Rating: Summary: The Matrix Reloaded - try not to think of it as worse/better Review: Better or worse than the original, that is...it's really based on the viewer. If you're a fan of The Matrix, there is no way you'll dislike this film. If you're a skeptic of this whole Matrix phenomenon, you will remain a skeptic, disparaging the whole plot and special effects. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. The plot and special effects are somewhat predictable (but at times it will surprise the most critical critics). This is because the special effects are nothing new since the first one basically set the standards. Bullet-time, 360 panning and all the kung-fu action amazed audiences the first time so the ones in Reloaded are expected, and even though it may be anticipated by many fans, haters will nonetheless, hate. So what's different in this new Matrix? For starters, it has everything the original had but with more style and visceral elements. Trinity and Neo are lovers. Zion is on the verge of destruction and though it's hard for me to explain more without giving away "shockers" of the movie, I will say this: Agent Smith is not what you expect him to be. He isn't the main protagonist. Themes are packed in this film, like the previous movie. It's not like T3 (sorry for dissing it like one of the previous reviewers but I gotta...) where everything is pretty clear cut and if it's not, one of the characters will make it by breaking it down and spoon-feeding you. No, Reloaded is more than that. You will find out something about The Matrix and Neo (THE ONE) that you never expected. As for the action, you can bet your money it's everything it delivers what it promises in the trailers AND MORE. Define more. More means what you saw in the Matrix teasers/trailers, the ones with Neo fighting the hundreds of Agent Smiths Sun-Wu-Kong style is longer and badder in the movie. If you don't know who Sun Wu Kong is, look him up, chances are-99% in fact, Yuen Woo Ping's choreography of the A. Smith scene was inspired by Wu Kong. The action sequences are simply breathtaking. The car chase (the biggest, elaborate, and expensive one EVER done in history) is simply incomparable to anything done before and anything that will be done for quite a while. The characters create a steady and fluid film that will keep you engaged in the story. The dialogue and acting are intricately done so everything said is either funny (comedic relief) or important to the plot. What you will see: -Zion (inside and out, including life in Zion). -Agent Smith, lots of and lots of Agent Smiths. -New characters including Niobe, played by Jada Pinkett Smith. -New "Programs" that appear to be human but are not. --------------------- MINOR SPOILER ALERT -The Oracle whose identity and purpose is FULLY explained. -The Architech. What you will hear: -Music ranging from punk rock, alternative rock and club/electronica that perfectly accompanies the film. It's ALMOST art. Rob Zombie, Paul Oakenfield, P.O.D., Marilyn Manson, Fluke, and more contribute to the soundtrack. So is Reloaded worth checking out? Definitely. It's loaded with eye-candy, a deep storyline, and well played characters. Oh yeah, stay for the trailer following the credits because it's REVOLUTIONary.
Rating: Summary: Review -- spoilers included Review: I watched the Matrix Reloaded last night, and my intial impressions were wholly negative. Most all scenes were dissapointing. The special effects were cool, of course, but many times it was too cartoonish (anytime Neo flies, the 1000 agent scene, the stupid stupid stupid ghostbuster-like Twins in transparent form, etc.) The problems are plot and pacing. There are countless new characters all with undeveloped and shallow back stories. The first movie continually developed characters -- and action, so that as the movie progressed, the action scenes became better and better. The directors have created an MTV version of the Matrix. There is a sex/dance scene that does NOTHING to further the plot. There are many useless fights (example: the asian dude guarding the Oracle, who fights Neo simply to "prove" it really is Neo. their fight was standard, boring, boring). The saving grace of the movie is one of the last scenes, where Neo meets the Architect (God). The actor who plays the architect is damn fantastic, has some damn fantastic lines, and delivers them in a setting which is a delight. The room where they meet is filled with TV screens with Neo inside each; each TV is a single thought in Neo's mind. Very very impressive. Overall, dissapointing. It's good but not at all or in any way great, like the first. Go see and don't be surprised if you're bummed the next day.
