I honestly have to say, I have not been this excited about a sequel since “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” was released about ten years ago. My thirst for a good science fiction film was quenched when “The Matrix” was released in 1999, renewing my faith in this genre of the film industry. When I found out one of the best sci-fi flicks of all time was going to continue the story with “The Matrix: Reloaded,” I had to have more. Fortunately, because of blockbusters like “Speed 2,” my expectations for sequels have dwindled in the past few years, allowing me to enjoy an otherwise disappointing film.
We join Neo and the gang for the sequel to one of the most original takes on the age-old idea of man versus machine. Although the movie contains the signature action sequences familiar from the first film, it takes awhile for the momentum to build while the audience is subjected to seemingly trivial romantic sub-plots and dispassionate acting.
In a world such as Zion, the last human city, viewers may be left wondering what is more important to these warriors of the last “free” humans: the will for survival or a nice roll in the hay. Underlying what might seem to be a power struggle between Commander Lock, head of Zion’s defense system, and Morpheus, is actually an adolescent-like rivalry over a woman, Captain Niobe who is played by Jada Pinkett Smith.
A later scene requires Keanu to suck tonsils with newcomer Monica Belluci in order to find The Keymaker, who is supposed to be instrumental in helping Neo achieve his goal of saving humanity. Somehow I thought the destruction of the human race would be a more serious issue. Maybe Michael Bolton should have done the soundtrack for this installment.
Corny love scenes aside, the special effects of “Reloaded” blow the first movie out of the water. Of special interest is the highway chase scene that lasts about twenty minutes, with enough surprises to keep even uninterested viewers on the edges of their seats. Audiences are in for a treat with the two dreadlocked, albino twins who produce some interesting moves in this high-speed action sequence. Another less hair raising fight scene pits Neo against nemesis, the memorable Agent Smith, who seems more determined than ever to destroy the so-called One and now has even more of the manpower to do so.
Unfortunately, these fantastical illusions of the digital world do not compensate for the low budget acting provided for us by the all-star cast. Considering Keanu Reeves has about the depth of a glass of water, it is difficult to see him play such a complex character as Neo, who bears the heavy burden of saving Zion and its thousands of occupants. As with the first movie, there is a deeper philosophical meaning behind the simple plot of winning the war against the machines. Seeing Keanu wax philosophical about the argument between free will, the idea that people have power over choices, or determinism, the idea that these choices have already been made, is almost painful. Hopefully, “The Matrix: Revolutions,” the conclusion to the trilogy, will give Keanu less talking time and minimize the headache his dry dialog induces.
This makes me question whether the actors were chosen for their talent or the ability to look good in leather. Where else could one find a more stylish group of rebels? Get real. As selfish as humankind has presented itself to be over the course of our short history, do you really think so many would give up those threads for a world that would be about as comfortable as living in a tent in the swamp. What is really so bad about the Matrix anyway? I would take the comforts of home over the steel and earthen world of Zion any day, even if I were just a “coppertop” whose sole purpose was to fuel the very machines that hold us captive. Forget Zion. Trendy clothes, superhero like powers and tasty food are enough reasons for most to stay “plugged in.”
Although the acting and some of the plot leave something to be desired, this is not to say the movie was not entertaining. “Reloaded” provides fans of the first movie with much wanted information about the Matrix and leaves them wanting more. As was expected, it also delivered in the special effects arena and should not disappoint any action film lover. The combination of these two elements is what makes this series of movies so authentic. Unlike the typical action/adventure fare that lacks much beyond flashy special effects and good looking actors, think “XXX” with Vin Diesel, the Wachowski brothers provide an amazing story line that appeals not only the viewers’ intellect, but also to their visual senses. For this reason, “The Matrix Reloaded,” is worth a trip to the theater this summer.