The Long Road

05/21/2003 Archived Entry: "Matrix: Reloaded"

Matrix: Reloaded tries to build on the two worlds created in the first film. We learn the explanation behind ghosts, vampires and werewolves in the virtual world and in the real world we see how and where humans live. I’d definitely be interested in a little bit more detail like where food and clothing come from. We also get a bit of a religious overtone as Neo is seen somewhat as a messiah figure by some people and I thought Morpheus seemed a bit like a religious fanatic since not everyone believes in the prophecy.

If you think about it, there are similar plot points between the two matrix movies. There’s a revelation, a red-pill/blue-pill decision, a resurrection, and new found powers.

I like that this movie has moved away from guns a little bit. Maybe it’s the whole columbine thing. We still get lots of guns, and the fight choreography is still really good, but what I enjoyed the most was the addition of hand weapons. Katanas, sais, clubs, and badass scalpels. Weapons really add another layer to the whole superpowered-kung-fu thing, which the first movie already did so well. If Matrix: Reloaded affects modern cinema in only one way, I think it would be weapon-based combat.

What made the first Matrix stand out for me, after the effects, was the revelation of what the matrix was. This sequel has a revelation, but nothing of the same scale. Nothing that makes you think “oh my god, that’s craaaaazy”.

The special effects, as expected, are amazing. The opening sequence, the highway chase (which is probably the best car chase I’ve ever seen), and the fight with the multiple agent Smiths are all spectacular. The problem, if you can even call it that, is that there isn’t any one effects scene in Reloaded that stands out as a ‘classic’ moment to be imitated again and again. Everyone copied the bullet dodging and Trinity kick scenes from the first movie but I seriously doubt that anyone will copy the effects scenes here.

Good as they are, there are definitely some parts that you can still pick out and say “ya, that’s cg”. I will be impressed the day I see an effects movie that is seamless. Actually, as long as they don’t try to render people it’s pretty good. Intellectually, we can pick out people that are CG (like the agents smith), but its disappointing to still be able to tell that Neo is rendered because he doesn’t move correctly or because he’s suddenly lost all the texture on his clothes.

I loved that this movie was channeling Superman for the flying sequences. The first time we see Neo flying then bursting through the clouds and the scene where Neo is flying with one hand forward and the other hand back were definitely homage to the man of steel. The thought that he flies so fast that cars get picked up in his wake is awesome. Reloaded is so power-trippy!

The acting, nothing glaring except for the fact that I did not believe for one second that Neo and Trinity were a couple. The two actors have no chemistry with each other. I blame Keanu. The only real couple-scene was when Trinity said “excuse me?”, a moment I particularly enjoyed.

While The Matrix asked its questions about the nature of existence and reality implicitly, the sequel does so more explicitly with its characters engaging in long conversations and rants philosophizing on existence, control, symbiosis, cause and effect, and choice. Those looking for mindless summer blockbusters will not find it here; in fact, I expect most people (like me) would tune out during the long conversations and tune back in when the crazy effects show up again. I expect this and the lack of a ‘classic’ effects moment are what made certain people think that this movie didn’t live up to expectation.

A real nice surprise (for me and those who have watched all of The Animatrix) is that a couple of the animated shorts directly affect the movie. “Final Flight of the Osiris” seems to occur just days or even hours before the events of Reloaded, and is even referenced in the movie. The kid in “Kid’s Story” appears in the movie and has a somewhat significant role. What amazed me was how similar the stylized character in “Kid’s Story” was to his live counterpart. Neat little easter eggs these are. Those are the only ones I caught. Maybe there are others. I hope Matrix: Revolutions continues to incorporate more of the Animatrix into its story.

Another nice touch was the first ever (that I can think of) fully realized live action mechs. Mechs have been such a long-time staple of animation and science fiction I’m actually surprised they’ve never shown up before in a live action movie. The mechs had a rather short role, but they looked absolutely cool and realistic. The trailer for Matrix Revolutions promises some actual mech action, I can’t wait!

Speaking of which, for those of you who don’t know, there is a 30 second teaser for Matrix: Revolutions attached to Reloaded after all the credits roll by. Well worth sitting around the extra 3 hours worth of credits for.

Spoilers!
So what’s up with Neo’s new found powers at the end? I’ve heard it said that it was because they were now in a Matrix outside the Matrix. I can’t possibly believe that the writers would resort to that kind of redundancy. The same way an agent Smith was able to escape the matrix, I think that Neo unknowingly took something with him when the left The Source. Something that gives him the ability to control the machines outside the Matrix. “Source code” as it were.
End spoilers!

If I had to give this rating, it'd be 8/10

Replies: 38 comments

Why is everything 8/10 for you?

I agree with what you said at the end there, about what you think is going on with Neo's control over the sentinels. Actually, that's just about exactly what I thought of myself while I watched it.

While I agree that the revelation of 'Matrix: Reloaded' wasn't one like in the original to make you say, “oh my god, that’s craaaaazy” it did make me think, "wow, that's so fucking smart! I didn't see that coming at all but it's totally works!" And I liked it for that. I found it really deepened the plot of it all for me, knowing that the whole prophecy of The One was scripted by the machines and that they allow Zion to exist. It was just really well thought-out.

