Rating: 
Summary: If you can look past the kung fu...
Review: Summary:
Even though Neo (Keanu Reeves) is 'The One' and is pretty much unstoppable inside The Matrix, for some reason humans have not been able to stop the machines that control the Earth, all except Sion that is. The primary plot of the movie is the war that is developing between the humans and the machines. The machines that run The Matrix are tunneling toward Sion. Neo's fame as 'The One' has built him up a religious-like following and now the people of Sion are depending upon him to save them from the machines. Of course, not everyone believes in Neo and when Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) decides that he is taking his ship and heading out to get in contact with The Oracle (Gloria Foster) just before the machines attack, it causes some serious problems among the leadership of Sion. This is especially upsetting to his romantic rival, Commander Lock (Harry J. Lennix), who is in charge of the Sion defense force. Eventually Morpheus and his gang get in contact with The Oracle. The Oracle reveals to Neo what he must do to ultimately defeat the machines, but in a very enigmatic way. Part of the plan includes finding The Keymaker (Randall Duk Kim) who can open the mainframe and allow Neo entry. Of course, The Keymaker is protected and it is up to Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity, with their new hacker Link (Harold Perrineau Jr.), to work out all of the details of getting inside the mainframe that houses the heart of The Matrix to stop the machines. The movie ends before the war actually starts and the audience is left not knowing what happens, obviously as a set up for the next movie. My Comments:
I liked the movie. It was pretty good, but it had its problems. The biggest problem, in my opinion, is the kung fu. Once you've seen them fight once, even though they are continuously trying new things, it all pretty much returns to punches, kicks, blocks, and parries. It is so common in this movie that it becomes boring and tedious. Looking past the all too common kung fu... I couldn't help but think that the conception of Sion is, well, strange. Everyone has dreadlocks; it's as if it is just one giant night club. Of course, the writers/directors probably aren't claiming that Sion is the 'perfect' world, but you get the impression that Sion represents the future of humanity - reckless sexual abandon and partying. The scenes of Sion tend to focus on seething masses, undulating in erotic rhythms. Though I'm not religious and don't believe in hell, Sion certainly reminds me of the Christian impression of it - a teeming throng of bodies. If that is the future of humans, give the earth to the machines! I much prefer the picturesque earth conceptualized in Star Trek over the one imagined here. But, this isn't really that big of a drawback to the movie, and this too can be overlooked for the good parts (I'm getting there). The other major problem with the movie is the entire episode with Merovingian (Lambert Wilson), the French language lover who, for some reason, is protecting the Keymaker. This part of the movie was completely gratuitous. I'm guessing that The Wachowski Brothers came up with the twins that could disappear and reappear as characters then had to figure out some way to incorporate them into the movie. Perhaps I'm being presumptuous, but unless Merovingian comes back in the next movie with a big role, I'd bet money I'm right. The whole series of scenes were designed for the fight sequences. (Oh yeah, guess what the twins have? You guessed right if you said 'dreadlocks', just like everyone else in this movie.) So, what was good about this movie? Well, the dialogue. The Wachowski Brothers have one thing going for them (other then their tremendous special effects budget), they have some pretty creative, deep-thinking minds that like to toy around with ideas about reality and very philosophical questions. I actually felt like fast forwarding through some of the slower kung fu scenes just to get to the dialogue, because it was so interesting. (click here for some of the more memorable quotes) Some of the more interesting topics included... An interesting commentary on God when Neo talks with the Oracle. This enters into a debate that I have had with a friend several times about how we can truly be free if God already knows what it is we are going to do. I don't really consider this an issue because I don't believe in God, but it is a fun question. The Oracle also relates a rather funny perspective on vampires, monsters, etc. that makes for a good laugh (or an almost serious thought, if you want to conceptualize it that way). Another topic includes the idea of motives. It almost seems as though The Wachowski Brothers have read C. Wright Mills's conception of motives - understandings of decisions and behaviors that have already taken place. This results in a very symbolic interactionist or phenomenological approach to decisions and life. All in all, there are a lot of fun topics alluded to in the movie. Overall, I must admit that the fighting isn't horrible; ok, it's kind of fun sometimes. They have come up with some pretty cool stuff and what can be done with computers these days is remarkable. But this movie is just a hyped up Chinese Karate film if you take out the dialogue. If you liked the first Matrix and if you don't mind putting up with the repetitive kung fu fighting in order to be privy to the interesting philosophical discussions, this is definitely one you'll want to see.
