Get ready to free your mind - again.
An unforgettable action-packed freeway battle, a kung fu fight against multiple Agent Smiths and Neo soaring like a bird is what reloads this latest installment of the Matrix series.
"The Matrix" began with the story of Neo (Keanu Reeves), a hacker who was told his reality was simply a "computer generated dream world" created by machines to enslave the human race. Once awakened from the matrix - and after being taught a few lessons on what "real life" really is - Neo learns it's his job to save humanity.
This time, in "Matrix Reloaded," Neo's quest is to save Zion, the last human city near the Earth's core, from being attacked by the Machine Army.
With the destruction of Zion imminent, Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) remains convinced Neo will fulfill his destiny and find a way to end the war with the Machines. As "the chosen one," Neo must enter the matrix and find the Keymaker (Randall Duk Kim), the city's only hope who holds the access to all the doors to the Machine world.
Although the first 90 minutes drag a bit, spiced with only a few of the fights that made the first movie so successful, the story is hardly dull. The sequel focuses more on Neo and Trinity's (Carrie-Anne Moss) relationship, which is somewhat overdone. In "The Matrix," the audience is able to glimpse into what might further develop as a romance between Neo and Trinity. In "Reloaded," Neo and Trinity can't seem to keep their hands off each other. Maybe I assumed fighting to save Zion would be the No.1 priority on both their minds, but Neo is too sensitive to Trinity. She's a big girl and knows what she's getting in to.
But if the romantic scenes between Neo and Trinity added anything to the film, it proved they are real people and have feelings. They are fighting to stay alive for one another. The softer side of Morpheus also is revealed with Capt. Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith), who adds even more heat and drama to the screen.
The action really cooks up the moment the Keymaker is found. The thrilling expressway scene that features two heart-pounding kung fu battles - one on the roof of a semi-truck and the other in the back seat of a Cadillac - should make you want to jump in line to get another ticket for the next showing.
The motorcycle chase of Trinity weaving around oncoming traffic while being tailed by destruction-minded agents makes this scene among the best car chases ever filmed.
New characters the Twins (Adrian and Neil Rayment), a pair capable of flight and disappearing acts, are guards of the Keymaker. Adding to the plot, they too are after Neo and company with the same ferocity as the agents.
A scene which I'll admit got me a little dizzy was Neo's fight against 100 of Agent Smith's (Hugo Weaving) clones. Weaving is humorous as Smith, with his recognizable vocal cadence and tone. Back for more against Neo, he now has the ability to punch his fist into the bodies of innocent others, growl "be me," and create a replica of himself.
If you make it through the ticket lines, be sure to stay tuned to the end of "Reloaded" for a preview of the upcoming "Matrix Revolutions."
Do not miss this flick. If you haven't seen the first "Matrix," get out and rent it, and catch up on what was missed before heading out this weekend.
And this is just the first sequel. Imagine what's to come in early November.
