So the first Matrix set new standards in 1999 with it's Earth-shattering special effects and 'Bullet-Time' technology. EVERYONE wanted to copy it - from it's slick style to its cinematography. I remember the first time I saw it, I was a movie virgin, nave in my blissful ignorance - I was just too easily impressed. After watching The Matrix, I wanted more. Not that I thought The Matrix was THE film. But it was a good start.
I suppose I have to give the Wachowskis brothers some credit in their attempt to make Reloaded have a deeper, more meaningful storyline rather than just stringing together a load of action sequences (Terminator 2!). But yet they have failed its predecessor. They've tried to pull off a "Lord of the Rings", building up the story to the climax in the third film - and failed miserably.
In Reloaded, Neo has yet to learn why he is the Chosen One. Why? We have no idea. Keanu may be perfect for the role of Neo in the first Matrix for his ever-so-confused expressions. As this is the sequel, you would think his acting would have improved a bit. Throughout the film there isn't a single time he grabbed my interest at all. His monotonous voice just kept droning on and on. Doesn't this guy ever show any emotions at all? Are we sure Reeves is even human? And don't start me on the blossoming romance between Neo and Trinity. It is just so FUCKING CHEESY. And you have to bear in mind that there are going to be quite a few scenes just like this one. They've been together on the Nebuchanezzar for quite a while, yet in Zion, they acted as if they haven't met for a long time. Oh stop already before I actually kill myself.
I started to pray for the action scenes.
And they came. So for the sake of stuffing in some "amazing" special CGI effects, there had to be those "classic" fighting scenes. I was truly gobsmacked. Gobsmacked because four years on from Matrix and the action sequences are almost identical, just extended to colossal proportions. Unfortunately this just means that the special effects seem 'over-egged', making them, sorry, but pretty dull. As for the Agents, can they actually ever shoot anything? They always seem to miss by a bloody MILE! Shooting all those walls, furniture, cars etc - time to go back to the firing range I think. *Spoiler ahead* Yes, Mr Smith is back from the dead! But what I can't understand is this: Neo has the capability of code manipulation, yeah? So why is there the need for the fighting sequence when he can just get rid of them through a bit of fancy reprogramming? People - listen to me, Neo is no GOD. He's just plain stupid! I must say, though, that the action sequence on the freeway was exciting enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. I guess it was the bike.
<*dv_0*> In conclusion, Matrix Reloaded kicks ass. I WISH! Basically the film was choc full of cheesy romance scenes and cliches. Metaphorically, it's like driving on a road full of traffic lights. As soon as you get into top gear, you have to stop for a red light. I was expecting a rollercoaster ride and ended up on the Number 42 to Stoke-On-Trent.
Review by Zurainah |
