The Matrix Reloaded Review
by Michael J. Gold (mjgold01 AT yahoo DOT com)May 27th, 2003
The Matrix Reloaded **** (out of 4 stars)
Directed By: Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski
Written By: Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski
Music By: Don Davis, Rob Dougan and Ben Watkins
Neo: Keanu Reeves
Trinity: Carrie-Anne Moss
Morpheus: Laurence Fishburne
Agent Smith: Hugo Weaving
Niobe: Jada Pinkett Smith
Persephone: Monica Bellucci
The Oracle: Gloria Foster
Link: Harold Perrineau
Commander Lock: Harry J. Lennix
Twin #1: Neil Rayment
Twin #2: Adrian Rayment
Running Time: 2:18
Rated R (for sci-fi violence and some sexuality)
Reviewed by: Michael J. Gold
By day, Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) was an average and ordinary software developer for a large corporation and by night he was the computer hacker Neo. Then he met Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and discovered that the world he lived in was really just a computer simulation, a large virtual reality game operated by intelligent machines who utilize human beings as a power source.
Once freed from the grip of the simulation, called The Matrix, Morpheus informs Neo of a prophecy that a person will come who will be able to change The Matrix as he sees fit. Neo is 'The One' and the original film ends with Neo's acceptance of this and the beginning of his fight to free mankind from the grip of the machines by destroying Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving).
As "The Matrix Reloaded" opens we learn that Neo has been developing his abilities over the past several months. We also learn that with Neo's help more people have been freed from The Matrix over the last six months than had been over the last six years. The machines are clearly worried about this trend and have started digging their way towards Zion, the last human city, in an effort to wipe out the human resistance.
Chief nemesis from the original film, Agent Smith finds that he has not been destroyed at all, instead he finds that he is now considered a rogue program trapped inside The Matrix with the ability to replicate himself. This provides the basis for a spectacular fight scene between Neo and literally scores of Agent Smiths. This is one of two breathtaking scenes in the film, which alone would have been worth the price of admission. The second scene takes place on a 2-mile freeway loop specially built for the film on the decommissioned Alameda Point Navy Base and delivers one of the greatest chase scenes ever filmed.
Andy and Larry Wachowski, the writers and directors of all three Matrix films, have crafted an engrossing tale chalk full of action, philosophy, and special effects. Once again, the fight sequences are beautifully choreographed by Hong Kong action director Yuen Wo Ping who again has the actors training in both martial arts as well as wire work. The effect is an exquisite dance between all of the actors involved enhanced by the "bullet time" effect created in the first film.
The Wachowski brothers have again interjected an assortment of pop philosophy crafted from many of the great religions and myths of the world into their film. Morpheus is a warrior-prophet and all of his monologues are well delivered by Laurence Fishburne who convinces us of the importance of what he says without really being certain that we understand its meaning. Neo and Trintiy are relegated to at best trying to understand what Morpheus believes and at the very least simply trusting and believing in him.
"The Matrix Reloaded" is a fascinating and imaginative film that requires you to actually think about what is happening on screen. Though, I suspect that even those who do not care to try to understand the philosophy or science of the film, can still be enjoy it as an incredible action extravaganza. Those who stay through the credits at the end of the film, are rewarded with a teaser for the upcoming final chapter Revolutions.
Copyright 2003 by Michael J. Gold
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