MOVIE - THE MATRIX RELOADED - $$$$$ $$1/2 (OUT OF 10)
STARRING - Keanu Reeves (Neo), Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus) Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith), Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity), Gloria Foster (Oracle), Jada Pinkett Smith (Niobe), Nona Gaye (Zee), Harry Lennix (Lock), Harold Perrineau (Link),
Monica Bellucci (Persephone) and Neil & Adrian Rayment (Twins).
STARRING - Keanu Reeves (Neo), Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus) Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith), Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity), Gloria Foster (Oracle), Jada Pinkett Smith (Niobe), Nona Gaye (Zee), Harry Lennix (Lock), Harold Perrineau (Link),
Monica Bellucci (Persephone) and Neil & Adrian Rayment (Twins).
DIRECTOR/SCREENWRITER - Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski.
The much anticipated sequel to The Matrix.
The Matrix was one of those rare films, like the original Star Wars, that captured the imagination of a generation, shaped pop culture and generated prolific debate about its true meaning and cultural significance. The success of the two movies is also linked to the degree they reflected the prevailing socio-historical forces when they were released. The campy triumph of good over evil in Star Wars was just what the doctor ordered for the generation recovering from the double whammy of Vietnam and Watergate. Roughly 20 years later, the Matrix, resoundingly resonated with the X-Files generation.
So, you might be sitting at home reading this review and asking yourself, what does that insightful preamble (if I do say so myself) have do with whether or not The Matrix Reloaded is worth seeing? Well, I'm glad you asked.
Professor Iggy's hypothesis is that the very same phenomena that was responsible for the success of both films, the linkage between the movies and prevailing social-historical forces, actually undermines the subsequent sequels/prequels. That's a fancy way of saying its hard to recreate the moment.
The Star Wars prequels, released some 20+ years after the original, have failed to resonate with audiences to the same degree because, to paraphrase Dylan, the times they are a changing. The same is true of the Matrix Reloaded. Though there is only a 5 year gap between the sequel and the original there have been dramatic shifts in the socio-historical forces shaping society. The cynicism and distrust of authority that personified the 90's have been replaced with the flag-waving and stifling of dissent that characterizes the post 9-11 world. If the original Matrix had been released today the inhabitants of Zion would, ironically, probably have been as warmly welcomed as the Dixie Chicks at a Republican convention.
There are other reasons that the Matrix Reloaded, while still a good film, is not as good as the original. The Matrix is a victim of its own success. It was probably unrealistic to expect that the sequel could live up to or surpass the cultural impact of the original. The story itself, though engaging enough to keep you wanting to see the 3rd installment (The Matrix:Revolutions), is evolutionary as opposed to revolutionary. With the exception of the meeting between Neo and the architect of the Matrix the script is remarkably ordinary. Apparently, the biggest benefit of being freed from the Matrix is the opportunity to engage in real, as opposed to virtual, sex.
Most of the innovations introduced in the Matrix have been copied repeatedly in other films which makes it that much harder for the Matrix Reloaded to stand out from the crowd. The special effects are just not that special anymore and the much hyped car chase scene fizzles rather than sizzles. The biggest disappointment, special effects wise, maybe the depiction of the city of Zion. Its a drab and dreary place that doesn't capture the imagination in the same way as the recreation of the fictional worlds of The Lord of the Rings do.
Lastly, Neo has turned into Superman. He leaps tall buildings in a single bound and is faster than a speeding bullet. While this may be a logical extension of this character's development it is far from original.
If you didn't see The Matrix then The Matrix Reloaded won't make a lot of sense. It may not make that much more sense to you after you watch the original but I highly recommend that you do just that before seeing The Matrix Reloaded.
As you can imagine there are numerous web sites devoted to all aspects of The Matrix. Check-out Greg's Previews for links to the best of these sites.
The Matrix Reloaded, though a pale imitation of the original which I would have rated a perfect 10, still manages to allow the viewer to suspend disbelief and get caught up in an epic adventure. That's no small feat for a film so heavily reliant on special effects and with very big shoes to fill.
Running time - 138 minutes
Alternative Reviews:
Roger Ebert's Review
Private Joker's Review
Peter Traver's Review
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
The Matrix Reloaded Official Web Site
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1:51:05 PM 
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