Heavy on eye candy, light on substance

Rating: 7/10 (18 May 2003)

Those expecting to be "blown away" by "Matrix Reloaded" may be a bit disappointed by this hugely hyped sequel. I came away feeling that the major focus was on style and effects, rather than substance. While there is no doubting that the computer gurus earned their keep on this film, I felt the fight sequences were far too numerous and too lengthy, almost to the point of tedium. Importantly, the element which made the original "Matrix" so memorable, the incredible concept of a computer generated world in which we are all prisoners, was not well expanded upon in MR. Instead the storyline seems convoluted and needlessly complicated, and the depictions of Zion altogether too superficial. While I accept that the first priority of any film is to entertain it's audience, I think the directors got carried away with the action side of things, and once the credits began to roll (to a hugely annoying thrash music soundtrack), the overall sense I was left with is disappointment at what could have been a great film. In summary, the brothers Wachowski have failed to capitalize on the greatest strength of the original film, it's marvelous story, opting instead to concentrate on special effects, super-hero style costumes and episodic fight sequences. Disappointing. I certainly won't be queuing up to see the next installment. 7/10.