Review of The Matrix Reloaded (2003) by Aadityamudhar — 16 Apr 2016

A sequel doesn't get much bigger, more populated or digitally enhanced than the second outing of the much publicised "Matrix" franchise, filmed back to back with a third instalment that was released later in the year of 2003, the second one is the beginning of a larger arc which finished in the third. We see Neo (Keanu Reeves) now taking full advantage of his "One" status, he has a new wardrobe, a more relaxed attitude and he can fly. He is joined again by the increasingly philosophical Morpheus Laurence Fishburne) and the lovely Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), the woman Neo falls for in the first film. This time around we have a glimpse of Zion, the last human city in the real world, a place mentioned several times in the original. The city is on the bring of an attack from the machines that many believe Neo can prevent. But there to get in his way is the rebooted and rejuvenated Smith, played with an undoubtedly charismatic and comedic undertone by Hugo Weaving. He is stronger, faster and can multiply in vast numbers, something Neo meets head on in one of the films most spectacular fight sequences, where Neo is facing countless amounts of Smiths at the one time, this fast, choreographed piece is one of the defining points of the film.

So the big question remains, is it any good? Well much like that question, there are various moments in the film where questions are asked, perhaps rhetorical or not, but many times these questions are unanswered, or answered with another question, it's quite a circle and one that we must get used to, there are plenty of psychological puzzles and open-ended dialogue to keep people guessing for years what exactly was meant by this or that. In terms of explanations, we get a much deeper understanding of The Matrix, it's creation and its purpose, but this can often feel forced and too explanatory, computer program this, computer program that. The first film, we barely got an explanation, we were left in awe at the scope of the film and the subject matter, but a bigger budget for 'Reloaded' means a more action-oriented film, we still get some brain teasers, but a more human element and certainly pre bells and whistles take away that unique spark that's de the first so damn enjoyable. Mentioning the set pieces again, there are certainly some eye-catching and spectacular moments, a moving truck where we see Morpheus fighting an Agent was particularly enjoyable, with plenty of time spared for this breathtaking scene.

But in light of these impressive feats, they seem to act as a distraction to a disengaging story, one that takes a more Hollywood approach as a bigger budget was available. These folks are now entering superhero territory which lacks the originality that was introduced in the original.

Also making an appearance in the sequel is a vast amount of new characters, mostly from other ships headed to Zion, but they sort of get lost in the midst of everything that is going on in the bigger picture, left with little to do except stick on some cool sunglasses and an say a few witty lines.

It certainly wasn't the sequel I was hoping for, it made everything too explainable and fluid, but while there is a few questions still to be answered, the cliffhanger ending was a little off the mark, not matching it's predecessor in unique storytelling or thrill, but definitely an action film worth watching.