Rating: 
Summary: WHAT'S ALL THIS ADOLOSCENT EXCITEMENT ABOUT?
Review: Bullets crusing through the air at xyz frames per microsecond? A rehash of every possible "gun fu" sequence and visual-spectacle cliche from Chinese martial arts movies or Japanese manga animes, including but not limited to a shameless floating curve kick a la Crouching Tiger? Having almost everyone wrapped in snug PVC with a fluid swirling overcoat for that oh-so-cool effect? Whatver little novelty Part 1 had is brow-beaten to death in this mind-numbing throng of clueless action sequences strewn together with delusions of grandeur. It has to be a jaded generation that is hooked to the edge of its seat watching this doozy hyperactive drivel and rating it as one of our greats based solely on its childish technical trappings (which btw are blatant rip-offs from a number of genuine sci-fi classics). Reloaded, even more than Part 1, goes abegging for a real plot but ends up only with a painful daze of terrible writing that comes straight from the pages of a high school nerd's wetdream diaries. And, Keanu, please consider production or direction if you really must stick around in flickville. Let's hope the November postlude is indeed a Resurrection of real movie-making. As Morpheus himself said, perhaps referring to the dopey script handed out to him, "Stop trying to hit me, and hit me!"
Rating: 
Summary: Great Keeps the Spirit Flowing- Ben N. at The Movies
Review: Matrix 2 may happen to have one of the most beautiful visual effects ever from start to finish you will notice it outstanding visuals and its hunger to have outstanding effects which those do not dissapoint either. Neo returns with a whole new attitude he is no longer the confused man he was before he knows alot and happens to be the one which makes him fun to watch the fighting scenes are amazing everything in this movie stands out matrix reloaded is one movie that isnt worth missing has an intresting story good cast and wonderful scenery its worth every penny now compared to Matrix 1. this may be diffrent this movie has changed a bit seemed to grow more mature alot more mature so dont expect all the cheesy stuff that happened in number 1 i am not saying that number 1 was bad it was great but it seemed to try to pull lame jokes into the mix althrough matrix is one of the best sci fi movies you will have to see trust me this is action at a major action
Rating:
Summary: Prepare to Plug In Again to ¿The Matrix¿
Review: The Matrix: Reloaded is one of those rare sequels that is astonishingly bigger and better than the first installment, which is in this case, The Matrix. Reloaded is an immensely skillful sci-fi adventure, combining the usual elements: heroes and villains, special effects and stunts, chases and explosions, and romance. It develops its world with more detail than the first movie. It gives us our first glimpse of the underground human city of Zion, moves closer to the center of the secret of the Matrix, and promotes its hero, Neo, from confused recruit to a superhero in training. As we learned in The Matrix, the Machines need human bodies, millions and millions of them, for their ability to generate electricity. In an astonishing sequence, we see countless bodies locked in pods around central cores that seem to extend forever. If you don't remember, the Matrix is the virtual reality that provides the minds of these bodies with the illusion that they are active and productive. Neo (Keanu Reeves) has been required to fly, to master martial arts, and to learn that his faith and belief can make things happen. His fights all take place within virtual reality spaces, while he lies back in a chair and is linked to the cyber world, but he can really be killed, because if the mind thinks it is dead, "the body is controlled by the mind."
The visionary Morpheus, inspired by the prophecies of the Oracle, instructed Neo--who gained the confidence to leap great distances, to fly and in Reloaded destroys dozens of clones of Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) in martial combat. That fight scene is made with the wonders of digital effects and the choreography of the Hong Kong action director Yuen Wo Ping, who also did the fights in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It is probably one of the three great set pieces in the movie. The second comes when Morpheus (Fishburne) returns to Zion and addresses a crowd of maybe over two million. After his speech, the citizens dance wildly in a drum- frenzy, which is later interrupted by Neo and Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss) having sex. For once, it actually looked real, but you can never really tell. The third sensational sequence is a chase involving cars, motorcycles and trailer trucks, with superbly choreographed moves including leaps into the air as a truck continues to move underneath. That this scene logically takes place in cyberspace does not ruin its thrilling 14-minute fun ride.
