The Matrix Reloaded Review
by Susan Granger (ssg722 AT aol DOT com)May 14th, 2003
Susan Granger's "The Matrix Reloaded" review (Warner Bros.)
Back in 1999, writer-directors Larry and Andy Wachowski delivered the first cyberepic in their phenomenal, philosophic, comic book-like action-thriller trilogy that explores the nature of reality and the search for truth. In "The Matrix," Neo (Keanu Reeves) a web hacker, realizes that the world is a computer-generated illusion designed to keep humanity unaware that it's simply the bioelectric energy source for a race of sentient machines. Armed with this knowledge, he's transformed into The One, mankind's prophesied savior, ready to wage war against the machines. He has become ultra-powerful because he believes he is. His cohorts are the Resistance leader Morpheus (Laurence Fisburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss), the tough yet vulnerable warrior whom Neo loves. Along with Morpheus' love Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith), they're off to defend Zion, the last human city buried deep near the Earth's core, against 200,000 menacing Sentinels. Advised by the Oracle (Gloria Foster) to find the Key Maker (Randall Duk Kim) to gain access to the Matrix's mainframe, they encounter sultry Persephone (Monica Belluci) and battle villainous, mechanized Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) as well as new foes like the evil albino twins (Neil and Adrian Rayment). It's all quite convoluted so don't look for easy
explanations.
The Wachowskis trigger contemporary paranoia, confuse with plot complexity, then dazzle with stylized, gravity-defying stunts CGI sequences, many involving their signature "bullet-time" effect. Best are an adrenaline-pumping multi-vehicle freeway chase and a fight between Neo and 100 Agent Smith digital replicants. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, "Matrix Reloaded" is a visually slick, action-packed 9, concluding with "Matrix Revolutions" coming in November.
More on 'The Matrix Reloaded'...
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