As soon as they mentioned the Osiris and I realized that "Final Flight of the Osiris" from The Animatrix tied into the actual movie, I was super-pumped. That was so cool of it to be tied in. I felt bad for those who hadn't seen "Final Flight of the Osiris," but I suppose they didn't need to.

Weren't there mechs in the Alien movies? Or in one of them? I seem to recall some. Oh wait, they didn't have weapons, just grabbing arms. Boo.

Posted by Romer @ 05/21/2003 09:32 PM EST

Quick! Write about the season finale episodes of Smallville and Enterprise so I can give my thoughts on them, too!

Posted by Romer @ 05/21/2003 09:34 PM EST

I'll do Enterprise,but not Smallville. Though i'm still four episodes behind in watching Enterprise.

Posted by Rayne @ 05/21/2003 10:23 PM EST

you suck thai! matrix: reloaded was MUCH better than a 8/10. WHO ARE YOU!?!?

when i went to see this, i wasn't totally hyped to see it or anything. probably because of my seclusion and everything. i haven't been exposed to the hype and all. but while watching it, i began thinking, wow, i really do want to see this, and i'm getting excited by it, and OMG, THIS IS SO COOL!!! WHOO HOO!!

Posted by shawnathan @ 05/22/2003 11:54 AM EST

Personally...I think the movie deserves much lower than a 8/10 rating...the action scenes regarding Neo lacked any purpose or suspense (he's too damn invincible), Agent Smith became a retard, the plot was "Wing Commander"-like weak, and that cheesy scene to bring Trinity back to life was such garbage. I could write a review to focus my disgust, but I'm lazy...;)

For those that say this is the best movie ever, YOU ARE SO NARROW-MINDED...with that said, I think X2 has an excellent shot at being my favorite movie of the summer.

Favorite Reloaded scene:

Morpheus taking out the Cadillac SUV with his sword and gun.

5.5/10

dAN

Posted by Daniel @ 05/22/2003 01:33 PM EST

I didnt go to Reloaded with any great expectations so I enjoyed it for the most part. I didn't like the scene with all the agent Smiths. I couldn't remember if I was watching a movie or playing a video game.
The best line in the movie is when the woman who lead them to the keymaker confronted her husband about him cheating on her. "She wasn't kissing your face my love." And he looks down. Great line! Great scene!

Posted by Andrea @ 05/22/2003 03:40 PM EST

Playing a video game? Do you play games often in the theatre? Did you have a controller/mouse+keyboard in front of you? Did Neo obey your command?

Oh, and what game? It looks fun.

I liked the lines:

Agent: You?!
Smith: Yes, me. Me me me me me.
New Smith: Me too.

Posted by Romer @ 05/22/2003 04:24 PM EST

One of the best scenes was the cake one. If only all cake were like that!

my favorite quote...when the french guy says that french is so good for swearing and swears for a good 30 seconds. beautiful!

5.5/10 dan?? thats soooo harsh.
I agree that the action scenes lacked purpose...in the first movie all the action were also about neo discovering things he could do...not so here, just more of the same.
but 5.5? thats like...i dunno...if the movie was just the action scenes and nothing else, i'd give it more than 5.5 =P

Posted by Rayne @ 05/22/2003 07:33 PM EST

Any movie or TV show that is sci-fi automatically gets 5/10. Even if it's terrible, it gets a minimum of 5.

Posted by Romer @ 05/22/2003 07:35 PM EST

5.5/10 holds!...after much deliberation, it was readjusted from its original 4/10...

Its not only the action scenes lacking purpose...its the fact that, the movie was based entirely on the action scenes...since they lacked purpose, the movie lacked purpose...I found myself bored throughout many points in the movie...wanted to walk out (like a few others that I noticed)...probably would if I had not seen the first one...

Luckily...the Keymaster, the Ducati, and Morpheus managed to keep me awake...

Still utterly disappointed...maybe they screwed up because they didn't follow their "original" script(1999) for Reloaded...

Romer...I've seen Sci-fi movies that deserve a lot less than 5/10...

Posted by Daniel @ 05/23/2003 12:34 PM EST

ok dan, if you had never seen The Matrix, or rather, if The Matrix had never existed and you had to judge this movie on its own, would you still give it 5.5/10?

is your perception of what this movie SHOULD be ruining it for you?

I've also seen much sci-fi deserving less than 5/10...like many episodes of Voyager.

Posted by Rayne @ 05/25/2003 03:53 AM EST

Actually...if I had never seen The Matrix...my rating for Reloaded would have been lower...as I would not gain any attachment to any of the characters involved...or even try to follow the mundane plot...

Posted by Daniel @ 05/25/2003 09:41 PM EST

"mundane plot" eh? I think I liked it so much because of the plot. Or rather, because of the story. I'm totally fine seeing a movie that sets me up for the next one and enjoying it because of that. 'Matrix: Reloaded' seems, to me, to be a movie to bring us to the final one. The first one introduced us to the Matrix and it's key players. This second one explains the rest of what's going on - the stuff that the humans and agents didn't even know up till now. All of it, setting us up for a final resolution in 'Matrix: Revolutions.'

