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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!!
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