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Although Matrix Reloaded is the second of a series of three episodes of The Matrix
, (title of first movie) it is a story that can stand by itself.
Information reaches the humans that their last city, Zion, has been discovered by the machines. It will not take long – just 72 hours – for the machines' Sentinels (squid-like probers) to tunnel down and destroy this last human refuge. Neo, recognized by the humans as the One (Keanu Reeves), Morpheous the revolutionary (Lawrence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) must prevent the complete takeover. Their one and only hope is the Keymaker (Randall Duk Kim). To reach him, they must get through Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) and two of his exceptionally capable guards (Neil and Adrien Rayment). What and how many obstacles do they have to meet and overcome before they could consider their mission accomplished? What is it that is waiting for them at the end?
The fantastic and intricate computer generated images, seamlessly integrated with real actions
and stunts adeptly performed by the characters, form the main focus of this spectacular science-fiction story.
Exceptionally entertaining are two long action sequences. The first shows Neo confronting 100 replicants of Agent Smith, moving among them with his sword in hand, and with dead calm. The other is that of Morpheous and Trinity on top of a rushing mega-van on a busy and dangerous highway, entangling with the switchblade-brandishing guards of the Keymaker (rescued by the Trio) whom they want back. The directors who are also the screenwriters present a more textured story than
The Matrix. At the same time the situations faced by the protagonists have taken on a darker tone. The acting, being the second and third time around for
the main cast (The Matrix Reloaded and the Matrix Revolution were filmed simultaneously) is more confident and convincing.
Although violence is integral to the story, its effects are not realistically presented.
In fact the fight scenes are entertaining and suspenseful for most viewers. One should still keep in mind that the objection to violence are its purpose and nature. Real life violence is not like in the movies: sometimes cool and enjoyable. The nature of these humans' existence—confined in the virtual world of the Matrix and ruled by machines—make them question the validity of what is reality and what is not. What is their purpose in life? Do they have choices—free will—to decide in terms of their destiny? How will Neo act: save Trinity because of love or save Zion because of duty, given the situation? Trinity promised Neo that she would not return to the Matrix (he has seen disturbing visions about it) yet she is moved by the urgency of going back at the risk of her life. They are a captured and enslaved people. However, outside of the known Matrix they have been given the chosen One whose extraordinary powers keep growing. Does this mean they can hope for a better world to come?
(Date reviewed: May 16, 2003)
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