Overview
When I first found out that the Matrix would have two sequels that would follow up one of the coolest movies of the 90’s, I was ecstatic. Even more so when I discovered that they would be released only 6 months apart. So began my anxious wait for the highly anticipated release, The Matrix: Reloaded. To honour the director’s requests at maintaining plot secrecy, all I will tell you is that it’s not what you think it will be, I felt the same way.

Review
Four years later, Neo and his friends have come to terms with the Matrix, while still on their quest for freedom. This time Neo has almost completely mastered his environment to a point of complete absurdity. With wild fight scenes on highways to mansion lobbies, Reloaded will satisfy many action buffs. Also along with an ass kicking Neo, comes a fire and brimstone Morpheus. Gone are the days of cryptic speeches of prophetic deliverance and suspicious proverbs. Morpheus realizes that the prophecy is close at hand and will even defy orders to see it fulfilled.
 
As with many sequels, there are several differences from the first film to this one. Some are good and some are bad, and unfortunately I thought that the Wachowski brothers could have done a better job at it. Reloaded is not only full of special effects, but also numerous ‘programs’ inside the Matrix. We meet many new people who are main characters, as well as several ‘fluff’ characters. We also see some of our favorite characters, and in a whole new light.

Much has changed in the time that has passed. Neo and Trinity have developed a strong affinity for each other, which is awkwardly portrayed on the screen. There are moments where I cringed at why some scenes were even put into this film. I felt that it added an aspect that wasn’t needed to progress the story. Of course no good movie is without a complete universe but I felt that there was way too much going on that the audience could have understood without it being seen.

The Matrix: Reloaded should have stayed true to the Matrix roots and kept that infamous detached theme. People could identify with the themes of The Matrix and simultaneously enjoy the awesome eye candy. The first one was grounded. Reloaded is getting too surreal. For instance in The Matrix, rules could be bent. In Reloaded, it almost seems that there are no rules, espically for Neo.
 
I realize that the Matrix is a computer, but the first one was more realistic, if that makes any sense.

Don’t get me wrong, Reloaded was a fun movie, but I think that the basic elements of the Matrix were missing in this film. There was in fact some scenes that made you stop and think: “What the hell did I just see?” but not as much as the first one. I like the theme behind the movie though. Reloaded is all about choices, and causality (cause and effect) and the choices that people have to make. Obviously this theme ties in directly with the themes of revolution and free thinking. The themes in the Matrix trilogy are what make the movies so great. It’s also why both Soundtracks have Rage Against The Machine on them! The best scene would have to be the ever so necessary car chase with guns and karate fights. But that’s all I’m going to say about that.

More often than not, Sci-Fi and fantasy movies are tainted from conception. Whenever a new film of this genre comes out, it’s almost a guarantee that it will fail for the fact that it is so abstract that people wont like it. This is the exact opposite reason why The Matrix was such a good film. It incorporated a fantasy element with a realistic theme. The same thing goes for Fight Club, or Donnie Darko, or even 2001: A Space Odyssey. These films have just the right amount imagination and the right amounts of reality to make a delicious blend of movie magic come to life. The Matrix: Reloaded went past the line of relative believability and went into the realm of uncomfortable surrealism.

Directing
The Wachowski brothers had a tough road ahead of them. Would they be able to overcome the popularity of The Matrix and continue the action packed adventure at the same time? Many hoped they did, and I am sure that many thought they did. I cant blame them for trying though. The Matrix: Reloaded is like many second acts. The first film was so remarkable that it is incredibly hard to make the next one better. The Wachowski’s will be forever known as redefining the movies, but no ones perfect. I enjoyed the storyline immensely. I thought that the way the directors showed the continuing evolution of revolution was enjoyable. Along with that, I also liked how Reloaded was all about choices. Just because we have free will and the power to revolt, does that mean that we realize the immensity of out actions? This is why I enjoy the Matrix series. I love how it toys with the concepts of reality and the consciousness. Truly, the directors want to “Free Your Mind.”

Acting
Whoa. I know Kung-Fu. Keanu Reeves isn’t known to be the best actor, but he does an admirable job at portraying a savior to all of humankind. I spoke with some friends about his acting ability, or lack thereof and we were hard pressed to find and actor that would make Neo cooler. Despite this devastating flaw, he does look incredibly cool in a long black coat, sunglasses and a giant gun. Morpheus on the other hand is just as cool as he was in The Matrix. However I feel that he lost some of his mystery. Conversely, I don’t think that any of the actors have kept theirs simply because the script, story, and audience demand to know more.

Carrie Ann Moss is here for Reloaded as well as Revolutions. This time we see a whole new romantic side to her, after we discovered her feelings for Neo. Strangely, I found that these new sides of the characters were a bit awkward, regardless of the skill of the actor. I sense that it was the script that made some things feel uncomfortable, because the idea and the actors behind The Matrix are incredibly awesome.

Final Thoughts
The Matrix: Reloaded wasn’t what I thought it would be. Unfortunately that’s what can happen with four years of waiting and a whole lot of hype can do to a movie. This time, I don’t think that The Matrix universe will win any awards for anything besides computer graphics. Reloaded has some “noodle baking” scenes, but I was a little disappointed. The CG was incredible but over used. Hopefully, it won’t travel the way of Star Wars, with loads of computer animation and lack of real sets; although I fear that it is looking that way. I give The Matrix: Reloaded 3.5 planets. It’s an interesting follow up to an incredible film, but tragically falls to the trap of sophomore releases. I warn the audience not to expect another: The Matrix film. See The Matrix: Reloaded to continue the story, but not before watching the first one. Next stop, Revolutions.


Jameson Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Planets


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