Doesn't live up to its hype

Rating: 5/10 (26 May 2003)

The Matrix Reloaded (2003) D: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski. Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett Smith, Gloria Foster, Nona M. Gaye, Monica Belluci. Long-awaited special effects extravaganza sequel to THE MATRIX doesn't live up to its hype. Neo (Reeves) has to stop Zion from being destroyed within 72 hours and save Trinity (Moss) from a grueling demise in his dreams. Fishburne gives a classic example of overacting during his preaching scene in the beginning and Moss looks about 15 years older than the first film, even though this began shooting in 2001. The much-hyped special effects will disappoint some (especially during the car chase when it's obvious that the actors are fighting in front of a bluescreen), the film is virtually incomprehensible if you haven't seen the first film, and it's way too long. NOTE: Aaliyah was supposed to play the character of Zee before she was killed in a plane crash August of 2001. Foster, who plays the Oracle, died in September 2001 after completing a majority of her scenes for this film. However, she did not film any of her scenes for THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, the concluding chapter in this series coming November 2003. ANOTHER NOTE: I am not a fan of THE MATRIX, so it was hard for me to like this film, but it was still entertaining enough to get a mediocre rating. RATING: 5 out of 10. Rated R for graphic violence, profanity, and sexual situations.