Movie
Review | The Matrix Reloaded
Reviewed by: Katherine
Brodsky
So much anticipation for one little film. Well
actually, for one huge film, when taking its budget into
consideration. We know what can be expected as far as special effects
are concerned, but the real question is: Does the movie deliver what
the first movie did? That is, does it deliver intellectual stimulation
and a story to die for, all mixed in with the perfect combination of
innovation in special effects, stunts and cinematography? If the
answer is mostly "yes" I'll take the red pill, if the
answer is mostly "no," I'll take the blue. Red it is!
The Matrix Reloaded presents in itself a sequel to the 1999 hit sci-fi flick "The Matrix."
It is the second chapter in the trilogy, although the second and third
part are supposed to be connected as one film in two parts. The film
takes place 6 months following the first one and many more people have
been freed since. A whole new way of government is set up, even. But
an attack is set to take place on Zion. In merely 72 hours 250,000 probes
will manage to drill into the depths of Zion and destroy both it and
its inhabitants. To add to that, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) has
been "freed" and now is able to copy himself. So Neo (Keanu
Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne)
must continue their elegant quest to be free from the machines.
Meanwhile they gain greater insight to the composition of The Matrix,
themselves, and what it really means to be free.
First things first, the stunts and the
special effects are spectacular. At one point Neo is fighting off what
appears like a hundred "Agent Smiths." Despite the obvious
usage of computer animation in this scene, it comes of believable.
Even Neo's flight scenes are beyond stunning. In another sequence
there is a battle with the newly introduced characters: The Virus
Twins (Adrian Rayment as Twin One, Neil Rayment as Twin Two). The
twins have ghost like capabilities which allow them to pass through
anything. They also happen to be quite humorous.
Witty remarks definitely help make this movie enjoyable. And many of
the supporting cast members get to make a few. Some new characters
include Jada Pinkett Smith as Niobe, Monica Bellucci as Persephone,
Lambert Wilson as Merovingian, Steve Bastoni as Captain Sorren and
Nona M. Gaye as Zee. Unfortunately some of these characters are not
especially necessary, nor interesting. We don't spend all that much
time getting to know them, yet we are expected to feel for them. I
didn't.
Aside from new characters, this time around there is plenty of
religious zeal and deep philosophy intertwined. It's a shame that the
movie moves so fast that we can't catch a moment's breath to think
about it. That is one of the biggest problems with the film. It moves so fast at
times that the substance gets left behind as it jumps from one place
to the next, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of fights, new
characters, effects and story lines. The plot stands on extremely shaky
foundation. It is all over the place, disorienting the viewer. I
suspect that the odd, often speedy pacing is there to encourage DVD
buyers and second theatrical viewings, as you will most likely need
repeat viewings to fully comprehend everything. Nonetheless, the
little bits where we do get some time to think add much substance to
the story. There is discussion on what is control, power, love,
purpose and humanity...
Another unfortunate aspect that comes with the sequel is the loss of novelty.
In the first Matrix we spent time discovering what the Matrix was, who
Neo was, what "speed-time" was... Now that experience is
lost.
All in all, it is a fun adventure, backed by stunning cinematography
and a superb soundtrack that features tracks from Linkin Park, Rage Against The Machine, Oakenfold,
Marilyn Manson, Dave Matthews Band and Rob Zombie. While I many not necessarily
be a fan of those artists, the scoring is done so well that they just
blend in perfectly.
The Matrix Reloaded is a stylish, often
jaw-dropping, passionate and philosophical production that at times falls
flat because of storytelling tribulations. But it is worth watching, even if
merely for the moments that it works. Cause when they do -- it causes
a ravishing effect.
PS. The Matrix Reloaded will also make its appearance on IMAX
screens, I highly recommend watching it in that format!