When the Matrix trilogy is complete, will it and all its components come together to be one intense cinematic masterpiece? Only time will tell, and much will be revealed in Matrix: Revolutions. In the meantime, this second stage of the cycle is trying hard to make us suspect real greatness is not unlikely, and it's the one movie this summer that you just cannot afford to miss.
Rating:
Summary: The Matrix Reloaded Awesome Movie but Rushed.
Review: I've just seen the Matrix Reloaded and it's true what some people and critics are saying. The action scenes are incredible and I personally think that they are the most amazing action scenes that have been put to film. The film starts with an amazing dream sequence that Neo has about Trinity and her infiltration of a strange building and then slows down drastically when we move to Zion. The Zion scenes are a bit slow and tedious and this effects the film. The "Super Brawl" scenes are amazing and Neo's abilities are awesome and the "Freeway Car Chase" is also incredible. BUT and it's a big BUT as soon as the car chase scenes are over the film just dosen't make any sense what so ever, you just totally lose track and this is where the film seems rushed and in a hurry to get to the cliffhanger ending. Each main sequence in the film gives some sort of a reason why they are in that situation but after the car chase all you get is Neo is here and Niobie is here and then characters are killed off in a rush it ruins the film and character development is non existent in this film it's just a lot of prophecy and mumbo jumbo most of the time and it gets too complicated for it's own good especially at the end.
I don't want to tear this movie apart but it's just my opinion. Go see it for yourself it is amazing but only for the action sequences and the overall look,it is a cool movie but the only amazing action that your gonna get in this film is when Neo and the Crew go back into the Matrix and have there adventures. Sci-Fi movies like this have a lot to live up to especially when they have been hyped to this extent but this film trilogy will always just be incredible action sequences and amazing camera tecniques and super cool characters stuck in a film that is too complicated for it's own good.
I just hope that Revolutions can tie up the plot that Reloaded has started and can give us some explainations on the Origin of the Matrix and Better Character Development but I think a lot of questions will be left unanswered. Revolutions is going to have to be amazing to complete this trilogy but I think it will be just like Reloaded just more Spectacular to look at.
Rating:
Summary: Should have been better.
Review: This review contains spoilers, don't read beyond this if you want to be surprised, but you probably wouldn't be anyway. The problems with this movie are many, let's begin with Morpheus. His speech at the "prayer meeting" (Hollywood's version of it--don't expect to hear "God" or "amen") has to be some of the most inane dialogue ever put on celluloid and, yes, I'm including "Attack of the Clones." Laurence Fishburne's charisma is reduced to the level of parody in this bizarre, asinine, and incomprehensible speech. Speaking of which, the reason the meeting is called is because the machines have begun to make way to Zion. So let's see here: 1. Machines designed and desiring to destroy humanity are approaching Zion. 2. A meeting is called to plan a strategy. 3. After the meeting, LET'S PARTY DUDE! and conveniently forget the fact that all of mankind may be wiped out in a matter of hours. How many clichés do we have? 1. Neo's love that brings Trinity back from the dead. (From "Peter Pan") 2. Person flying through the air firing two pistols at the same time. (From John Woo) 3. Piece of flying debris that "hits" the camera ("Twister") 4. Little guy in robotic armor ("Aliens") 5. "Flying wire" kung fu. I am now tired of this technique, it was perfected in "Crouching Tiger" and should now be abandoned. 6. So much digital stuff, you don't care if it looks real or not. 7. Traitor onboard the ship ("Fantastic Voyage"). 8. Omnipresent sunglasses that are worn even when it's dark and never fall off no matter how many digital pummelings the characters take. 9. Vaguely effeminate French man (the Merovingian or something) whose "accent" kept coming and going. 10. Stupid, half-assed discussions on the Armenian/Calvanist debate. 11. Heavy-metal/grunge/punk/electronica music to let you know that an important fight is happening. Now for the real problems. Why doesn't Agent Smith "possess" the truck driver while Morphues is on top of the truck? For that matter, why doesn't he just possess every person on the freeway and stop the fight there? Why doesn't Neo just fly out of conflicts? As the movie goes on (and on) it seems that perhaps he cannot be killed, which actually weakens what little tension there was. Why doesn't Neo teach Morpheus, Trinity, the wacky sidekick, etc. how to fly? Why does Persephone wear makeup that makes her resemble Commander Data from Star Trek: TNG? Why do we have to see the same stupid dream throughout the movie when it is obvious from the beginning that it will be part of the climax? Why do the people of Zion all of a sudden get empowered and horny rather than vigilant after the announcement that their destruction may be eminent? Did we have to see that many cars flipping over? Why don't people who get kicked in the face lose their glasses? Was Sunglass Hut a producer of this movie? The good thing was towards the end of the movie when Neo meets the Source. (Let's just say that Neo may not be that special after all.) Also, Carrie-Anne Moss and Monica Belucci look good in skintight leather. The saddest part is that this movie should have made me wanting the next one a la "Empire Strikes Back", "The Two Towers", "Back to the Future Part II", etc. It did not. I stayed to see the preview for "Revolutions" and I'll be checking out "Return of the King." ...
