Review of The Matrix Reloaded (2003) by Halfwelshman — 01 Jul 2012
The Matrix Reloaded is much bigger and brasher than its predecessor. It has a very good first act, which is engaging and develops the concepts of the first film in style. Reloaded becomes far less focused and borders on being incoherent as the film progresses.
One of the main plot points is the return of Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) and his newfound ability to clone himself since Neo "freed" him. As a plot device, this is as stupid as they come, but Weaving has fun with the concept by valiantly attempting a comic back-and-forth with himself.
The rest of the returning cast again turn in good performances, though the development of the romantic relationship between Neo and Trininty (Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss) is unconvincing and surprisingly immature.
The action sequences are even more stunning than in the first film, particularly the hugely destructive extended freeway chase that will go down in history as one of the best film set-pieces purely in terms of gloss, complexity and scale.
Though this massive visual extravaganza is impressive, my favourite scene in the film is far more understated - early on in the story, upon his arrival to the final surviving human city, Neo and Councillor Hamann (Anthony Zerbe) debate purpose, destiny and free will as the rest of the city sleeps, a simple scene, but an immensely human and emotionally grounded one.
An increased reliance on not-so-subtle religious symbolism becomes a little annoying, especially in the film's final act, which in addition to being a bit pretentious is also lazy and dull. The Matrix Reloaded is decent in part, offering thrills and visual amazement, and the odd decent character moment, but an over-long, sometimes boring and often confusing plot, in addition to a lack of effective character development makes this sequel pale in comparison to the first film.
It offers just enough new ideas to stand out from the crowd, and is certainly more entertaining and of higher quality than the vast majority of film sequels, but the Matrix Reloaded is certainly not as profound and clever as it thinks it is.
It's a good blockbuster then, but not much more, and it unfortunately lead to the shudder-inducing final instalment of the series six months later...
This review of The Matrix Reloaded (2003) was written by Halfwelshman on 01 Jul 2012.
The Matrix Reloaded has generally received positive reviews.
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