my ability to be surprised was lost. second, several sequences take too long for what they accomplish. the worst of which is the zion techno/tribal dance scene. would have been so much better if it were half as long.
there are two other common gripes that don't bother me, but i'll list them just to be safe. the dialogue is, just as in the first matrix, more like a comic book than a shakespearean play. while this will irk some viewers, it helps establish the atmosphere of the movie. also, the more complex effects sequences will simply overwhelm many viewers. i don't usually ascribe to the "more is more" philosophy, but i have never seen scenes this complex pulled off so well.
now to the good stuff. the effects. i knew they'd be good, but wow. they are, bar none, the best special effects i have ever seen in any movie. the philosophical and mythical aspects of the film have been expanded on quite a bit. there are definitely times when a degree in philosophy would come in handy. you don't have to understand it all to enjoy yourself, but this movie will give you plenty of ontological and ethical questions to chew on. finally, neither the atmosphere of the matrix universe nor the wachowski brothers touch have not been lost. lots of cool close ups and camera angles give this film a very cool feel and texture. overall, one of the best times i've ever had at the movies.