Matrix Reloaded

What's the Plot?

In the future, the world is run by machines with humans harvested for energy, not unlike batteries. Oblivious to this terrifying fact, most humans live out their lives hooked up to a computer programme - the matrix. However, some people are aware of the truth and believe that "the one" from the prophecy will end the war between men and machines. Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) believe that Neo (Keanu Reeves) is "the one". Coming to terms with his powers and realisation of his responsibility, Neo and his crew mates discover that the remaining populated city on earth - Zion - is hours away form an awesome machine army that will destroy ALL human life. Re-entering the matrix, Neo, Morpheus and trinity must face foes old - Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) - and new - the twins (Neil and Adrian Rayment) and Merovingian (Lambert Wilson) - to save Zion and the fate of the human race.

Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss)

The Review

Is The Matrix Reloaded better than The Matrix? No. Is it worth seeing? Oh, god, yes! Reloaded has perfected and expanded upon the visual treats that it's predecessor shocked the world with ("bullet-time" photography) but it has brought nothing new and exciting with it which, although might seem to be unfair to say, is still a bit of a let-down

Neo (Keanu Reeves)

Right from the beginning you know exactly that you are back in the world of the Wachowski Brothers (Writers/Directors/Executive Producers), as Trinity gets to visit a security building using a motorbike in a very unorthodox fashion. In fact, it's Moss character Trinity, who has gained in the sequel. With a more "beefed-up" role, as a women ready to fight for not only the world, but her man too! All the main characters get to strut their kung-fu stuff but upon leaving the cinema you may feel that there were slightly too many fight sequences. It's as if they've mastered it and want to show off. Neo's fight with 100 cloned Agent Smith's is ridiculous and OTT but there is no denying that this sequence is nevertheless cool and has to be seen to be believed.

Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne)

Reloaded crams as many set pieces into its two hour plus running time, but nothing showcases, or anything else currently out in cinemas, will prepare you for the movie's finale "freeway sequence". An unstoppable assault on your adrenaline meter, it's up the ante constantly, with each minute delivering something even more breathe-taking than the last. Incorporating such treats as a truck-top fight with a samurai sword, and a motorbike sequence that is truly too scary for words and possibly the best bike sequence committed to celluloid, this 20 minute set piece is truly stunning. This is probably why, what comes after the sequence feels like running into a brick wall: an incredibly complex, confusing and theological speech is presented, smelling suspiciously of a justification of why The Matrix trilogy, won't just be about kung-fu and kick-ass action. Fair enough, they want it known that the movie has brain as well as brawn but its timing couldn't have been worse. When part three (Matrix Revolutions) however, hits screens in November, and the story arc is complete, Reloaded will no longer suffer from "middle-story syndrome" an no doubt, will take its place in the history books.

STEVE'S SCORE