Spectacular; disappointing. Makes a great trailer though!

Rating: 5/10 (15 May 2003)

Not a stitch on the original! Of course in a sequel they can afford to
focus on action rather than setup, but the Brothers Wachowski
have no excuse for this muddled mess of a plot. The Matrix was a
thought-provoking high concept thriller punctuated by outrageously
cool action sequences; it could produce a deep conversation.
Reloaded is a series of outrageously cool action sequences
hampered by a ridiculous plot worthy of a third-rate manga anime.
All of the principals are there, but one feels it's lights on, no one
home. Zion looks more like an Ibiza nightclub than I had pictured
from it's descriptions in The Matrix. Throwaway characters and
set-ups, and more than a few ridiculous, cringeful scenes. See it
for the special effects rollercoaster ride and try to ignore the idiocy
that gets us from explosion to explosion, and you'll enjoy it. As a
side note, the trailer is probably the best trailer EVER. 5/10