The Matrix Reloaded

The Matrix Reloaded

8 out of 10

Running time: 2:18

MPAA rating: R (Sci-fi violence and some sexuality.)

Peruvian rating: Mayores de 18

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Ann Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett Smith, Monica Bellucci, Lambert Wilson, Harold Perrineau Jr., Harry J. Lennix.
Director: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Script: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Photography: Bill Pope
Score: Don Davis
Distributor: Warner Brothers

I loved The Matrix, an almost-perfect, incredibly satisfying and intelligent science-fiction film. Since the film made tons of money, and became regarded as one of the most influential films ever released, it’s was obvious that Warner Bros. wouldn’t waste the opportunity… they had to release a sequel. The thing is, the Wachowskis decided to release two sequels, which were shot back-to-back. The first of those, The Matrix Reloaded, while not as satisfying or intelligent as the first installment, is a decent film, and definitely better than the final and disappointing film, The Matrix Revolutions.

It’s been since months since the events of the first movie, and some things have changed: Neo, (Keanu Reeves) is now a super-human and messianic figure, and is now Trinity’s (Carrie-Ann Moss) boyfriend. More importantly, though, since the population of Zion (the last free city) has grown so much, the machines have decided to put an end to it and destroy it. Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), ignoring orders from his superiors, decides to take Neo and Trinity to the Oracle (late Gloria Foster), so that they can learn what to do to save mankind. While in the Matrix, our heroes meet new enemies, including the Merovingian (Lambert Wilson) and his wife, Persephone ( Monica Bellucci), a couple of killer twins, and the always witty Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), who’s managed to revive and increase in numbers.

The main problem with The Matrix Reloaded is its ending. Since it was shot back-to-back with the third installment, and both of them tell the same story, the ending of the first sequel is too open-ended and leaves the viewer somehow confused and wanting to know more. It’s an incomplete movie, and considering that I wasn’t too enthusiastic towards Revolutions, represents the better part of a somehow disappointing story. (When compared to the first film.)

Additionally, the film is somehow different in tone and content to the first installment. Surely, we still have tons of philosophical dialogue and action sequences but, while in the first film the talks had meaning and the action was intense, here the dialogue, while not dumb, is somehow simpler and less profound, and the action sequences are more pleasing to the eye and less tense. Since Neo has become now a super-man (he even flies!) without any type of weakness, the viewer never has the sense that he’s gonna lose a battle.

In terms of special effects, the film has much more of them than the first installment, which doesn’t mean that it’s more effective. While the previous movie looked gritty and stylish and usually realistic, this one looks more “digital”, and the CGI isn’t as effective. Every time I see the “burly brawl” sequence, I know when Neo is the actual actor, and when he’s portrayed by a digital stunt double. Additionally, the action sequences are too over-the-top when compared to the previous film… although I can’t say they’re not fun. I’m not saying the style of the film is bad… it’s just different, and not as compelling as the first film’s style.

In terms of acting, the film’s more or less on the same level as the previous outing. Keanu Reeves looks cool in black, and since he’s character is not that emotional, much like in the first movie, all he requires is to kick butt and utter his lines somewhat convincingly, and he succeeds. (Now that he’s superman, he looks even cooler, though.) The always reliable Carrie-Ann Moss and Laurence Fishburne are effective, and Hugo Weaving, again as Agent Smith, is a great villain, and now more intimidating due to his increase in numbers. Newcomer to the movie, Lambert Wilson, is charming and has great lines, and his – amazingly exaggerated – French acting is hilarious. Monica Bellucci doesn’t have much to do, but looks great anyway, and Jada Pinkett Smith kicks sum butt in a small role. (Which would be expanded in the third movie.)

So, is the film worth seeing? If you’re a fan of the original Matrix or at least admire the film, it’s a decent sequel. It’s not as deep or interesting as the first outing, but nonetheless fulfills all requirements: the performances are good, the special effects are everywhere, the dialogue is smart (although sometimes overly complicated) and the action scenes are thrilling and pleasing to the eye. (The burly brawl and the surprisingly-not-tedious car chase are the highlights.) Like I said, it’s not as good as the first installment, but it’s very entertaining nonetheless, and definitely better than the disappointing and boring third film.