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May 15, 2003
By Veronica Mixon
The
Matrix Reloaded is not
just a sequel to the 1999 hit, it is
an event! The Matrix written
and directed by the Wachowski Brothers
stunned moviegoers and critics by combining
sci-fi mythology with the latest computer
generated technology on film. It presented
a futuristic world with the familiar
theme of man vs. machines but included
kick-ass Asian martial arts and cool
black leather clothing. The machines
were in charge and man's human status
has been reduced to a battery! The dingy
green world and its action fighting
were spoofed in comedies, animation
and B-movies of every genre. The
Matrix's influence was enormous!
In
Matrix Reloaded,
Neo (Keanu Reeves) has accepted his
role as 'The One' however, as 250,000
Sentinels move to destroy Zion, the
last human underground city, Neo is
experiencing disturbing dreams of horrific
destruction and danger to his love Trinity
(Carrie-Anne Moss). Meanwhile Morpheus's
(Laurence Fishburne) conviction that
the One will fulfill the Oracle's Prophecy
and defeat the machines energizes the
citizens of Zion. However there are
still new tensions to address.
First,
an angry, emotional Mr. Smith (Hugo
Weaving) is seeking revenge and he's
even more obsessed with Neo. And on
Zion, Commander Lock (Harry Lennix)
challenges Morpheus's authority. The
two men are also at odds over the affections
of Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith), the captain
of the Logos. Furthermore, a greedy
self-indulgent powerbroker, Merovingian
(Lambert Wilson) and his bored wife,
Persephone (Monica Bellucci) stands
in the way to realizing the Oracle's
Prophesy. Nevertheless, Neo, Trinity,
Morpheus and the Nebuchadnezzar's pilot
Link (Harold Perrineau) race to save
the world.
The Matrix Reloaded
is truly exciting and the Wachowski
Brothers has expanded the futuristic
world into a breathtaking spectacle.
While there are flashes of Minority
Report (the operators working on
a touch wall screen) and Aliens
(the guard encased in the large robotic
machine at the doors of Zion), for the
most part, the film astounds the viewer
with heart pounding action in terrific
fight scenes and a daring highway chase.
Neo is more confident with his power
and it shows in his confrontations especially
with the multiple Mr. Smiths. But, the
filmmakers also give Trinity and Morpheus
equal time in war. Their battles with
the agents and a set of evil chalk-white
ghostly twins (Neil and Adrian Rayment)
is incredible.
Furthermore,
there are a host of new characters.
There is the Key Maker (Randall Duk
Kim) who knows the shortcuts through
the Matrix; Zee (Nona Gaye), Links'
girlfriend and sister to the former
pilot; Councillor Hamman (Anthony Zerbe),
who seeks Neo's support and Seraph (Collin
Chou), the Oracle's bodyguard who tells
Neo, "You do not truly know someone
until you fight them."
In
addition to the non-stop action, there
is a stronger erotic theme pulsating
through The Matrix Reloaded.
It was faint in the original as Mr.
Smith hunted for his prey and Trinity
gazed longingly at Neo but in this film,
it's unleashed. There is a wildly sensational
dance on Zion where hundreds upon hundreds
dance with abandon and, Neo and Trinity
consummate their naked passion. Keanu
Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss look fantastic
without their cool leather outfits.
Sex is definitely a major component
in this film.
The
themes of desire, revenge and lust run
rampart in The Matrix Reloaded
as the human characters fight to defeat
the technological programs aimed at
destroying their existence. If there
are any weaknesses to the film, it's
the convoluted explanation and philosophy.
However, it didn't stop me from enjoying
the movie. The sleek stylistic vision
and the action is what truly draws the
viewers. I did like the fact that the
Wachowski Brothers kept the Oracle's
(played by the late Gloria Foster) casual
irrelevant connection with Neo.
The
Matrix Reloaded will end
abruptly because the third installment
is set to open at the end of 2003. However,
after two and one half hours of film,
you'll be panting for more. Sit through
the credits and view the trailer for
The Matrix Revolutions. You
will not be disappointed.
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