In the same way, the Enterprise season final wasn't much on its own. I still totally liked it simply because it sets the stage for a potential good third season.

Posted by Romer @ 05/26/2003 03:15 AM EST

In regards to Dan's
"Luckily...the Keymaster, the Ducati, and Morpheus managed to keep me awake"

I think Morpheus' lines were pretty boring, and corny. Also too drawn out.

I'd say i would give Reloaded a 7/10

Posted by Anonymous @ 05/27/2003 12:06 AM EST

15th comment, woo hoo!

Wow, this entry's getting muchos attention.

Posted by Romer @ 05/27/2003 12:44 AM EST

ya...you'd think the matrix was a popular movie or something!

Posted by Rayne @ 05/27/2003 07:18 PM EST

It’s certainly a popular topic. Though it seems not to be a popular movie since many people in here didn't like it.

I, myself, DID like it. I thought it was a great movie.

Though some of the fight scenes were a little longer than I'd have made them if I had some power over the movie's production, I still thought they were great.

The costumes were slick and spiffy, the scenes crisp and atmospheric.

The music was well-suited to the various scenes and I thought the story was top-notch. It added much more depth to the already interesting Matrix universe.

I had a big grin on my face throughout most of the movie.

That being said, I have been accused of being harsh towards others’ opinions.

I apologize if things I've said were misinterpreted as an attack on one's person. Rest assured, it was not meant to be taken as such.

You see, I make sarcastic comments. It's something I do. It doesn't matter who you are, if you say something I think silly, I'll point it out. And if what one says is against what I consider to be a good movie? I'll defend it even more!

I liked the movie. Anyone who didn’t probably didn't get it all. Either that or they were expecting another movie just like The Matrix, but not The Matrix. It bugs me that people have standards so out of wack that they didn't enjoy the movie.

Of course, people allowed to not like something. Everyone’s free to have their own opinions about everything. Just don't say it's bad because you didn't like or understand it.

Posted by Romer @ 05/28/2003 12:44 AM EST

quote from a guy at work here, "To sum up Reloaded, 'boring'" and for the most part I have to agree. Sure it had action scenes, but they were fucking ridiculously long and the plot was somewhat lacking. Sure I enjoyed it, but X2 (and I decided that calling it X2 is fine since that was the title screen in the movie) was much better. And this coming from someone who didn't really like X1 all that much.

Posted by sbdep @ 05/28/2003 08:28 AM EST

X-Men 2 is definately the better movie. But "X2" is still dumb. I'll acronimyze YOU!

"I liked the movie. Anyone who didn’t probably didn't get it all. " Jerome! that approaces the inaneness of aint-it-cool talk backs! =)

*extends the front page to 14 days*
so we can keep this discussion going.

Posted by Rayne @ 05/28/2003 07:01 PM EST

Thanks for the extension, I'll try and make it worth your while. I had a long discussion with my good friend Kris about the movie this afternoon and am currently trying to write everything up that we talked about.

Posted by Romer @ 05/28/2003 08:31 PM EST

Ok, for all you bashing Romer's views... I have to say the movie kicked ass!

The subtle humor was freakin hilarious and the fact that Keanu was emotionless in the sack was to be expected! ITS KEANU... personally that somehow seemed to fit with the characters!

well, im really too tired to write anything more.... SEE THAI, I do Comment!lol!

Posted by Lauralee @ 05/28/2003 08:46 PM EST

Kris and I just had a nice, long discussion about ‘Matrix: Reloaded’ this afternoon. He didn’t like it and I did. He claims that it’s a not good movie (not terrible, just not good) so I asked him to tell me why.

Now, I’m all for people having their own opinion. So him not liking it is fine. What bugs me is when people tell me it is a terrible movie/boring movie. When I ask them to tell me what they didn’t like about it, I find it’s something they didn’t think about and just dismissed as dumb or bad/boring. I’m not trying to change people’s opinions, I’m just giving my take on things and encouraging people to think about stuff before you complain.

Of course, it’s just a movie, right? So if you didn’t like it, or didn’t like part of it, that’s fine. Well, it’s too bad you didn’t enjoy yourself since you (probably) paid to see it, but it’s not like it’s a big deal that you didn’t like it.

He complains that the fight scenes were poorly done, too long and not memorable.

Let’s address these things separately, starting at the end. Not really memorable. Kris tells me he will forever remember the training room, subway and lobby fight scenes from ‘The Matrix’ however none of the fight scenes in ‘Matrix: Reloaded’ are memorable enough for him. Myself, I was never all that keen on the subway fight from the first movie, but whatever. Something tells me that I’ll always remember that fight where Neo fights like 100 guys at once and grabs a street sign to wack ‘em around better. Also, the scene on the freeway will also be remembered for some of the kick-ass camera effects involved, racing on motorcycles, those weird-ass albino twins and Morpheus using the sword on the vehicle and finishing it off with the Uzi. The battle in the castle, I’ll remember for all the cool weapons they used. That was fun. Now, I won’t remember every single detail of these battles, but I’ll remember them, that’s for sure. Even if it’s just the parts of the battles I liked that I’ll remember.