Grade: 7/10
(or 2.5/4 stars)
Related:
For movie stills, check out our THE MATRIX RELOADED PREVIEW:
http://www.modamag.com/matrixreloadedpreview.htm
This time around, we'd like to invite philosophical discussion. So I
leave you with some quotes & thoughts from THE MATRIX RELOADED:
- "Choice is an illusion."
- Life is a chain of cause/effect
- "What do men with power want? More power."
- "Without purpose we could not exist."
- "What separates us from them [the machines]?"
- "No one ever has time. If we don't take time, how can you have
time?"
- What is control? Do we control the machines, or do the machines
control us? We can turn off technology... We can switch of electricity...
but then we lose our ability to see at night...
Reader's Thoughts:
- Two people have died to come back to life in 'the matrix' -is this
important?
Who is "the Mother" of the Matrix -we meet the father (the
architect).
Is there really a zion? Was the Matrix 'reloaded'?
How important is Neo's choice at the end? Where will that choice take
us? -- Submitted by Alex Franks (Riccif@cts.com)
- Doesn't god control our lives exactly the same way as the
machines? If the one who oppose god is called Satan, shouldn't Neo be
the anti-christ, the personification of evil? I'm not religious, but I
find very interesting the inversion of the positions between the hero
(Neo, who acts like Satan) and the bad guys (the machines, who are
actually the ones to which was committed an injustice in the past),
Please, send me an e-mail if you want to know more about my point of
view. -- Submitted by "Super Sheep" (fernandobtn@yahoo.com.br)
- To Be Concluded: Feel free to submit your own thoughts or
quotes at the form below!
 
FEATURED
COMMENTS
Date/Time of Posting: May 15 2003 /
22:16:10
IP Address: 66.25.217.70
name = Bob
Email = bob@bob.com
comments = This review is 90% PR info, 10% general observation.
Love the movie, hated this review.
Date/Time of Posting: May 15 2003 / 22:18:53
IP Address: 66.50.24.175
name = Ivonne
Email = keilamarie75@hotmail.com
comments = I think the movie is very deep and only a few people could
understand it
Date/Time of Posting: May 16 2003 / 05:16:37
IP Address: 219.88.240.35
name = caltho12
Email = callumthomas@hotmail.com
comments = Have you even seen this film? You mention "a superb
soundtrack that features tracks from Linkin Park, Rage Against The
Machine, ... the scoring is done so well that they just blend in
perfectly."
Most of the music on the new singles from the groups you mentioned
only appear in the film whilst the end credits play.
I would have like less of the Juno Reactor/Don Davis scoring which
whilst good, ultimately is dull and uninspiring - especially in the
freeway chase scene. I do enjoy orchestral scores - however these
arrangements were boring. A great score can a huge amount of tension
and momentum to a film - ie. Star Wars' Imperial March.
Reloaded would have been a better film without the boring music.
Wachowski's - next time give Mr Williams, or Mr Manson a call.
Date/Time of Posting: May 20 2003 / 02:03:49
IP Address: 203.51.67.50
name = Rachael
Email = rackeltheracoon@hotmail.com
comments = I'm left to wonder if the reviewer saw the same movie as
the rest of us.
Date/Time of Posting: May 21 2003 / 11:03:43
IP Address: 150.176.64.137
name = Numorelda
Email = darthTIMMY69@hotmail.com
comments = This review was ok, but the "observations" at the
end were a little off.
1) The Matrix wasn't Reloaded, The People were Reloaded into the
Matrix.
2) The machines bering God thing doesn't fit, because neither Satan
(As You say "Neo" represents) nor his species (Angels being
the Humans) created God. Therefore that analogy doesn't fit. Neo may
not be Jesus' equivilent, but he isn't the Antichrist either.
3)The Mother of The Matrix is (as the Architect said) The Oracle.
4)There really is a Zion, but it's probably inside another Matrix.
Hmm, A Matrix in a Matrix. That's too obvious to be true, and yet the
Wachowski Brothers would expect us to think that. . .
Editor's comments: The "observations" that you refer
to were not of the reviewer, but of other readers...
