Cheap The Matrix Reloaded (Widescreen Edition) (DVD) (Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski) Price

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Customer Reviews of The Matrix Reloaded (Widescreen Edition)

In fact, I approached viewing this film with a somewhat cynical view myself, largely because I had heard so many negative comments about the film, ranging from critical reviews to discriminating banter from various radio personalities and talk show hosts. From the very first moments of the film, to its cliff-hanger ending, I was engrossed, and completely satisfied with the second installment of "The Matrix" trilogy.

The premise of this story is pretty much a linear sequel to the first film. Six months have passed Neo (Keanu Reeves) discovered that he is the "One" who can overthrow the machines that control the matrix and enslave humans to power their very existance. Now, powerful and unstoppable, he returns to the matrix to continue his quest for the freedom of Zion. Plagged by visions of events yet to happen, Neo is forced between serving humanity and protecting "Trinity" (Carrie Ann Moss) his one, true love.

When word reaches Zion that the machines have begun to burrow towards the human refuge, Morpheus leads Neo and Trinity back into the Matrix in an attempt to stop the attack before it begins.

The movie, which is packed full of the same breath-taking surreal special effects that made the first movie such a huge hit with fans world-wide, does not have the surprise of the first movie. Though more elaborate, the effects are no longer ground-breaking, as they have been seen in a variety of other films (Charlies Angels, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and to the directors credit, the effects serve the story instead of replacing it. Still, they are dazzling, sometimes leaving the audience (or at least this viewer) wondering, "how did they do that?"

The story is tight, and a consistent continuance of the original Matrix narrative. The original cast returns, expanding on certain characters including "The Oracle", Smith (who is now operating outside the scope of the agents in the matrix), Trinity, Morpheus, and even Neo himself, who is now a sort of "Superman" within the Matrix. The cliff-hanger ending leaves the story standing mid-field, awaiting the arrival of "Matrix: Revolution".

So, despite the many negative reviews I've heard, personally, I think that "The Matrix: Reloaded" is a worthy successor to the original "Matrix" and a great film on its own. Unlike so many sequels, this movie succeeds by expanding on an idea with a continuance that is both seamless and fresh, not re-hashing old ideas by creating new ones. Watch it with an open mind and I think you will be more than pleasantly suprised.

-Scott Kolecki

This movie should not have been made
I wasn't going to bother writing a review of Matrix II, being that, like 99 percent of all sequels, it failed to match the potency and creativity of its predecessor. Sure, the special effects and action sequences are incredible. Cool explosions, car chases, kung fu, all without taking off sunglasses or reloading.

Yawn. Yeah, that's right, God forbid someone in Hollywood realize that it takes more than special effects to deliver a decent film. For example, look at the last two Star Wars movies.
Or Independence Day. I doubt anyone over the age of 13 thinks those are vehicles worth seeing more than once.

Moreover, the first hour of the movie is wretched, what with the need to show every excruciating detail about life in Zion. So everyone there is hot and the sex is even hotter, accompanied with a techno beat. It's so metrosexual. Problem is I don't care about how the dishes are washed or if the wives of the crew are having a hard time dealing with the deployments. Shoot me now.

Nor does the plot hold up once the intrepid crews voyage out to do battle. Neo simply gets into impossibly one-sided scraps and then, surprise, flies away.

Bottom line, why does this movie stink? Here's why -- I caught the Matrix on cable last night, which is one of those films like Raiders of the Lost Ark. Once you start watching it, you can't tear yourself away from it. Matrix II fits more into the Temple of Doom category -- 2 stars and consignment to the bottom of the pile of the video pile. There's a reason TBS shows Jaws or Raiders, you know, and not the crap that followed.

Excellent movie
The fight scenes were great; the graphics were amazing... the dancing was a bit fluffy (is that all they do down there... well, but, hey, what else is there to do?)... worthy of being the Matrix 2 (but, of course, not even close to beating #1).