Honestly, what parts of the lobby scene from the original movie do you remember? I clearly remember when they come in, go through the metal detector, set it off and show what they’re packing. The rest is a general impression of a great scene. I can see parts that were great, and that’s fine with me. I’ll have the same type of remembrances of the above scenes from ‘Matrix: Reloaded.’

As for the fight scenes being too long, I agree. Well, the scene with all the Smiths (by the way, he’s not an agent anymore, why does everyone keep calling him one?) was for sure. The others were okay.

Kris says that the scene with all the Smiths would have been better if there was blood. Not a lot, but some blood to show us that Neo was kicking the asses of these Smiths.

Finally, he mentions that the CGI is bad. In particular, hr bring up the scene with all the Smiths. I’ve heard multiple people complain of this, but I’m not entirely sure it is what they think it is. While watching it, I remembered Neo’s face looking fucked up. However, he had some funky expressions on (because of exertion/concentration?) which would explain why it looked strange. Of course, we can’t be sure if it’s actually Keanu making weird faces or a poorly generated version of the character on screen. It goes by too fast. As I watched it I remember thinking, I need the DVD to slow this down and know for sure. That, or I need to find behind the scenes info.

Kris also complains that Neo’s fingers become suddenly fat like sausages, but in watching it again (hooray for having a copy on my hard drive to reference) I see no indication of this. Unfortunately, the version I have is just a cam so I can’t see Neo’s face well enough to discern CGI or live acting.

Interestingly, Stephen informs me that he seems to recall seeing/reading somewhere that they spent thirty full days filming that scene (with wirework and the like). Oh, I’m sure there’s CGI aspects to the scene, but if that’s true (he’s not certain – someone should try and find evidence of it) I wouldn’t be surprised to learn most of the actual fighting in that scene was live-action.

Kris said the rave was just plain wrong and, while he didn’t have any opposition to it (nor any attraction to it) people complain about the sex scene between Trinity and Neo.

Now we’re starting to get into interpretation things here.

The rave scene I think was important. I've seen event similar to this in other things before, including Dune. Before a big battle, the masses of people have such a large gathering where they can just forget their worries and relax uninhibited. They're encouraged to let out any pent up feelings or energies in this safe environment so that when it comes time for battle, they’re not preoccupied by thoughts of a sexual nature when they need to focus. A rave, orgy or whatever you want accomplishes this pre-battle release for the masses. Some people may not see it that way, but I did. I thought it was really clever and leads into the religious themes coming up.

The sex scene with Neo and Trinity I found was tastefully done. It was in there to show the passion and love that they have for each other. It was an integral part of the plot to show how much he cared for her. If it weren’t for his love of her, he might have ended up doing the same thing the previous five “The Ones” did and restart the cycle. That’s why I think it was important to be in there. They could have made it a cheap, steamy sex scene but instead they did it really tastefully and I was pleased for that.

Both Kris and I agree that the room in which Trinity and Neo have sex is fucking cool. The little hollowed out alcove of a bed? Sweet. Something out of a Fremen seitch in Dune.

Kris goes on to say that he disliked the scene with Morpheus. In fact, he found the entire character of Morpheus to be dumb in this movie. Upon reflecting on the first movie he remembers Morpheus as the commanding captain who is smart, cool under pressure and a good leader. His words carry weight. In the second movie, he’s a nut, like some big prophet. Kris believes his speech to the crowd was terrible too. Finally (it’s all connected, of course), he says the props looked horrible and that he could see the Styrofoam making up the large crowd.

In this movie, I found Morpheus was transformed. Or so it seemed at first. He became a religious nut, a prophet for Neo and I thought it clever. In the first, we're led to believe he's this strong character who's cool under pressure and we admire him and think he's the fucking man. This time around, we realize that, while he does have these characteristics, he's a religious nut.

But wait a sec. Look back. The indications are there in the first movie that Morpheus is a large believer in this “The One” religion stuff. He convinces those around him, on his ship, that the time is coming. That Neo will bring about great change. Everyone’s excited and under his charismatic influence.

Okay, so Morpheus’ motivation is religion. He’s a prophet proclaiming the savior, Neo, has come. Right out of Dune. Right out of the Bible. Common themes, common stories. In times of hardship, a religion heralds the coming of a great leader possessing of great power. There’s nothing wrong with that though, large masses of people are best motivated by religion in times of hardship and oppression.

Now, I didn’t notice anything horrible about the appearance of the crowd, but that doesn’t mean anything. I was awed by the sheer mass of people gathered there. It really did seem like a giant religious gathering, which only further enforces my other, previously stated, opinions. Anyway, about the LOOK of the crowd, it looks fine in the cam I have on my hard drive, but the quality is poor. Once again, I either need to see it in theatres again, or wait for the DVD to check it out.

