May 2003
The Matrix Reloaded

Reviewed by Wilson Morales

The Matrix Reloaded
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Directors: Andy & Larry Wachowski
Producer: Joel Silver
Screenwriters: Andy & Larry Wachowski
Cinematography: Bill Pope
Composer: Don Davis
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Monica Belluci, Harold Perrineua Jr., Harry J. Lennix, Nona Gaye, Lambert Wilson, Gina Torres, Roy Jones Jr., Gloria Foster, and Dr. Cornel West

    

In 1999, a film came out that took Hollywood and audiences all over the world by storm. It had been a while since a film had combine the elements of a good plot, good action scenes mixed in with the latest CGI. The technology on that film was so good it surprisingly captured four Oscar Awards. The main players on that film, Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Hugo Weaving suddenly became household names with their characters. Books and video games were written and created to capitalize on the success, and endless discussions were held on “What is The Matrix”? The Directors of the film, Andy & Larry Wachowski had to come back for an encore. It’s been 4 years since and there hasn’t been this much anticipation and hype for a sequel since “Star Wars: Episode 1” came out, ironically, in 1999. Well, the wait is over, as The Matrix Re loaded is packed with more action scenes, more characters, and DEFINITELY more intrigue as folks will leave the theater confused as hell STILL trying out what they just saw.

When The Matrix had ended Neo (Reeves) was just starting to break out as “The One”, just in time to fight off Agent Smith (Weaving) and declare his love for Trinity (Moss). Morpheus was being rescued as Agent Smith tried to pick his mind and locate the city of Zion, where the last remaining humans live free. When “The Matrix Reloaded” begins Trinity and Neo are a full fledge couple still freeing folks from the Matrix, a virtual reality prison. Neo is now comfortable with his destiny and power although he’s still uncertain as to what his goal is and how much he can to do to free mankind. Tank, who was played by Marcus Chong in the first film, supposedly died off screen and the ship is now being run by Link (Perrineau Jr.), much to the chagrin of his wife Zee, whose brothers Tank and Dozer, were killed in the first film. Morpheus has returned home to Zion as he has to explain his actions to the counsel why he believes lives will not be lost and why he believes in Neo. There are a number of high ranking individuals who don’t have much faith in Neo, including Commander Lock (Lennix), Morpheus’s superior. Lock and Morpheus share a personal history that neither one wants to forget. As word looms that more machines are nearing Zion, Neo must seek The Oracle (Foster) for guidance as to what exactly he’s suppose to do. In the meantime, Agent Smith has somehow resurfaced and in more ways than you could ever imagine. On top of that, Neo has a new adversary (Lambert Wilson) as he and his wife (Monica Belluci) hold the key or say the Keymaker (Randall Duk Kim), who has the answers to saving Zion. Aiding the group in their quest for survival is Niobe (Pinkett-Smith), Morpheus’s former love. So besides fending off the machines approaching Zion, finding the answers to his goal, and facing another confrontation with Agent Smith, Neo must challenge the shape shifting twins, who can match his skills.

The Matrix Reloaded is everything you want out of a summer blockbuster. There’s enough action scenes and eye-popping special effects that will make your jaw drop in amazement. Keanu certainly lives up to billing as Neo, the former computer hacker. He looks relaxed in the role. Fishburne, who doesn’t quite look the same since the first film, is more spiritual as the leader and believer in “The One”. Kudos to the casting director for bringing this many African-Americans in a non-black film. To see Dr. Cornel West and Roy Jones Jr. dabble in the acting industry is a treat. They did not disappoint. Gloria Foster, in her last role before her untimely death, gives one of the most memorable performances on screen. The only drawback may be the plot, which is mind-boggling to begin with. There are one or two scenes that go on and on with too much technical jargon and references to the Bible. But in the end, you will be happy that you saw this film, yet disappointed that the next film “Matrix Revolutions” is only a few months away. Not soon enough!!