The Matrix: Reloaded

Well that’s really an interesting thing here isn’t it. The story of The Matrix: Reloaded is really quite convoluted. Its pretty obviously not as concise as part 1 of the series, but then again it is the middle chapter… Let’s start with what is actually known.

It appears to be about six months after the original Matrix film ended. Neo is now a full fledged member of the Nebekenezer, along with Morpheus, Trinity, and a new operator replacing Tank, named Link. In the intervening time between the first film and this one, Neo has not managed to live up to his promise made at the end of the first film. He has not shown the world the truth, he has not unplugged the matrix and fulfilled the prophesy, heck he still has trouble with Agent Smith. On the other hand though, he does still possess the powers of flight, and telekinesis with bullets. But Neo has not managed to teach anyone anything of what he knows. I mean, he can literally read the Matrix code, yet he still for the most part thinks there is a spoon when really there is not. Sorry, as you can maybe tell, I’m a little frustrated with the lack of progress leading up to this film’s story. In fact, this film itself, while attempting to do some interesting things to propel the storyline, manages to fall flat on more than one occasion. Neo learns some interesting and disturbing information throughout this story, but none of it really comes together. The plot has no edge to it, it has little surprise, and at times, fairly weak dialogue and action.

The film looks good, I’m not afraid to admit it. The film although not really as visually powerful as the first film, still manages to pack a punch. Well, for the most part. The set dec, is interesting. Zion gets a little confusing with all the dark stone and random huge machinery, but the Matrix still looks good. The costumes are almost as cool as the first one. Keanu’s coat was slightly effeminate, and Carrie Ann-Moss would look better in a little less leather, but generally speaking it was ok. The action on the other hand was very slow. The fights didn’t look anywhere near the same calibre as the first film. The bullet time while used effectively a few times was seriously abused, as was the ‘we’re-cool-and-we-know-it’ factor. I suppose that’s the real trouble though, I can’t help but compare this film to the first one. And in every single way that matters it just doesn’t live up to it…

The acting was weak, Keanu was lame. I’m not talking Bill an dTed’s lame, but still lame. Laurence Fishburne was the most depressing cast member though. His act is tired. He wasn’t convincing. I mean, he is supposed to be a great leader of men; Zion goes nuts when he speaks… and what do we get. Boring, non-committal, yelling. And unjustified over-confidence. The one really nice surprise for me was the new cast member Harold Perrineau as Link. He was, at least in my opinion, the only character with any life to them.

Maybe the Wachowski Brothers have something really great up their sleeves for the Matrix: Revolutions. But I don’t think anything can really make up for this disappointment. I’m honestly not trying to say this was a horrible film. I enjoyed it; but it just never ever even came close to being as interesting or edgy, or straightforward as the first film. I suppose my expectations were too high. Maybe I was being unrealistic… I just hope these guys have pulled it together for the final instalment to the trilogy. Good luck.

Well, it is The matrix, so I suppose you should go see it. But just don’t expect it to be as cool as the first film. There are some decent moments, a few decent shots or stunts. But they are sadly few and far between. Watch this film for the sake of the overall story, but don’t have your hopes up too high like I did.

Highlight the text below to reveal what I am officially predicting as the twist ending for the entire Matrix series.

It’s all about control right? Well, I think the Matrix is really the whole world. I’m saying Zion and all. I’ve got three reasons for this line of thought.

- The Architect said that the cycle has been repeating itself over and over for many years now. That sounds very suspiciously like an outside controlling influence. Or a computer program loop.
- Agent Smith managed to transfer himself into the real world via that creepy guy who sold out Zion to the squiddies, and is lying on the operating table by Neo at the end. Well, that just doesn’t wash with me. Smith couldn’t just leave the Matrix like that, it’s not even remotely within the realm of Matrix reality. Hence the truth. Smith hasn’t left the Matrix. Or at least he hasn’t left the super-matrix (whatever it may be).
- Finally and most importantly, at the end of the film Neo uses his powers outside of the confines of the Matrix (presumably) to kill the hoard of attacking squiddies. How is this possible? It isn’t, unless he is still inside the system.
Anyhow, that’s my theory on the whole thing. Seems reasonable to me. What do you think?