Review of The Matrix Reloaded (2003) by Mike D — 29 May 2016

Coming four years after the original entry in the 'Matrix' trilogy, 'The Matrix Reloaded' picked up where things left off with Neo and the gang. While the Wachowskis definitely ratcheted up the stylized violence and special effects, the film is a shadow of its predecessor and is seen as a major disappointment.

In 'Reloaded,' Neo (reprised by Keanu Reeves) is fully engaged in his quest to defeat the agents, embracing his newfound role and trying to make sense of everything. The focus in this film shifts to the last remaining city controlled by humans - Zion - which is under imminent threat from attack by probes. To add to things, Neo keeps having weird dreams in which he sees the fate of his now girlfriend Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss). While the plot has progressed quite a bit since the previous film, it hasn't done so in a great direction. 'Reloaded' loses a lot of the uniqueness and intrigue audiences had with the group their first go 'round, instead being sacrificed for cheap thrills and action sequences that are overdone and totally exploited.

There is one scene that is completely ridiculous, in which Neo fends off hundreds of Agent Smiths (played by Hugo Weaving). The scene is bloated, laden with slo-mo and stylized martial arts, and while it looks kind of cool, is completely drawn out. This is just one example of what's wrong with 'Reloaded.' One of the bright spots is the sequence featuring Persephone (Monica Bellucci) the wife of an influential Frenchman. She really steals the few scenes she's in and the action that ensues is not as ridiculous as what's found elsewhere in the film. Still, it's not enough to overrule the rest of the mismanagement of the movie.

'The Matrix Reloaded' is an example of what happens when Hollywood overreaches and tries to surpass a well-received original effort. Once you go too far down the rabbit hole, it's hard to come back.