Rating: Summary: Are you ready for the hype?? Review: In the first Matrix we are introduced to a virtual world accented uniquely by a mixture of philosophy, martial arts, and superb style. The Matrix Reloaded takes itself seriously although rather painfully. We are beaten with such deep conjucture at certain points the melodramaticspeeches given by characters seem like diatribes from philosophy 101. So, have no fear boys and girls. If your worried that this sequel will ruin the intellectual treat the first film presented, don't be!! Reloaded takes the philosophical metaphor of the first, amplifies it and drags it by the horns to self indulging useless heights of metaphor. Thats right, esotericism is the prime flavor of the first hour and last 20 minutes of this film. So all braniacs take note; you will have plenty to decode and bang your head on after taking this ride. Did I mention the action and effects? The Wachowski Brothers and effects wizard John Gaeta push the line of action and effects beyond what I thought was possible. Technically gorgeous and brilliant; two particular showpieces make the entire film worth watching. One features an incredible martial arts sequence featuring our hero Neo battling 5, then 10, then 20, then 50, then 100 agent Smiths with the camera moving in all directions imaginable. The other is a heart pounding chase sequence on a freeway involving all sorts of martial arts, bullet time, and mayhem. There is no doubt that the Wachowski Brothers have a special knack for producing exciting, visceral imagery. Luckily, this part of the movie is seriously awesome. That said, The Matrix Reloaded is a sequel. It exumes it at every point. New characters, bigger budget, and the impression Reloaded forms becomes clearer. Missing in this installment unlike the first is the dark edgy and bold choices of directors unflinching in their vision and sense of style. Because of that, Reloaded runs like a middle chapter, no doubt. Loyal Matrixites the world over will pound the message boards waxing poetic about the new answers and questions The Wachowski brothers set forth and that in itself is not bad, for there is much to ponder about even if its not nearly as fresh and cool as the original film. WILL any of these new revelations help you come any closer to figuring out what life is all about? Not really, and why should they? When it comes down to it, the Matrix Reloaded is just more of the same, amplified. With that said, it is definitely mighty damn entertaining and exciting though, and that is my final thought. Enjoy the ride for what it is.
Rating: Summary: In the words of Keanu Reeves, "WHOA" Review: I saw the first showing of the Matrix Reloaded and to my surprise this movie's special effects made the first look like a bad 1960's Godzilla movie. I've read some reviews saying that theres not much of a plot difference in this movie from the first. Well, what did you expect? These characters are still trying to figure out their place in the world. You don't just go on to the next step after you figure out your "the one". Plus, the issue from the first movie was never solved which was the one would be the one that set peace to Zion. This of course wasn't achieved in the first one. The special effects for this movie were amazing and this series will go down as probably the most influential special effects since the original Star Wars. I also think the script did better for Keanu Reeves this time around. Instead of his classic one liners (Whoa, I know Kung Fu), Keanu is given more respect in this movie than the last. Agent Smith was given little more of a character than his great but monotonous voice in the first one. Finally, this movie leaves you hanging for the next one so don't expect a huge climatic ending. I totally recommend this movie for anyone that is a fan of great special f/x and just wanting to have a great time.
Rating: Summary: Hype and the original completly overpower Reloaded Review: As of, let's say, the millisecond after the first Matrix showing I saw, I was left craving for the continuation. All this past year, after originally being set for last summer, Matrix Reloaded has been on my mind. Last night I went to the theatre and watched the movie with eyes wide-open. But I left with a sickness in my gut. Reloaded was being seen as the biggest movie of the year. Truly I didnt think it delivered. The coolest parts (duh, the fight scenes) seemed tacked on and somewhat forced. Along with the barrage of [terrible] one-liners (is that truly what Hollywood has come to?) and the monstrous amounts of computer-generated people (dont get me wrong, looked nice but lost the realism), the entire movie seemed off-beat. The long, drawn-out Zion scenes and the multitude of new, horrid characters (cant beat the original cast) just drive you into a hole and keep you there. And did I mention the basis of the plot? Matrix shouldnt equal love-story. But a few things impressed me. The car chase at the end was excellent. Nothing like a few crushed cars and "atop-semi" fights. The best part of the movie was actually the story of the Matrix (the system, not the movie). Let's just say the Oracle and the Architect tell all. Final words: Only reason to see this movie is to continue the story of the Matrix and the destiny of Zion. Hopefully Revolutions will be better.
Rating: Summary: This Was Worth My Money!! Review: I've never reviewed a film before, much less one the day it has come out (well actually, I saw it last night at a sneak preview). But I had to write about this absolutely amazing film and like any true Matrix fan, I watched the first one yet again before I saw this one. I was totally blown away by this movie with the special effects alone because they are so cutting edge. As for the plot, I really don't want to give too much away but this builds upon the first movie quite nicely and has many twists and turns. I've read the reviews already up and I have to say the presence of Smith and his "new" capabilities is so alarming and I'm still trying to figure out some nicks and quirks of the movie. The infamous car chase will become one of those that you remember in the cinematic history of film because it's so innovative and absolutely amazing. A birage of new faces, new meanings, new explanations about the Matrix just keeps the movie going. If you go purely expecting action or just pure story line, you get both for the expert and avid fan. But as a film, this is amazing and cutting edge even in today's technological advancements. This is a BIG 5 stars and I can't wait until November!!
Rating: Summary: Whoa there Neo Review: Wow....just left the theaters and am so amazed! Oh man, Reloaded is a mind job....you get to see so much more into their world. Lots more action, lots more dialogue, lots more sex. Overall, definitely worth the admission price!
