The Matrix Reloaded
Neo and the rebel leaders estimate that they have 72 hours until 250,000 probes discover Zion and destroy it and its inhabitants. During this, Neo must decide how he can save Trinity from a dark fate in his dreams.
Directors:
Andy Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers) , Lana Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers)Writers:
Andy Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers) , Lana Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers) , 2 more credits »Stars:
Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss | See full cast and crew »Storyline
Six months after the events depicted in The Matrix, Neo has proved to be
a good omen for the free humans, as more and more humans are being
freed from the matrix and brought to Zion, the one and only stronghold
of the Resistance. Neo himself has discovered his superpowers including
super speed, ability to see the codes of the things inside the matrix,
and a certain degree of precognition. But a nasty piece of news hits the
human resistance: 250,000 machine sentinels are digging to Zion and
would reach them in 72 hours. As Zion prepares for the ultimate war,
Neo, Morpheus and Trinity are advised by the Oracle to find the Keymaker
who would help them reach the Source. Meanwhile Neo's recurrent dreams
depicting Trinity's death have got him worried and as if it was not
enough, Agent Smith has somehow escaped deletion, has become more
powerful than before and has chosen Neo as his next target.
Reviews
A Second Part that Improves the Whole
Being a casual fan of
the original The Matrix, I was looking forward to seeing The
Matrix:Reloaded in the theaters. However, I was not quite ready to line
up at the door donned in a Neo costume for a midnight showing on opening
day. Having seen Reloaded, I can now say that I may be one of those
people (sans the Neo costume) when The Matrix:Revolutions is released
this winter. I cannot say that I think that Reloaded was as good as the
original. Yes, it contained more action. Yes, the special effects were
better. Yes, both the plot and the dialogue were more intricate and at
times more head scratching. But Reloaded lacks what its predecessor had,
the element of complete surprise. The wool has already been removed
from our eyes. We know what the Matrix is. I cannot think of any plot
twist that will be able to match what happens when Neo swallows the Red
Pill. All that being said, after seeing Reloaded, I now appreciate the
story as a whole. The Matrix and The Matrix:Reloaded when viewed as one
complete story far surpasses viewing each as it's own single entity.
While the original had mildly peaked my interest, I am now fully
enthralled by the entire mythology of The Matrix (I highly recommend
viewing the back stories available online on the Animatrix). Much like
The Lord of the Rings series, I can no longer imagine The Matrix without
contemplating Reloaded. As for Reloaded as a movie itself, the fight
scenes are amazingly choreographed, though sometimes a little excessive.
I would recommend the movie for the fight with the multiple Agent
Smiths alone, as it is a phenomenally staged battle. My criticism lies
mostly in the editing. This is a movie that could have definitely been
shorter. Many scenes were unnecessarily long, such as the dance orgy
after Morpheus' speech, or flat out unnecessary, such as Neo's fight
with Seraph. But beyond the flashy fight scenes and special effects, its
strength lies in the most unlikely (to me at least) of places, its
story. It is a movie full of philosophical questions and religious
allusions. The end scene with the Architect in and of itself warrants a
second viewing, as it is quite a bit to wrap the brain around. And the
way it handles its main theme is done exquisitely. What is reality? Is
the "real world" just another part of the Matrix? Is Neo The One? All
questions I will be asking as I stand in line for the midnight opening
of The Matrix:Revolutions.
