As good a sequel as you'd expect

Rating: 8/10 (22 July 2003)

Have you noticed that about 90% of the reviews here start off with statements like, "I was a big fan of the original but the sequel..." or "The original was unique but this one...bla bla bla."
Talk about dull and insipid reviews! Exactly what were people expecting? Let's get something straight here and now: the original was incredibly entertaining and incredibly stupid as well, and don't deny that. It managed to be appealing on two very contrasting levels. It was cerebral and heady but also had enough fighting and shooting to appeal on a basic primal level. For every plot twist you were trying to decipher you were equally interested in seeing some major butt kicking. It was a heady, confusing and intricate plot blended with big, dumb fun. The acting was incredibly (deliberately?) bland and wooden with zero humor. Q: Who were the most enigmatic and entertaining personalities in the first film? A: Joey Pants and Agent Smith - the "bad" guys. Ironic that the agent (the least human character) turns out to be the funniest and most entertaining character in the series. So please, don't go on lamenting the salad days of the original, because that film was far from perfect and the sequel manages to give the people what they want and bring the storyline and effects up to date.
Yes, Matrix Reloaded further utilizes the now over-used and over-exposed special effects techniques that, unfortunately, have been embraced by everyone from Saturday Night Live to car commercials. That's the trademark style of these films, and you can't blame the filmmakers for being ripped off in the interim. Like it's predecessor, Matrix Reloaded offers it's share of dumb scenes as well, such as the incongruous erotic dance scene. And some action scenes actually go on a bit long.
But the film still manages to stimulate and lure you in with bigger, better action and effects, a continuing intricate (and still confusing) plot line, and fresh, amazing visuals that may seem familiar (if only in style) but are still unlike anything you've seen before.
Go see it and enjoy it, and be prepared to be equally blown away and annoyed as only the Matrix can deliver.