Rating: Summary: ~REMATRIX~CONVOLUTED~ Review: There are enough twists and turns in Matrix Reloaded to keep the most avid of video game lovers happy, but it leaves you wanting a laser gun to help Neo out, with the SUITS. I found the fight scenes a little tedious, but the new technologies in the Matrix makes-up for any loose ends. Zion, being one of the wonders for the computer enhanced scenes. I also liked the rusty bucket of bolts that is the Nebuccanezer, (Morpheus' space ship) and the rusty old city look of Zion. The only times you see our group dressed up is when they do battle. Other than that they wear old torn clothes and look fairly scruffy. I'm not really sure why it was rated 17, as there were more sexual encounters in other movies that were rated pg13, well you just never know. There was not much blood and gore either. Keanu Reeves always vigilant, stoic, and with those penetrating black orbs of his, ready to wither you into a lump of dust. He can look right thru you. And that's not acting, but more his personality and I think he is great. This is not a light movie, everyone is dead serious about what they are doing, otherwise it would not work. Fishburn, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving are excellent in their role's as Morpheus, Trinity, and Mr. Smith the suit. ciao yaaah69 I give this flik a 41/2 OF 5
Rating: Summary: Anticipation is dangerous Review: Let me say this at the outset. This is a good movie. I waited for quite some time to get into the sneak preview and I didn't think I had wasted my time. Now the bad news this is just a good movie, not a great movie. The sequences are remarkable repetitive. The soon-to-be-famous fight with the Agent Smiths is incredible.....at first, and then boring and overly long. Perhaps there is some future tie in with the third chapter, but what was the point of the Euro-trash guy and his evil princess? See the movie. Enjoy it. Just don't expect to be blown away. It might not be safe.
Rating: Summary: Not Very Good, But It's a Middle Chapter Review: Machines are tunneling into the Earth and will reach Zion, the last human city, within days. As the armies of Zion try to launch an offensive against the machines, Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) takes his ship and crew to a position where they can enter the Matrix, in the belief that Neo (Keanu Reeves), The One, will be able to stop the machines' progress and end the war between humans and machines. It is prophesied that, in order to do this, Neo must go to the Source, or the machines' mainframe computer. In order to locate the Source, Neo and his comrades will need the help of a fugitive computer program called the Keymaker that is being held captive inside the Matrix by another renegade program. As the machines close in on Zion, Neo finds the Source and the answers to many of his questions about the Matrix. But he also finds that his entering the Source will not bring about the sort of end to the war that anyone was expecting. And he must make a choice that could determine the fate of both humans and machines. "Reloaded" suffers from being the middle chapter of a trilogy, and some of its faults can be excused on that basis. We are introduced to a lot of characters -too many characters- that don't do much in this installment and, while some of the mysteries of the Matrix are resolved, none of the plot is. Those things are to be expected of a cliffhanger. But the rest of the film just isn't very good. The themes of perception vs. reality and the control of information that were so interesting in "The Matrix" have largely been abandoned in "Reloaded". The first part of the story takes place in Zion, which turns out to be an uninteresting and unappealing place, with too much petty political infighting and too many inane public addresses. The second half of the film mercifully takes place mostly inside the Matrix. The fight sequences in "Reloaded" don't come close to the beauty or suspense of those in "The Matrix". These fights are extremely mechanical. And Neo fighting a horde of adversaries all at once is improbable, visually distracting, and actually boring. Neo flying around like Superman and always wearing sunglasses while engaging, stone-faced, in hand-to-hand combat don't help his character development either. Neo just seems distant in this film, as if he is not fully engaged. We don't see very much of Agent Smith in "Reloaded", and when we do see him, he seems to have lost his sense of humor as well as his purpose. This is a tremendous loss since he was so funny in "The Matrix", and this leaves "Reloaded " with no humor at all. Conspicuously corny dialogue and a multitude of superfluous reaction shots exemplify a sloppiness in "Reloaded" that "The Matrix" scrupulously avoided. I'm sure that "Reloaded"'s eagerly awaited explanation of the ongoing symbiosis between humans and machines will be hotly debated in chat rooms and living rooms around the world. But a lot of it -big surprise here- doesn't make any sense. That isn't the film's biggest problem, though. I think that people admired "The Matrix" for one (or more) of several reasons: The ideas, the story, the fight sequences, or, possibly, the cinematography. "Reloaded" doesn't put forth any interesting ideas. The concept of Choice vs. Fate is alluded to repeatedly and might be an attempt at a theme for the film, but the idea is never elaborated or commented upon. The story is haphazard and at times nonsensical. And the fight sequences convey no emotion and create no tension; they look perfunctory, like a computer game. The quality of the cinematography in "Reloaded" doesn't measure up to "The Matrix" either, but there is one scene in which Trinity is falling that is especially impressive and easily the most beautiful scene in the movie. That's a good thing since we see that scene more than once. It wouldn't be reasonable to expect "Reloaded" to be as good as "The Matrix". But it could have been a lot better than it is. Of course everyone who has seen "The Matrix" wants to know how the story ends. So go see "Reloaded". But I think it is best taken as a segway between two (hopefully) better films.
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