Following on from the massively successful The Matrix, which saw new standards set in the art of film-making, and new levels of making computer talk seem cool shot through the roof, is part two in the trilogy.
The surviving cast are back, including Neo (Reeves), Trinity (Moss) and Morpheus (Fishburne). The story begins around the end of the crew's latest mission and features astounding scenes of Zion and the 'saved' people who live there, hinting at a utopian heaven of a place, where everything is right in the world for those lucky few. Morpheus faces reprimanding by the fleet commander for disobeying orders, but his prophecy from the Oracle about the end of the raging war against the machines makes him a hero among the people of Zion. Meanwhile Neo is troubled by dreams of Trinity's impending death and is becoming distant and distracted.
As the war intensifies the crew are again asked to go out and fight, with only 72 hours before the machines take over Zion, becoming embroiled in a battle inside the Matrix itself, both with Agent Smith and the many clones that he has managed to make, and with more regular human and machine foes.
Scenes of fights between Neo and the Agent Smiths, plus an outstanding (if a little idealistic) fifteen-minute battle along a busy highway, with trucks, motorbikes and lots of explosions, make this every bit as good as the first film. The effects used are similar, but more advanced and carefully crafted. Watch out for Neo spinning round the metal pole in "bullet-time" whilst fighting the agents, and for the trucks impacting together.
The style of the film in general is quite different. It is much darker and features scenes of a sexual and spiritual nature that will quite surprise fans of the first one. The dialogue is quite entrancing at times, especially that from Agent Smith, the Architect and the French character Merovingian, played by Lambert Wilson. When the end finally comes around, everything you know and have come to understand about the Matrix will be blown away, leaving you spending long nights fathoming out what is real, and what the next film holds.
Tension and edge-of-the-seat action runs high and at times this film is nothing but explosive. Still miles ahead of most other films of the moment, it does have its flaws and will be less of a thrill to those who have already seen and got used to the first film. It is unfortunately too confusing too often, demanding undivided attention and undoubtedly a few viewings. It still holds the possibility of becoming the new Star Wars trilogy in terms of potential and immortality. We'll certainly still be watching these films in many years to come, I'm sure. |
