The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
| Action,Sci-Fi,Thriller
USA / English
"Free your mind. " 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.
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A Second Part that Improves the Whole
Being a casual fan of the original The Matrix, I was looking forward to
seeing The Matrix:Reloaded in the theaters. However, I was not quite ready
to line up at the door donned in a Neo costume for a midnight showing on
opening day.
Having seen Reloaded, I can now say that I may be one of those people
(sans
the Neo costume) when The Matrix:Revolutions is released this
winter.
I cannot say that I think that Reloaded was as good as the original. Yes,
it
contained more action. Yes, the special effects were better. Yes, both the
plot and the dialogue were more intricate and at times more head
scratching.
But Reloaded lacks what its predecessor had, the element of complete
surprise. The wool has already been removed from our eyes. We know what
the
Matrix is. I cannot think of any plot twist that will be able to match
what
happens when Neo swallows the Red Pill.
All that being said, after seeing Reloaded, I now appreciate the story as
a
whole. The Matrix and The Matrix:Reloaded when viewed as one complete
story
far surpasses viewing each as it's own single entity.
While the original had mildly peaked my interest, I am now fully
enthralled
by the entire mythology of The Matrix (I highly recommend viewing the back
stories available online on the Animatrix). Much like The Lord of the
Rings
series, I can no longer imagine The Matrix without contemplating
Reloaded.
As for Reloaded as a movie itself, the fight scenes are amazingly
choreographed, though sometimes a little excessive. I would recommend the
movie for the fight with the multiple Agent Smiths alone, as it is a
phenomenally staged battle.
My criticism lies mostly in the editing. This is a movie that could have
definitely been shorter. Many scenes were unnecessarily long, such as the
dance orgy after Morpheus' speech, or flat out unnecessary, such as Neo's
fight with Seraph.
But beyond the flashy fight scenes and special effects, its strength lies
in
the most unlikely (to me at least) of places, its story.
It is a movie full of philosophical questions and religious allusions. The
end scene with the Architect in and of itself warrants a second viewing,
as
it is quite a bit to wrap the brain around. And the way it handles its
main
theme is done exquisitely.
What is reality?
Is the "real world" just another part of the Matrix?
Is Neo The One?
All questions I will be asking as I stand in line for the midnight opening
of The Matrix:Revolutions.
Personal| Seen it: | Ja |
| Nr of disks/tapes: | 1 |
| Storage device: | DVD |
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Loan
