“The Matrix Reloaded” (Warner Brothers)
The wait is over. Neo, Trinity and Morpheus have returned in this “second coming” of the “Matrix” series. Yes, “The Matrix Reloaded” is alive and well at a local theater near you. And if you aren’t excited by that fact, well what planet are you from
The story is still the same. Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) has been cited as “the One” by the Oracle (Gloria Foster). He has taken the name “Neo” and is charged with being the person who will be able to end the next big war. He will also be the savior of the city in the center of the earth called Zion. But to do this he will have to fight the machines in the cyber world known as “the Matrix.”
His mentor is the mystical Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) who gives him guidance. His other helper is Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss). It was she who brought Neo back to life in the first film. She did it with a kiss. Now they are really close friends.
Neo’s nemesis is the elusive Mr. Smith (Hugo Weaving). He was supposedly killed off in the first film but he is back in this one and raring for a fight. He also can duplicate himself at will which leads to a battle with Neo where there are at least a hundred Mr. Smith’s moving about. This makes for one fantastic fight scene.
The battle sequences are the best part of the movie. That and the special effects, which are really the same thing since the fight scenes involve monstrous special effects. You will not be able to watch these sequences without being impressed. The line between reality and movie magic is seamless, and what goes on during these forays into never never land is eye popping.
Reeves is more sullen and crag-faced than ever. The more he gets into his character the quieter he gets. When he puts on his curved upward dark glasses and his priest’s hassock, then takes flight around the world; he looks like Superman’s evil younger brother.
Fishburne is morose as Morpheus. He rarely smiles and never jokes around. He does show some excitement when Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith) comes around. It seems they were once involved but no more. She has moved on to nicer, friendlier men.
Carrie-Anne Moss is sleek and sensual as Trinity. She can ride a motorcycle at warp speeds; can battle the biggest enemies and come out victorious; and don’t forget she has that kiss of life. Trinity is one cool woman and Moss makes her almost feral.
The film is rated R for violence, profanity and nudity.
“The Matrix Reloaded” gets bogged down at times when it spouts its mysterious philosophy. Still that will be the basis for many a talk session in dorms across America. It also is slower when the group goes to Zion. It’s dark and dull down there, but the inhabitants do know how to chant and sway in a rave like manner.
This film is best when the action is taking place, and that is most of the time. It is a thrill tripping mixture of special effective battle scenes and spiritual spouting philosophy. It doesn’t make much sense but who cares when you can get your mind blown away by the look of the thing with each twist and turn of the camera.
I scored “The Matrix Reloaded” a shoot em up 8 out of 10.
