The Matrix Reloaded
Review by Clint Morris
 "We
can never see past a choice we don't understand."
Morpheus old buddy, there's no way we can see past a plot
point we don't understand either.
In fact, the first of two sequels to the smash film The
Matrix is littered with so much gobbledy-gook, and an
abundance of confusing plot subterfuge, that I dare anyone
to decode it within one viewing.
The Matrix Reloaded - not unlike its predecessor -
might be hard to swallow, but it's so delicious you just can't
help but want more. Not unlike one of those gobstoppers you
can find in any candy store: Hard to chew, nice to endure,
if you will.
In 1999, the Wachowski brothers re-invented action cinema
with a film that pushed the boundaries, not only through storytelling,
but through modern-day special effects.
When they first approached producer Joel Silver about their
idea for the inconceivable yarn, the director brothers said
they envisioned a live-action kung-fu romp akin to anime films
like Akira and Ghost in the Shell. And boy,
did their vision make for stellar entertainment.
The Matrix was the story of a zero computer hacker
who comes to the comprehension that the world he lives in
- the world we live in - is fake, and that outside is the
real deal. By film's end, he would ultimately become somewhat
of a superhero among his new clique.
Not short of ideas for a sequel, the Wachowski boys have
returned, this time with not one but two sequels, both to
be released within months of each other.
The Matrix Reloaded picks up where the first film
left off with Neo [Keanu Reeves] continuing to explore the
world outside of the one we know as ours.
Having made the decision to believe in himself and accept
his role as "The One", he's starting to assume greater
command of his powers, but with this new power comes responsibility,
like fulfilling what Morpheus [Laurence Fishburne] believes
to be Neo's destiny: To end the war with the machines - and
also living up to the expectations of those lives who depend
on the choices Neo makes.
 The
Machine Army begins to compress Zion, the last real human
city left on Earth.
The Rebels brace themselves and Neo strives ahead in search
of a further quest for the truth, all the while kicking, punching
and skimming his way out of harms way.
A spectacle for the ears and eyes, The Matrix Reloaded
is the sequel fans of the original have been craving for.
The action sequences are bigger and better, the effects are
eye-popping, and the story - apart from being mind-boggling
- stays one step ahead of its audience at all times.
But it's that story that also deters enjoyment there in a
couple of spots. There's a little too much partisan speeches
and drawn-out mockery and, while there's nothing wrong with
exposition scenes, unfortunately some of these moments deter
from the action sequences, which are significantly more entertaining
than the plot.
On first viewing, the plot seems to be all over the place
with large helpings of waffle sprinkled throughout the film.
Those who've seen the first film a few dozen times might
find it a bit easier to understand than those who haven't
- but all in all there's a little "too much" here.
Maybe it makes sense, maybe it doesn't - that'll have to be
decided upon repeated viewings methinks.
But as an action extravaganza, the Wachowski's have matched
the spectacle of - if not bettered - that of the original.
A lengthy battle-scene taking place on a tiring freeway is
one of the film's grand highlights and scenes where Neo is
soaring through the skies like the Man of Steel are awe-inspiring
(and if Warner can re-create something like this for the new
Superman movie, maybe the remake will be worth the
wait).
Some will have a problem with The Matrix Reloaded,
some just won't understand it, but for most the only disappointment
will be the all too annoying "To Be Concluded"
tag that's stamped on the final frame...
4 out of 5
The Matrix Reloaded
Australian release: Friday May 16th
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss,
Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett Smith, Gloria Foster.
Director: Andy & Larry Wachowski.
Website: Click
here
Brought to you by MovieHole
|