Moving on, Kris went on to the French-speaking guy. His big beef with that scene was the “orgasmic cake” as Kris dubbed it. He said it showed that the director was just a three-year-old having a wet dream on film. It crushed the possibility of the movie being an attempt at real film-making, not just a grab for money.

I can see how someone would think this. I, however, had a different take on it.

I saw it as a display of how this high and mighty French guy, who thinks he’s the fucking shit, is really just a bloody child himself. So much for his top-notch French upper-class ruse.

Kris was also disappointed that the French guy, who’s character was really well done, had nothing leading up to him. Well, this is true, but I think that was part of what made his character so potent. It was so out of the blue. You weren’t expecting to meet some French snob who thought he was the fucking man, he just suddenly was in the protagonists’ way.

Next, Kris hated the clothes. He enjoyed them I the first movie but he said it seemed like they felt they had to one-up themselves and went into Clown Land to do it.

I liked the costumes and I find they fit into two main groups. The surviving, free, humans in the real world have clothes that are poorly and quickly made since there aren't the large manufacturing plants that used to exist. It was shown plainly enough and made sense. Secondly there are the clothes of the people in the matrix. Some of their clothes are ridiculous, yes, but mostly for the characters that are very over-the-top themselves with extravagant personalities. For this reason, it suited them.

Kris then said he didn’t like the flying. Oh, he thought the rippling of the Earth as Neo took off was awesome, but the flying was poor.

I can’t speak for others, but if I could fly (yes, I’m dreaming here) I’d do it just like Neo did. Why? Because he did it just like Superman did and at heart all males want to be able to do that.

Kris really liked the scene with the Architect, as I did. The difference was, while I resisted the temptation to just stare and focus on all the different TV screens in the background and instead listened to the conversation, Kris just watched the TVs. I can’t say I blame him. That scene was really well done, from having all the different scenes from the last movie playing, to having all of Neo’s different reactions to zooming into one particular reaction and making that the new scene. It was visually awesome. However, I think that he missed something there. Oh sure, he probably picked out enough of the words of the conversation to get the gist of what the Architect was saying, but I think he missed the full impact.

People speak ill of the plot. Remove that one scene from the movie and it was still pretty good. It’s an action movie and action movies usually have plots that are simple at their base. The basic plot of this movie? Sentinels are tunneling towards Zion and we have to top them. In most action movies the plot is that the bag guys are doing something bad and must be stopped. Action movies can have a plot like that and be fine. Why is this movie any different? Why is it held to a different standard?

Even then , we still learn new things. The Oracle is a computer program. In fact, there are countless rogue programs working on their own. No, it’s not a huge thing, but it sets the stage for later.

So now add the scene with the Architect back into the movie. There, now we’ve got a whole bunch of depth added to the whole universe. Suddenly the Oracle isn’t a renegade program, but rather another part of the system working for the machines. Even more, her main purpose was just to get Neo to this scene. The whole of everything that’s happened in the past two movies has led up to this point. This is it. This is where the cycle repeats and a new Zion is built by a new generation of free humans. But then it’s not. That strong love Neo has for Trinity added to his increased intelligence over previous “The Ones” (which was cleverly hinted at through the whole movie) makes the cycle not repeat. Not as it has in the previous five iterations. Sweet. So now the head computers, who knew all along that all was going according to plan, have no more idea what’s going on than we do.

Unless we’re being lied to. Kris suspects that they’re inside another matrix when they think they’re in the real world. I sincerely hope he’s wrong. It would seem rather anticlimactic. Well, I’m sure if it does end up that way, they’ll do it in such a way as for it to not turn out like crap, but I can’t envision how.

Another possibility is that Neo’s still playing out the role of “The One” just as the computers want him to and all that he’s presently doing is the same as previous Ones have done. Who knows?

So, all these things aside, what was Kris’ problem with the movie? He says that the first movie was “an experience.” Sure he was sitting in a theatre watching a movie, but he completely forgot about that because the movie was so engaging. ‘Matrix: Reloaded’ didn’t do that for him. It got close in parts, but then something would happen that would remind him that it was simply a movie.

This piqued my interest and I inquired further about this movie as an “experience” thing. It seems ‘The Matrix’ is really the only movie that did that for him (at least the only one he could think of). So really, the first movie set a standard which he expected the second movie to live up to. Actually, in talking to people, it seems many of them suffered from this. I have trouble explaining myself well here, but it seems people liked ‘The Matrix’ a lot and wanted another movie just the same. No, not the exact same, but the same format. So when they walked in to see ‘Matrix: Reloaded’ they were expecting another Matrix.

It’s like Linkin Park. Their album “Hybrid Theory” was great. I loved it. Let’s ignore their next release “Reanimation” since it was just all remixes (good ones, but still remixes) and skip on to their latest, “Meteora.” It’s really good – I like it a lot. However, it’s Linkin Park. It’s not just the same band, it’s the very same sound as “Hybrid Theory.” If I didn’t already have all the tracks to both albums memorized and someone played a track for me, I could identify which album it came from by the sound of it.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with this, I like it when a band evolves with each new release. Listen to any Matthew Good Band album. They each have a different sound to them. Heck, listen to their last one, “the Audio of Being” and then to Matt Good’s recent solo release, “Avalanche.” Very different. Still really good, but if one were to hold the previous album as a standard for the new one, you’d dismiss it as crap because it wasn’t the same.

