Matrix Reloaded
Written and Directed by: Andy and Larry Wachowski
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett-Smith

As lame as it sounds, if there’s one thing that The Matrix Reloaded proves, it is that The Matrix has become the Star Wars for a new generation. I say this not because of a similarity in content but because of how rich and detailed The Matrix universe/mythology has become, how intimately it has connected with pop culture, and how much debate it has sparked among people.

We live in an era where technology is our greatest friend, and yet possibly our greatest enemy as well. This may be one of the main things reasons why the movie has such a wide appeal. It might also have to do with the movie’s assimilation of Eastern culture such as martial arts, Hong Kong action movies, and anime and manga with North American blockbuster standards. The Matrix has tapped into something inside all of us, and although computer geeks and martial arts fans may drool over it more than others, I think the movie speaks to just about everyone on one level or another. To some it is just a stylish action movie, but to others it is a profound philosophical debate. I can’t argue with either point of view, but whatever the case may be, you can be sure it’s in an league of its own.

The Matrix Reloaded is simply put a hell of a ride… and that’s really what it felt like. More than just a movie, it has so much kinetic energy that it was almost a physical experience, but it gives the brain a workout too. In short, it’s a ride I’d like to go on again and again until I barf.

It’s difficult to compare Matrix Reloaded to the first Matrix movie, because the circumstances surrounding it are so different. There’s not much mystery because this time around we already know what the Matrix is. There are new questions that need answering though, and although it may seem like the Wachowski Brothers are rewriting something that was already a finished story, it’s exciting to have some new twists thrown in just when you thought you understood it all.

The plot itself is not very complicated: the machines have decided to launch their most potent assault ever, to finish off the humans once and for all. They are boring towards the centre of the earth where Zion, the last remaining human city, is located. The human camp is divided over whether to make their last stand against the machines, or whether to put trust in a prophecy put forth by the Oracle. Well, actually, there isn’t much of a division — Morpheus believes the prophecy but very few others do. Still, the crew of the Nebuchadnezzar go against orders to consult the Oracle and set out to follow her instructions, hoping it will lead them to salvation.

There is another twist, however. Neo’s arch-nemesis Agent Smith has returned; somehow Neo’s last battle with him has freed him from the system and made him an independent entity who is basically a self-replicating virus. It’s a pleasure to have him back, and still calling Neo “Mr. Anderson” too. Hugo Weaving’s dry, sardonic delivery in this role is still just as enjoyable as it was in the first movie.

An enjoyable new character is introduced in The Matrix Reloaded, one whose arrogance and wit may even surpass Smith’s. Known as Merovingian, he is a French-speaking aristocrat who is apparently a powerful entity within the Matrix. Along with his wife Persephone, and his bodyguards, “The Twins”, they provide some of the most memorable moments of the movie, and I can only hope they will play a part in the final Matrix movie as well.

The main stars do very little talking for the most part, with the exception of Lawrence “Larry” Fishburne, who delivers a number of long-winded speeches and commands attention whenever he is on screen. I was thankful to have Keanu’s lines minimized because we all know the guy can’t act, but it would have been nice to have a bit more out of Trinity. Some of the new characters were underused too… Jada Pinkett as Niobe was an intriguing new face, but I understand she takes centre stage in the video game Enter The Matrix so perhaps that’s why we didn’t see more of her. One character that I didn’t particularly like was the Neb’s new operator, Link. Played by Harold Perrineau, he just seemed like a goofy Chris Rock, interjecting with lame comic relief and not much else.

The special effects in the movie are ramped up another notch, and I don’t have to tell you that they’re cutting edge and very impressive. Even though there are a lot of shots that are very obviously computer generated, it all moves so fast that you really don’t think twice about it. Plus there’s also the fact that The Matrix itself is all computer generated, so it kind of makes sense. The motorcycle chase scene was one of the most engaging and overwhelming movie sequences I have ever seen. I was very nearly ducking and moving my body as cars flew by the screen. The fight scenes, while still beautifully choreographed and executed, are not quite as jaw dropping this time around if only because we’ve seen it before. But it wouldn’t really be The Matrix without them now would it?

Thankfully though, there are other things in The Matrix Reloaded to be excited about aside from the action and FX. Things like the art design, cinematography, underlying symbolism, mythological references, and philosophical debates. There is plenty of stuff to geek out over, if you’re into that kind of thing.

This movie, like most second movies in a trilogy, does not stand alone, and ends rather abruptly with a “To Be Concluded” caption. I don’t see this as a shortcoming but I guess some people might, especially if they never saw the first one. Then I imagine you’d be prettydamn confused.But I like the fact that this movie doesn’t try and explain everything all over again. I like the fact that it doesn’t dumb anything down. There are suddenly all kinds of new questions and ideas to ponder. But are they valid, or are they just fluff? Do all these lengthy monologues mean anything or are the Wachowskis just waxing philosophical? Everything has a reason in the world of the Wachowski Brothers, or at least that’s what we’ve been led to believe. However, there are many things left unresolved at the end of this movie, and it will take a viewing of The Matrix Revolutions in November before one can truly judge whether or not they are satisfied with the story and logic of the film. The important thing is it doesn’t feel like Reloaded is an afterthought, a sequel tacked on afterwards just to make more money (even if that’s basically what it is).

As with a lot of fantasy and sci-fi movies, there will be people who cannot take the ideas seriously. They will laugh at the overwhelming darkness of the movie and all of Morpheus’ preachy diatribes. To some extent, The Matrix has become a victim of its own popularity, as the hype has created monstrous expectations and the merchandising has taken away from its credibility. The feeling of the first Matrix movie could not possibly be recreated here, and it takes some acceptance of that fact to embrace this new chapter.

But despite all the hype I feel like this movie exceeded my own expectations simply because of its depth and style. Sure it has weaknesses, but this is still a mind-blowing movie. As far as big budget blockbusters go, 2003 has a great track record so far. Let’s hope the trend continues, but more importantly, let’s hope November comes soon because that cliffhanger ending sure is a bitch. — Sean