‘The Matrix Reloaded’

Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and the Wachowski Brothers return for round two in an epic sci-fi trilogy.   [R]

By: Jim Boyle

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Keanu Reeves (left, as Neo) battles Hugo Weaving (as Agent Smith) in The Matrix Reloaded.


   Leather, guns and high-flying kicks. Make no mistake: You have definitely entered the Matrix.
   Four years after the Wachowski Brothers (Andy and Larry) revolutionized Hollywood filmmaking, they return with the second chapter of their epic sci-fi trilogy. Since The Matrix, the fan base has salivated in anticipation for more, and that’s exactly what they get — more action, more stunts, more special effects and more confusion as to what the heck is going on.
   The Matrix Reloaded starts off with good news and bad news. Since Neo (Keanu Reeves) resurrected as the One, more humans have been freed from the Matrix. Quick reminder: The Matrix is a virtual reality created by machines in the real world to keep the human subconscious stimulated as they feed off the energy generated by countless enslaved bodies. Or something like that.
   The bad news is that the machines controlling the planet have locked on to the location of Zion, the last haven for human survivors, and are on their way to destroy it.
   The film opens with the Nebachudnezzar and its crew, Neo, Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), newcomer Kain (Harold Perrineau Jr.) and the ship’s captain, Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), returning to Zion to refuel and figure out the next course of action.
   It is here we get a better idea of what life is like outside the Matrix. The first film only alluded to Zion and its importance. Here, we get to see it in all of its stone and metallic glory. This bastion for humanity bustles with life miles beneath the earth.
   While Morpheus is revered by its citizens, the city’s governing council has its doubts regarding his undying dedication to the prophecies that predict a quick end to the war between man and machine. Most of the members see him basically as a religious zealot, believing in ephemeral dreams and promises instead of dealing with reality.
   Of course, Morpheus’ biggest source of proof is Neo, who is seen by the citizens as almost a holy figure. They come to him seeking protection of loved ones on other ships, fighting the enemy. They leave food and clothing at his doorstep as offerings. All Neo wants is some time alone with Trinity.
   All of this foundation is laid during the first 20 to 30 minutes, and it isn’t long before the foot begins tapping impatiently for what the eyes sorely want — some good old-fashioned butt kicking. The appetite is satiated as Morpheus and his crew set off to upload into the Matrix and find the Oracle (the late Gloria Foster). She has been guiding Neo through his journey, and she shows up to answer some more questions.
   Naturally, she leaves after creating even more questions, but before you’ve finished scratching your head, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) returns for a street brawl with the One, and he’s brought a few friends.
   Between the release of the first two installments, there have been numerous copycats and parodies, from Bulletproof Monk to Deuce Bigelow: Male Gigolo. The Wachowski Brothers knew they had to do something to shake everybody up, again. It’s obvious they mean business when Neo faces off with about a hundred Agent Smiths. Stunning camera work, breathtaking choreography and flawless special effects make for the most exciting fight sequence since, well, The Matrix.
   The climactic scene jumpstarts the film as the action finally begins to roll. While most movies would settle for the mind-blowing martial arts battle as the main set-piece, The Matrix Reloaded is just getting started. There’s nothing like a good car chase, and the Wachowskis have produced a 14-minute high-speed pursuit unlike any ever seen before.
   The Wachowskis always prided themselves on making an effects-laden action movie with a smart, thought-provoking script. Between the explosions and bloodshed, there’s a story that questions everything from emotions such as trust and hope to the nature and purpose of human existence. Unfortunately, it is really baffling.
   Given this is probably the most anticipated film of the summer, theaters are going to be filled with people who will offer their own explanations and speculations regarding the conclusion. It’s going to take a couple of viewings to understand some of the ideas and plot points explored. Ultimately, only two people know how this is all going to end, and hopefully, when The Matrix Revolutions is released in November, the Wachowski Brothers will clear everything up.
Rated R. Contains sci-fi violence and some sexuality.