I DON’T WANT THE SAME!

I walked in to see ‘Matrix: Reloaded’ hoping to see a sci-fi movie in the universe of the original Matrix movie. I wasn’t expecting the movie to have three perfect fight scenes, a killer new original story and the like. How could they do that? I mean, they already explained the premise of the matrix world to us in the first movie. I wanted a new story in the same universe. Anew movie. Something different with the same characters.

You may not like the movie. You certainly don’t have to. It won’t ruin my experience if you don’t like it, or don’t like it as much as I do. I think part of why I like it is that it sets us up for a potentially wicked conclusion. It did a good job of telling the in-between story between the beginning and the end. Even if the third movie is crap, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I just think it unfortunate if you didn’t enjoy it, too.

Especially if the reason you didn’t enjoy it is because of some standard you set yourself for the movie in comparison with ‘The Matrix.’

Comments? Complaints? Criticisms? thejeromer@myrealbox.com

Posted by Romer @ 05/28/2003 09:28 PM EST

I didn't even bother reading that. WAAAY to long. Probably killed this section too =P

Posted by Anonymous @ 05/29/2003 02:24 AM EST

What can I say? I'm trying to branch out in my writing to new areas and new people!

Posted by Romer @ 05/29/2003 04:23 AM EST

jerome, you're CRAZY! ha ha ha. at least i do nothing at work so i'll have plenty of time to read it :)

Posted by shawnathan @ 05/29/2003 10:04 AM EST

now that i've read jerome's reply, i can say stuff to add to it.

as i was watching it, the fight scenes in particular, i remember thinking that these fight scenes all had their own mark. the first one, against the smiths, is neo vs. the mob. it aslo sort of explians the power and psychosis of this smith rogue program.

next, with the... martial arts master, i guess i'll call him, neo is being tested. i especially liked their jumping across the benches in perfect synchronization. and right after this we learn to true nature of the programs from the oracle. the thought that there were rogue programs within the matrix was something i never even concieved. i figured, being a computer, it would have total control over all of it's component programs.

and then there's the fight scene against the french guy's goons. and the weapons. OH! the weapons! very cool! this was where it dawned on me that each fight scene had a unique style to it.

next was morpheus's fight against the other agent, the non-rogue one. with his bad-ass sword. this was like a trial for him, facing an agent on his own. he pulled some sweet moves, and being on top of a transport truck driving at high speed made it all the more dangerous.

then there was the other mr. smith clones agent fight "the great thing about being me is... there's so many of me!" SWARM!!! ha ha, fighting in enclosed hallways. then the architech scene followed, which blew my mind: the computers know the creation of the one is inevitable conclusion of the matrix, and have this contingency plan to restart everything, and allow the humans to rebuild zion. and it's happened five times before, and they've dealt with it with their computer driven efficiency. and they are about to restart the cycle again. only neo fucks things up for them! so cool!

so, ya. this movie just rocks, on so many levels, in my opinion.

Posted by shawnathan @ 05/29/2003 11:41 AM EST

SIGH. This is going to be long.

First off, let’s talk about comparing movies. I do it, you do it, we all do it. It’s all about frames of reference. When you see a sequel to a film, of course you will compare the sequel to the original. The first movie should give you a clear idea of what the filmmakers intend to do with sequels. Knowing that the Matrix was a groundbreaking effects movie, you certainly have every right to expect Reloaded to be one too, because that’s where the filmmakers set the bar for themselves. The Matrix blew people away; is it unreasonable to expect to be blown away by its sequel? Not really. It’d be unreasonable to expect a generic sci-fi/action sequel when all the same people are involved. Did WE set the standard by which Matrix: Reloaded would be judged? I don’t think so. The filmmakers did; they’re the ones who made The Matrix.

Is this movie as memorable? Nope. As I’ve already mentioned, The Matrix has ingrained itself into pop culture. “I know kung-fu”, “There is no spoon”, the bullet dodging and the crane kick are all classic movie moments now. I can guarantee you that Matrix: Reloaded will not have the same effect. You cannot name one scene or one line from Reloaded that’s going to have the same cultural impact as the ones I’ve just listed. That is not to say that this movie does not have good scenes or good lines, it does, it simply doesn’t have scenes or lines as good as memorable as the first one does.

CGI, you either have an eye for this or you don’t. I’ll point out two scenes right now that are obviously CG. When Neo grabs the Keymaker and Morpheus off the top of the trucks and flies straight up with explosions on the ground, and in the Smiths fight (also knows as the “Burly Brawl”) when the camera does the slow spin around Neo holding the sign post tripping a bunch of Smiths. I’m sure the backgrounds in the Burly Brawl were just fancy camera work, but Neo was FOR SURE rendered. Look at the flatness of the texture on his clothes and his face or look at the way his arms don’t swing properly when he’s carrying Morpheus and Keymaker, CG.

Jerome, the sex alcove reminds me of the room you and Ryan shared in SJU.

