The Matrix Reloaded Review

by Josh Gilchrist (joshgilch AT aol DOT com)
May 15th, 2003

When we really think about it, how could "Matrix Reloaded" live up to expectations? Is there any way to live up to the potential of 1999's "The Matrix," with all of its groundbreaking effects, and most importantly, its elaborate and profound scenarios? Thinking the sequel could live up to that was the longest of pipe dreams. "Matrix Reloaded" is a cinematic orgy of action and eye candy. It's a fun ride we're more than happy to take once but with no lasting redeeming qualities.

One thing that is obviously clear about the new film is it's bigger than the original, having a budget over twice as much as the original, and containing twice as many special effect shots. Therein lies the film's first blunder. Cramming the film with so many computer generated effects makes for far less stylized effect. And to make matters worse, the kung fu, the centerpiece of the first film's visuals, now looks too frantic.

There's a scene directors Andy and Larry Wachowski believe is a revelation in the art of special effects. It's a scene where our hero Neo (Keanu Reeves) finds out his main nemesis, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), who everyone thought was killed off in the first film, can now duplicate himself. Soon, he's surrounded and must fight 100 Agent Smiths at one time. On paper, I'm sure this idea seemed inspired. When placed on film, it looks too unreal, like we're watching a video game instead of the film. When you look at it from a standpoint of how ludicrous the whole segment is, it can be enjoyable; like a cartoon with Neo as the Road Runner and trying to fend off 100 Agent Wiley Coyotes.

As the film thows in more flashiness, we encounter other scenes that are overblown to the point of bordering on campy. This time around, the films are more about action than the philosophic ideas brought out from the first film. There's even more emphasis on humor this time around. This is a common tactic of sequels, poking a little fun at the original's premise. One of the main ideas of the films is how to "Free Your Mind" from the perils of society. With "Reloaded," the creators expect the audience to free their minds from the original film to accept the popcorn nature of its sequel. Eventually, I was willing to do this. Whether or not other viewers are able to do this is yet to be seen.

"Reloaded" does touch on some high-brow discussion. One way to look at the differences between this and the original is to look at how subtle "The Matrix" was, using a Zen like diligence to make us think about our lives. The sequels systematic view seems like it is given by a college professor. A professor with a fascination with the reason, choice and fate without the clear-headedness to understand their own preaching. The words sound good, but when we think about it, that's all they are, words said over and over again with little meaning.
The sequel attempts to take our hero Neo to new levels. Whoever hasn't seen the original will probably be quite confused by "Reloaded." Neo's still battling with the fact that he's considered The One to save the entire human race from being taken over by the false world of The Matrix. The Matrix is run by machines after human bodies because they help generate electricity.

There's an interesting story to go along with "Reloaded," even if the execution is lacking. The universe is being more threatened as The Machines' "sentinel" subordinates are ready for attack. Neo once again must visit the Oracle (the late Gloria Foster) to figure out how to save human-kind from annihilation in the next 36 hours.

There is an even more Christ like quality given to Neo in this film, and a Superman quality as we see him flying around the Matrix world. He must prove the prophecy is in fact true. This leads to some very lengthy moments of straight pretentious babbling which adds nothing to the plot. The character of Morpheus (Lawrence Fishbourne), once a cool and brave rebel leader of the last remaining city on real Earth called Zion, now reminds us of an evangelist. The filmmakers think they are making some epic which needs endless dry spots, including the cliche love story involving Neo and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), who are now in a committed relationship.

The action scenes are also enduring at times but at least it's a break from psyche-drivel. Neo and the gang must go to save an imprisoned Key Maker who holds the key to their salvation. This sets forth a 15 minute car chase which is unlike any other car chase set to film. The audience gets so much fun out of this one scene it nearly makes up for the rest of the films flaws.

But, then audience must ask themselves if "Matrix" had never existed, would "Reloaded" seem like a letdown? Not in the least. Reloaded is far from that because it's only asking us to have fun. It's popcornish movie fare, and better than many summer films. Yes, the film is flawed but what film isn't, especially this year when it's hard to find even mediocre films.

So why should the audience walk away with a level of disapproval? That's the trick the mind plays on all of us, and the problem with the sequel mentality. We're programmed to expect more after we've been enticed. It's part of the human condition.

Just remember "Matrix Reloaded" is a middle film and therefore we haven't seen the complete story. "Matrix Revolutions" arrives in November and I'm already set to figure out how this thing concludes.

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