Date/Time of Posting: May 21 2003 / 14:13:26
IP Address: 24.91.58.93
name = billy
Email = williamrussellmorley@comcast.net
comments = I liked the interview/meeting at the end with the
architect - you are right will need to buy dvd to catch it all
"reload" it ha ha- will it be meaningful? that is the
question I especially liked the philosophy with the architect like the
tidbit he said about hope - the paradox, the emotions of humans etc
Date/Time of Posting: May 23 2003 / 00:41:16
IP Address: 199.182.13.214
name = Theresa L. Ortega
Email = nalanocturne@homail.com
comments = #1 This comment is concerning the one made by
"Super Sheep". I think "Neo" is a depiction of
Christ. Yes, God is very much like the "Matrix", however the
"Matrix" was supposed to be a perfect world, just as our
reality was supposed to be. God knew Adam and Eve would sin, thus
creating the reason to send His Son to save mankind. This leads me to
answer "Alex Frank's" question. I believe the
"Matrix" was "reloaded" with errors, just as the
Garden of Eden had its' own. I noticed during the preview of
"Matrix Revolution" that "Agent Smith" has new
powers (I wont name which for those of you who didn't stay until the
end). I think "Agent Smith" and "Neo" will have a
final battle and whoever wins will have control. Since this is the end
of the trilogy though, I believe "Neo" will have to die in
order to save mankind (after he has defeated "Agent Smith".)
# 2 Hello, it is Theresa again. I myself must raise a question:
The name "Trinity" (to me) symbolizes Trinitarianism (God
-The Father, God -The Son (The Redeemer), and God - The Holy Spirit).
Does anyone think this will affect the "Matrix Revolution"?
"Trinity" has already played "The Redeemer". What
do you think her next role will be?
# 3 I have changed my mind. The "Matrix" is more like
Satan -it gives you the illusion that you are in control. Perhaps the
"Trinity" is more so, "Morpheus",
"Trinity", and "Neo". I'll be back! LOL
Date/Time of Posting: May 24 2003 / 16:22:28
IP Address: 195.92.67.65
name = Me
comments = Saw the movie twice already and loved it. Very good
soundtrack and action sequences are 10 times better than the first
film. Bit confusing though, not many people understood it including
me. In the film Neo manages to stop the 5 or so 'squiddies' in the
'real' world just by holding up his hand, how did he do that? Is the
real world really real or is it another reality designed by the
machines? I really missed the special effect that was in the first
film like when Neo would move so fast that his hand would kind of
blur, well its not in this film unfortunately. The fight scenes are
incredible you wont be able to absorb what you just saw until you
watch it again. In The Matrix Reloaded there are a lot more moments
where you laugh at the humour on screen, watch out for the Oracle and
the candy that she eats. In the scene where the people of Zion are
dancing i just loved the music and also the love scene between Trinity
and Neo was good. In some aspects this film is n
Not as good as the first but in others it is so much better. I
saw some sneak previews of the Matrix Revolution and I cant wait till
November. I guess we'll have to wait until then to see how the trilogy
works out.
Date/Time of Posting: May 25 2003 / 23:38:36
IP Address: 172.147.55.22
name = Martha
Email = MxWildePenguinPx@aol.com
comments = I'd actually just like to ask if anyone knew the name of
the song playing during the freeway chase scene. If anyone knows,
please e-mail me. Thanks.
Date/Time of Posting: May 26 2003 / 00:13:52
IP Address: 212.7.9.35
name = Olga
Email = olga@ebss.ee
comments = Definitely , this is a movie for those who use their
brains, because that is required during watching. Superb movie, but
one has to understand to appreciate. Otherwise it is just boring.
Date/Time of Posting: May 27 2003 / 12:11:00
IP Address: 81.86.143.176
name = Rajiv
Email = vijar50@hotmail.com
comments = Well I just watched the film today.. I have to say that it
totally rocked!