Rating:
Summary: Scott
Review: This movie was a better than the 1st one, and that says a lot. The plot kind of [stinks], but what is lacked there is made up for in the action. The hands down best part of this movie is when Neo fights the 100 Smiths. The special effects are awesome and they are probably the best I have ever seen. In my opinion, this shouldn't have been rated R. I have seen much worse PG-13 movies than this or the first one. Go see this movie. If you dont, you are really missing out and I pity you.
Rating:
Summary: Mixed reactions
Review: 1999 the year of The Matrix, the year I discovered my all time favourite film...and it still is. I watched Reloaded with an open mind, I tried not to get my hopes up too much because I knew that nothing can overtake the original.
To be perfectly honest I thought it was good. But not excellent, I left the cinema wishing for less cringe-worthy dialogue and wishing that some of those fight scenes hadn't looked like someone had put the game on instead. The car chase...now that was impressive, and a particular fight scene in the french guy's house...that's all I'm saying about that. [...]. The plot overall was a good one, although the actual script could have been much better I think. I'm not overly disappointed about this film because I have strong suspicions that the final in the trilogy will be the best, remember that this film is setting the scene for the final...[...]
Rating: 
Summary: Tedious . . . but still good.
Review: I managed to go to advance screenings or previews the day before this film actually went nationwide to cinemas, and it was packed. After a few technical hitches, we got shifted to another screen, and got to see the film in all its glory. The start was very confusing, but to anyone who hasn't seen it - it gets explained about three-quarters of the way through the film. I found the fighting/action sequences to be few & far between - maybe it's been a while since I watched the original. But there were huge gaps between the action sequences, leaving lots of stuff and talking - basically pointless. With it being warm in the cinema too, I'm sure it made a good impression my friend & me yawning! The segment of the film where Neo is talking to the guy who made the Matrix, is very pointless, but if you keep your eyes peeled, on the TV screens in the background, you're SUPPOSED to get to see a clip of Speed. I still couldn't see it, but the bits with Keanu Reeves swearing in the various TV screens is pretty funny. The best bet will be to get the DVD and then step through it slowly, to catch the clip of Speed. All I could see were clips from the original Matrix. I much prefer Carrie Anne Moss with her hair a bit longer. She doesn't look as severe! And she gets to do a sex scene with Keanu Reeves, intercut with lots of noisy party scenes - lucky cow! And Monica Bellucci got to kiss him too. For two whole days, according to interviews I've read with her. This film is surprising funny too, at points. Very dry humour though. I will get the DVD when it comes out (the extras on the original were pretty cool), but one thing I won't be getting will be the soundtrack. I wasn't keen on the first Matrix soundtrack, and it was just too loud and intrusive most of the time. Not my kind of music. And watching the end credits, waiting to see the trailer for Matrix Revolutions, was very dull, especially with the music. It's probably twice as long as the Titanic/Lord Of The Rings credits! Press the fast forward button.
Rating:
Summary: total failure!!!...
Review: Well, after being a Matrix fan for about 4 years I'm very disappointed in the second part...
Boring, boring, boring...
New special effects are great, old fighting scenes are stupid and looked childish...
The whole movie looks like it was made by totally different people...
Also very annoying - it looks like all of Hollywood wanted a piece of the action...
Stupid story line, cast is totally lost, the whole movie looks like a bad rehearsal...
Sad...
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