The Matrix Reloaded Review
by Shannon Patrick Sullivan (shannon AT morgan DOT ucs DOT mun DOT ca)May 21st, 2003
THE MATRIX RELOADED (2003) / ***
Directed by Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski, from their screenplay. Starring Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne. Running time: 138 minutes. Rated AA for violent scenes by the MFCB. Reviewed on May 21st, 2003.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: In a future where most humans are slaved, unwittingly, to a computer-generated reality -- the Matrix -- the underground city of Zion is the last bastion of human freedom. There, Neo (Reeves), the prophesied Chosen One, his lover Trinity (Moss) and his mentor Morpheus (Fishburne) learn that the Matrix is sending robots to decimate the rebels. Neo must venture back into the Matrix to find a way to save Zion.
Review: After four years, could "The Matrix Reloaded" ever quench the thirst of fans of its visionary predecessor? Perhaps not; as with the new "Star Wars" trilogy, maybe the hype had become ludicrous. But "Reloaded" has more tangible problems. First, there's the fact that the amazing action sequences of the original movie -- a breath of fresh air in 1999 -- are now commonplace. "Reloaded" cranks things up a notch, but it's like the difference between the guy who invented the wheel, and the guy who invented a slightly rounder wheel: "Reloaded" cannot hope match the awe that "The Matrix" inspired. It also falls prey to many of the traditional flaws of the middle movie in a trilogy. There's a paucity of plot development -- much of what does occur takes place in the last few minutes -- and it feels very padded out. The scenes set in Zion, for example, go on interminably. Plus "Reloaded", like the first "Matrix", suffers from the sterility of its lead characters; fortunately, the addition of new "operator" Link (Harold Perrineau) provides some needed humanity. It may sound as if I didn't like "Reloaded". Not so: its effects are undeniably impressive, and it sets up some intriguing puzzles which will hopefully translate into a satisfying finale. But it is fair to say that "Reloaded" come in at the lower end of my personal expectations. Underwhelming.
Copyright © 2003 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
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