The Matrix Reloaded

For fans of the first film, the next installment, The Matrix Reloaded, continues in the same vein as the first film, but ramps up the action and the incredible special effects that enhance the story being told.

I didn't have a problem with the "Rave" scene of Zion in the first act of the film, because I took it for what it was: a celebration of life, and what they are fighting for, the scene itself serves to energize the humans for their war against the machines of the Matrix. The rave is the macro-level of that celebration of what it is to be in the community of man, while there is a micro-level story interweaved into the whole of that scene. But some of the rest of the scenes in Zion could have been trimmed without much impact to the setup in the film.

As in the film film, there are bits of dialogue that get a bit too wordy when the conversation veers into existentialism and metaphysical aspects of life in and out of the Matrix. It's just part of the lexicon of the Matrix films. Some will find it daunting, but I had a good time with it because it does give pause to churn over the ideas being explored in this film, including choices made from that most irrational of human emotion: love.

Plotwise, it's actually pretty straight forward, but it's in the details and in the manner in which the main trio (Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity) get from point A to point B to point C that make for some really incredible visual effects that accompany the storytelling. Literally, there are some absolutely jaw-dropping shots and scenes in this film. It's really fun stuff to watch. The complexity of the special effect have gone up exponentially, and the roller coaster aspect of it is just flat out amazing. Just don't expect it to be wall-to-wall special effects, but when they kick it into high gear, the ride is fast and fun and absolutely furious.

If you liked the first film (and not just chapters 32 through the end of the Matrix DVD), I'm pretty darn sure you'll enjoy this second installment of the trilogy.

I give it 3.75 stars, or a grade of A-.