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| The
Matrix: Reloaded
Directed By: Andy
Wachowski,
Larry Wachowski Plot
Summary - Review 1 - Review
2 - CURRENT REVIEWS
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| Neo
and the rebel leaders estimate that they have 72 hours until
250,000 probes discover Zion and destroy it and its inhabitants.
During this, Neo must decide how he can save Trinity from a dark
fate in his dreams. [TRAILER] I have often said in reviews that brilliant films engage the mind, not simply the ears and eyes. Today, I have a new spin for that old ideology: If a movie is good enough at engaging the ears and eyes, the mind might not matter all that much. Yes, a bit shallow, but I realize what I’m saying. Those who find this impossible to understand simply haven’t seen “The Matrix Reloaded.” This action/science-fiction epic contains the best special effects ever put on celluloid. The fight scenes, chase sequences, and gravity-defying man vs. man altercations witnessed in “The Matrix Reloaded” are so viscerally conceived and brilliantly executed that I found myself consistently overwhelmed by this unequaled visual accomplishment. There are some who will disagree, claiming that these implausible stunts, at times, are overdone or appear foolish. But I watched these scenes, the camera movements, the quality of the images, the choreography of the characters, and the logical, understandable construction of these fights and chases and was wowed time after time. These characters can bend the reality that surrounds them, and that provides them a license for the unimaginable. And these elements which have dominated my opening three paragraphs are what I take from my first experience with “The Matrix Reloaded.” No doubt I will see it several more times, and will get a better feel for the movie’s flow and the degree to which the story’s weaknesses detract from its splendor. But for now, I am in a state of complete amazement. I have witnessed what will become the benchmark for future action films. At the same time, I must admit that “The Matrix Reloaded” was a bit of a disappointment. When I left “The Matrix” in 1999, I was not only overwhelmed by the Academy Award-winning special effects, but also by a story of a future world where humans scurry about in a fake reality and a small band of heroes who attempt to take on the corrupt system and free humanity from its ignorant bliss. In “The Matrix Reloaded,” the story is lacking and, on some level, these magical action sequences suffer as a result. This second act in a trilogy to be completed in December begins some months after “The Matrix” concluded. Neo (Keanu Reeves), known as “The One,” is leading the same group of revolutionaries in a fight against the machine-controlled human prison known as the “Matrix.” He is now in love with Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), the same woman who brought him back to life in the first installment, and has continued to serve with Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), who has subtly morphed from mentor to colleague. The mission this time around is as simple as it is dramatic: save the human race from imminent annihilation. In the first “Matrix,” as Neo learned about his powers and the prophecy of how he would save the human race, there was an intimacy to a story mostly centered around one man. But in this chapter, as Neo flies around, resembling Superman, foiling hundreds of attackers simultaneously, the focus of the film sadly loses sight of this man’s story. Instead, as machines race towards the last human city of Zion, intent on annihilating everything in their path, this master of the Matrix must use his powers to quickly enter this fake reality, manipulate it to his advantage and stop the machines before they can carry out their mission. “The Matrix Reloaded” falls victim to the curse of the sequel. Those who have never seen “The Matrix” may be a bit lost in the beginning, although those who have seen the first film dozens of times will appreciate this film’s quick beginning. Also, the last scene, ending with the deviously coined “to be concluded,” cannot be ignored. “Reloaded” will forever be considered only one part of “The Matrix” trilogy – never a film on its own merit. The story’s weak structure occurs because the Wachowski Brothers, who both wrote and directed this film, wanted to pack it with so much punch that there simply is not time for the detailed and patient story of the first “Matrix.” Here, in the few philosophical conversations that do take place, there is a rushed and fake quality that diminishes the words. And, a final surprise that will surely leave “Matrix” fans gasping is divulged in a rushed, five-minute sermon that even I had difficulty keeping pace with. The action scenes, which I return to again in amazement, are less powerful due to this lack of depth. In the first “Matrix,” characters reigned supreme. When it came to battles, there was Neo, a richly textured hero, as well as a sinister nemesis – Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving). In “Reloaded,” Smith is on the sidelines, often replaced by nameless goons, and the climactic action sequences, while glitzier, connect less as a result. I cannot emphasize strongly enough, however, that this is an entertaining film – an extremely entertaining ride. My comparisons here are only meant to separate this slightly inferior sequel from its brilliant original. And, despite the flaws that may exist, there is still an intricate story to follow, some fun drama to get lost in, and unforgettable action sequences at every turn. The Wachowski Brothers, with their vision of this mysterious future world and a new era of cinema, have kicked off 2003’s blockbuster summer with a ten-megaton explosion.   Check out Reviews, Commentary, and More at Zertinet.com |
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