Review of The Matrix Reloaded (2003) by Joel S — 18 Aug 2018

Spoiler-Free Review.

I enjoyed the first Matrix for it's excellent action and special effects that still hold up today. Unfortunately Warner Bros wanted a sequel and since The Wachowskis didn't really know how they could up the action, special effects and story, this film failed. For a start, the pacing is really poor, the movie takes an hour to get going with four action scenes and painful monologues. The action is also not great, the fact that our heroes encounter extreme peril and survive the situation without any significant injuries makes the action less intense. And also don't mention there's too much action and some of it goes on for too long, boring me to death. Also the human CGI looks terrible, Neo looks like he's made of plastic whenever he flies and The Smiths in the Burly Brawl move unrealistically and look awful. Also I should mention that even though this movie is about as long as the first, it lasts way too long, seriously, this should be 15 minutes shorter with faster pacing and a better story.

In all honesty I'm not surprised this film failed, there's no need for a sequel to The Matrix and the writers would have a tough job trying to make a compelling plot.

There is a couple of good action scenes, some okay performances (and really good ones with Hugo Weaving and Carrie Anne-Moss) and great dialogue, but for the most part The Matrix Reloaded is another bad movie sequel.

Rating: C-.