The Matrix Reloaded

The machines are drilling down to the last human city on Earth, Zion. Military Commander Loc thinks that every ship in the fleet should be ready to defend the city but Morpheus (Fishburne) believes that the prophecy of The One is real and the only hope for the human race is Neo (Reeves).

After all the waiting, after all the hype, after all the promise it is finally time to re-enter The Matrix.

The Wachowski Brothers bring us the second part of their science fiction trilogy and the good news is that for all Matrix fans, the wait has been worth it, big style. With a bigger budget and a total free reign to bring their vision to the big screen, the brother's have not just made a sequel but a continuation of the Matrix story and its mythology.

This is epic Sci-Fi, where story is even more important than action but when the action comes it takes it up a notch, even after setting new standards with the first film. The action scenes in this film will go down in movie history as some of the best ever put to celluloid. The Neo vs. Agent Smith's and the highway chase are absolutely breathtaking. Both push special effects technology to its limits and then smashes straight through that barrier. The big face off between the two nemeses is choreographed to perfection, utilising all of master fight director Yuen Wo Ping skills and some astonishing visual effects. The chase is seventeen minutes of pure adrenalin. Bullets fly, cars flip and crash, people fight and explosions devastate in this truly jaw-dropping sequence, which has to be seen to be believed.

Complementing the action is the astounding look of the film. The Wachowski's attention to detail is superb. From the reflections in the sunglasses of the main cast, to the glorious look of the last human city of Zion, you can see exactly where the money has been spent. In fact Zion is so beautifully visualised that this combination of stone, metal and machines is everything you ever expected and more of the city, deep underground, near the Earth's core.

The cast has really grown into their roles. Keanu Reeves is Neo and you can't imagine any other actor playing him. Portraying an unshakable, confident superhero in the Matrix and an uncomfortable messiah in Zion, Reeves brings two completely different performances to the character of The One. He knows he has a destiny inside the Matrix but outside of it he just wants to be with the woman he loves, Trinity. It shows the true nature of humanity, that even the supremely powerful have vulnerabilities and needs. Laurence Fishburne shows his leadership qualities to even greater effect, moving from Neo's mentor to championing his destiny to a reluctant military, which believe that fighting is a better defence than the reliance on a prophecy that might never come to pass. Carrie-Ann Moss excels again as Trinity, showing her love for Neo and her commitment to the fight are unwavering. In fact, it is the chemistry between Reeves and Moss that makes the decisions each character makes at key moments of the movie all that more believeable. Hugo Weaving is tremendous as Agent Smith(s). The character is destined to become one of the most memorable screen villains and you will be itching to find out what he has become and what are his motivations.

The supporting cast is also good. The late Gloria Foster brings a sense of fun to her portrayal of the Oracle. Adrian and Neil Rayment look menacing as the Twins. Jada Pinkett-Smith creates a love interest for Morpheus but the beautiful Monica Belluci almost steals the show as Persephone, with a sizzling performance as the self-crowned queen of the Matrix.

What puts this movie far and above any other big-budget, Sci-Fi movie is the story. Instead of just using it as an excuse to hurry the film along to the next big action sequence, the Wachowski's have a story to tell and they won't bow down to pressure for more fights, explosions and chases to tell it. In fact there are large moments of plot building, which add tremendously to the Matrix story line, past, present and future. Elements are detailed out and revelations come thick and fast, to the point that you'll need a second viewing just to take it all in. Casual viewers and action junkies might find these scenes too heavy going and even confusing but you have to remember that this is the first part of one big movie. Story threads that are set up and not concluded will be dealt with in the next film, so remember that when you question what the Brothers are trying to achieve.

This is pure science fiction at its very best and the Wachowski's should be applauded for their vision and attention to detail. Ok it might not have the awe factor that the original had but you shouldn't have expected it to. It is a continuation of a story, in a universe that the first film already established and science fiction fans and especially Matrix fanatics should revel in this consummate piece of filmmaking. The Matrix Reloaded is the middle section of a trilogy, thus meaning it is part of a whole and that is how the film should be judged.

(Matrix Fans - There is a trailer for The Matrix Revolutions at the very end of the credits)

� Preload � Get a behind the scenes overview of The Matrix Reloaded with on-location footage and interviews with cast and crew
� The Matrix Unfolds � A fascinating look at the Matrix phenomenon and its amazing cultural impact
� The Freeway Chase � Behind the scenes footage shows the viewer how the mind-blowing scene was captured on film.
� What is The Animatrix?- A glimpse into the history and the intrigue of the Animatrix.
� Enter The Matrix � Making of the best-seller video game and the groundbreaking technology used to create it. Your exclusive opportunity to step inside the world of Enter the Matrix.
� The Matrix Unfolds � A review of The Matrix phenomenon and its amazing cultural impact
� 2003 MTV Movie Awards Matrix Reloaded Parody
� Get Me An Exit - Matrix-inspired advertising.
� Weblinks to the official Matrix website.

The Usher Home | Hush, Hush... | The Big Story | The Usher Speaks

Stuck @ Home | Coming Soon | Links | Contact the Usher

2003