The French guy, he IS the shit. Gets the woman all hot with the cake then “goes to the bathroom” right after she goes in. “she wasn’t kissing your lips” is right. And there is a lot leading up to the French guy, the old woman tells us of old, rogue programs and of the some guy who holds the keymaker. So he happens to be French, but he’s also one of those old programs we’re told about plus he has an entourage of wraiths and vampires.

This whole “old programs” thing, I want one day for Neo to say “He is a Balrog, a program from the old Matrix. This foe is beyond any of you!”

The clothes. Like the lesser focus on guns, I think they moved away from the whole trench coat thing because of events like Columbine. The only costume that looked even remotely bad ( I think) is Neo’s dress. They did need some form of flowing clothes for the flying tho so it’s utterly forgivable.

Here’s food for thought, Jerome. You believe that when the Architect tells Neo that the Oracle is lying that he’s telling the truth? When he says there have been many versions of the matrix, that he’s telling the truth? What makes the Architect any more trustworthy than the Oracle? What if that whole scene was a deception? What if the computers figured that the only way for Neo to be stopped was by lying to him?

Posted by Rayne @ 05/29/2003 03:57 PM EST

No, it's not unreasonable to be blown away by a sequel. But what is it you expect to blow you away? If the movie relied on the exact same things to blow you away, it would just be a direct copy of the first movie and hence not very good in its unoriginality.

So sure this movie didn't give you the same things the last one did. MAybe there aren't the sayings that will carry-on in popular culture as there are in 'The Matrix' however, I don't care. I don't that a movie has to be popular in order to be a good movie.

You ask the question, is this movie memorable? I say a big "Yes!" But it depends on the person. If you went in expecting a clone of the original, relying on the same things to drive you onward, then fine. You were probably dissapointed and didn't enjoy it.

Myself, I was driven on my the story. Going back and rewatching it, I find myself most driven on by the scenes of intense story revelations. The scene with the Oracle, upon rewatching, is really really good. I knew the first time that I liked it for all the talk about rogue programs and the like, but after knowing the rest of the movie, the things I thought were just cryptic at the time make sense.

Now, I won't pretend to be a fulm buff or someone who knows a lot about movies, but isn't it an often occurance that good movies go unnoticed or unappreciated by the majority of people? I'm not saying that peopl disliking the movie therefore show it is good, rather I'm saying that just because people aren't assimilating it into their lives doesn't make it bad. Furthmore, just because the majority (and I'm just saying this, I don't know if it's true that the majority don't like it) of people don't like it, it isn't a bad movie. Perhaps I shouldn't, but when I think of the majority of people, I see people who don't think. Not necessairily idiots (though there are those among the majority who are idiots), just people who don't think. So to find a movie such as this, which I think is story-driven, unappreciated by the majority isn't a surprise at all. I just feel sorry for you that you didn't enjoy it.

Oh sure, there are action scenes, but when I reflet upon the first two Matrix movies years later, I'll remember the first for the action and the second for the story.

The more I relisten to conversations such as the one with the Oracle, the one with the Architect and the two main speeches of Morpheus (in the cave and just before they begin their plan at the end) the more I like them. They're rather well written for the type of character saying it. Morpheus' speeches are great motivational speeches from a religious leader. The Oracle is perfect as someone who has a job from one warring faction to lead the other warring faction to a certain location. There wouldn't be any other way but to present yourself as a kind, fragile version of the faction to be led around. If you're known to be cryptic, this allows just enough information to pass through to accomplish your goal without having to explain the whole thing, which people will not understand fully.

"We're all here to do what we're all here to do. I'm interested in one thing, Neo, the Future. And believe me , I know. The only way to get there is together," says the Oracle. Perfectly fits in with her being a program working for the machine. She tells him flat out that he can't know if he should trust her or not. She exaplains the machine mainframe is where he must go. That it is where the path of The One ends. This fits in perfecctly with what the Architect says later on about their being other The Ones, too.

You bring up the possibility that the Architect is lying. You ask what makes his more trustworthy than the Oracle. I say they're equally as trustworthy. They're the higher-ups of the world. So why do I think what he says is the truth and not another lie to end/control The One? Because what he says makes sense. In addition, we're led to believe that Neo's really smart. Even the Architect seems impressed that he's quick to understand things. The fact that he believes it means we should, too.

Interestingly, in one of my reviewings, I caught something I missed the first time I saw the movie. The Architect tells Neo right at the beginning that, "thought the process has altered your consciousness, you are irrevocable human." This could explain the power he has over the sentinals later on. Might not, but it's a thought.

To address the other things you've said, Thai. You thot the sex alcove, a half-circle shape carved out of rock reminded you of a small back room? I really don't see the similarities. Oh, I see how it could be seen to be as a Fremen bed chamber, but not as a small back room.

As for the CGI, I've argued above that I, too, thought his face looked obviously rendered when he does the initial tripping of the Smiths with the pole. The rest of the scene though, is not. By the way, I'm not sure what you mean by the flatness of the texture on his clothes. There seemed to be some bump-mapping going in there.

