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Mathew Scott

The Matrix Reloaded

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving

Directors: Andy and Larry Wachowski

Category: IIB

The Wachowski brothers were always going to have a tough time matching The Matrix, such was the enormous impact the film had. Special effects and fight sequences have never been quite the same. And though The Matrix Reloaded will at times leave you breathless, there's the niggling feeling the whole exercise doesn't quite live up to all the hype.

That's not to say the film isn't enjoyable - at times it is highly so - it's just that it does play out very much like the middle of a trilogy; more a bridging exercise than anything else. There are some brilliant set pieces, but the story itself doesn't really grab your attention until the last 20 minutes.

Back in action is Keanu Reeves as Neo, the chosen one, the hope for humanity as it battles with the machines that rule the world and feed the Matrix. He's more at home with his role this time around and has a flourishing relationship with Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) to give him strength.

It might pay to revisit the first film before you take on this one, as we are thrown straight into the fray with little or no background to guide the uninitiated. The plot revolves around Neo's search for The Oracle, who is supposed to give him a few pointers on how to save mankind. It's a race against time, too, as the machines are closing in on Zion, mankind's last stronghold. Part of the joy of any sequel is welcoming back favourite characters, none more so here than Neo's foil, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), who has a few new powers of his own and unleashes them in what is perhaps the film's best scene - when the two come to blows in a playground.

As with the best of sci-fi actioners, the majority of the dialogue is suitably inane, and of the cast Lawrence Fishburne as Morpheus is the only one who seems to be feeling the pinch of age, and of extra pounds. But, humanely, the directors spare him from having to fight too many battles.

The Wachowskis make full use of their bigger budget and pack in effect after effect. However, after having been stunned by The Matrix, here we get the sense that we are being served more of the same.

Thankfully, though, the script really begins to kick in just as the visuals start to take their toll. And it has the desired effect; you do leave the cinema wanting to see how it all turns out. But you also leave hoping the final instalment will pack a little more punch as well.

The Matrix Reloaded opens today.



The Matrix Reloaded