But I have to get it on DVD to FULLY understand the film. Since there
were some bits that were hard to follow :(. The action sequences
rocked! But in terms of DIFFERENCE to the original, the 'theme' seems
to feel different.
I feel that the film hits you with a lot of things. I mean it puts
questions to you which you want answered. E.g. Neo stopping the
machines in the real world because he can 'feel' them. I think that
somehow, the machines are a PART of the matrix. Also the concept of a
SUB-MATRIX, in which Neo stopped the robots, is propostrous. If you
watch the Animatrix Series.. then you will understand.
Date/Time of Posting: May 29 2003 / 01:42:48
IP Address: 64.167.239.85
name = Brett
Email = brettkass@hotmail.com
comments = What the Matrix lacks in acting, it more than makes up for
in the philosophical questions it presents. Choice? After seeing the
movie 3 times already, I have a theory that this film presents choice
as something, as the architect says, is 99.9% of time is known
and predictable. This seems to present choice as an almost forced
action with it's path already predestined. Reinforcement of this idea
is seen in the constant questioning of Neo as to why? Oracle:
"how did u arrive at this choice why?" the French dude:
"why are you here to get the keymaker". If anyone would like
to give me their thoughts on this idea I'd love an e-mail. Brettkass@hotmail.com
Date/Time of Posting: May 30 2003 / 07:16:34
IP Address: 203.218.236.110
comments = Satan? now that someone mentioned it, i remembered
Evangelion (an animation) was also labeled anti-christ by some.
it seems like Matrix Reloaded is heavily influenced by modern Japanese
culture ('ve u noticed that instead of 0 and 1s, the floating text
used to visualize digital world is now in Japanese; well i dont know
Japanese, so i dont 've a clue what it means)
a lot of the Japaness comics, cartoons, games in the last decade
promote the idea that human beings instead of God should be in
control, some even considered God as evil (using whatever means to
stay in control and enforce its own version of justice)
well, i dont wanna start a religious debate here,
but i think in the end the theme of the movie is to take fate in your
own hands and decide the outcomes yourself
Date/Time of Posting: May 30 2003 / 21:44:06
IP Address: 67.35.54.79
name = Jonathan Smith
Email = Raven_Zero@ureach.com
comments = I didn't like the movie. The graphics were great, but what
was with that stupid scene where he is fighting 100 different former
agent smiths I mean come one he is supposed to be an almost god in
there, you know "there is no spoon". Also what was with the
first scene where she falls/jumps out the window, that took 10 minutes
for her to hit the ground. I can't believe I wasted 20 Dollars on this
POS. they better make up for it in the next one.
Date/Time of Posting: Jun 01 2003 / 06:51:51
IP Address: 195.92.168.174
name = Sarah
comments = Does anybody else really fancy those Twins? They are just
so cool, ok they're a bit freaky looking but they've got pretty cool
accents. They didn't die right? because people i know who've seen the
film seem to think they did but i'm pretty sure that they didn't. I
think they're in Revolutions too so they can't have really. Anyway the
twins rock, they've got some wicked moves and are just pretty
gorgeous!
Date/Time of Posting: Jun 01 2003 / 10:26:13
IP Address: 195.92.168.172
name = Emily
Email = not telling
comments = The oracle is not the mother of the matrix as Numorelda
said. wen Neo guessed that she was the Architect just said "oh
please..." really scathingly so she isn't. but then who is?
Date/Time of Posting: Jun 02 2003 / 22:03:47
IP Address: 207.6.173.133
name = Not Now
Email = rlowe540@hotmail.com
comments = The themes that caught my attention were the WHY and the
Purpose behind actions and their relation to the chain of events
we call causality. Is freedom found within knowing the WHY and the
Purpose? And what about the the Zions that preceded this Zion and Ones
that preceded this one? Is it all a never ending cycle of birth death
and infinity? Does it all matter or not matter once we crash through
our cherished illusions
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