Oh, and I checked and the Burley Brawl is only eight minutes long.

Posted by Romer @ 05/29/2003 05:27 PM EST

well ... i guess i must first admit that i didn't go through every line of the lines upon lines of text above ... but i must say that i found this movie mediocre at best

the first 20 - 30 minutes of the movie i couldn't stop giggling b/c it was soooo cheesy ... i thought the matrix was supposed to have good effects ... but i guess they did the end of the movie first and used up all their budget ...

and the hot hot sex scene ... was it necessary? who's going to believe that there's that level of passion between

and then the whole cake-orgasm scene ... is this what happens to computer geeks when they can't get any? they put scenes like that in movies? it's very very sad

that's just a beginning of my list

maybe i just didn't have an enjoyable experience b/c i went to see the preview and the theatre was packed with a lot of ... ppl who most likely go to uw and don't get out of the house much and thus don't realize that they reek of b.o. .. that's what i get though for going to opening night of geek fest though ...

*sighs*

Posted by melpie @ 05/29/2003 07:56 PM EST

oops ... that's passion between trinity and neo

can neo feel any emotion? keanu definitely doesn't make it look like he can ...

you've got all these great actors in the movie ... and then the protagonist is ted? "whoa"

*just shakes head*

Posted by melpie @ 05/29/2003 07:59 PM EST

That sex scene wasn't hot - it was bland! And I think it was integral to the plot (see one of my longer above posts).

And the orgasmic cake was also part of the story. They helped show the French guy's real character (also, see above).

Posted by Romer @ 05/30/2003 12:30 AM EST

i just can't believe people liked that movie that much!!

COME ON!!

romer, if you think watching the movie at slo-mo on dvd will the final test to decide if the fight scenes were good or bad, you'Re WRONG! remeber when you saw the hall fighting scene in the first movie, everyone in the theatre felt : WHOA!!! that was just AMAZING!

that's it! that's what makes a good action scene. watching it at slo-mo won't change this feeling. as for myself, i thought the fighting sequences sucked terribly, except for the higway one.

It's understandable.. second movie, first one was awesome, everybody expecting a lot from the follow-up... they wanted to do more on every level and they just overdone it. cool moves and techno music don't make a cool fighting scene, there has to be a raw intensity to it (just rerent Enter the Dragon and you'll see what i mean) and it wasnt the case in matrix reloaded..

the scenes were predictable and (sooooo) long, and we had the feeling that it was more of a videogame introduction then a "realistic" movie...

too bad :P

for my part, i'd give a 3.5/5 rating on this movie, which brings it to equality with Mr. Baseball, with Tom Selleck!!

I'd also like to have your comments on the worst scenes of the movie

for my part, they were:
1- trinity's heart being pumped back to life by neo
2- morpheus speech
3- every single scene with the ex of morpheus ("somethings change, others don't"... it felt like some soap opera of the 80s)
4- all the scenes with the navigator of the ship and his wife

Posted by Étienne @ 05/30/2003 01:21 PM EST

Étienne, I'm not saying the DVD will allow me to decide if the fight scenes were good or bad. I already know I liked them. I'm saying it'll allow me a closer examination of one part of one scene.

However, even though I liked the action scenes, that's not why I liked the movie. I liked it for the story and history of the univere that was explained to us.

1. I wasn't nuts over Neo's massaging of Trinity's heart back to life. I think my main problem with it is just Keanu Reeves. In this movie, he continued to make me wish that they had originally choosen someone else for the role of Neo.

2. Morpheus' speech, I'm not sure which one you mean, so I'll try my best. I thought the pre-war motivational speech in the cavern was perfect to show us his character as a religious instigator. The one just before the end when he's speaking of the importance of their mission, I think is, once again, showing his strong religious foundations as well as building us up for what he things it the final battle. When I first saw this scene I was like, yeah, whatever. But in thinking about it afterwards, I like how this speech encompasses the humans' views of Neo. Hwow he's The One and he's going to lead them to victory this night. And in the end... that's not at all what's going to happen. We learn that this profacy of The One was largely part of the machine's plan anyway. I dunno, I think it kinda' cool.

3. The scenes between Niobe and Morpheus aren't very long and just try and show that there's a history between the two characters. It goes to show motivation of the three characters of Niobe, her husband and Morpheus. Have you ever watched an 80's soap opera? I know I haven't. I have seen current ones though, and they're still 10 times worse than anything in this movie.

4. Okay, many people believe it's an action movi, but this doesn't mean it can't have plot and that the characters have to be flat. Link had to be added to the Matrix storyline after the first movie because the character who was supposed to be the operator (Tank, Dozer?) wanted too much money and the producers said nuts to him. All the scenes between Link and his wife are there to explain why he's there. You may not have been paying attention, but they did explain his relation to Tank and Dozer, her fear of the ship and why it is he wanted to work on it.

Erm, yeah.

Posted by Romer @ 05/31/2003 09:35 AM EST

Etienne and Melpie are excellent critics...I finally don't feel lonely in being disappointed with the movie...:P

Posted by dAN @ 06/03/2003 10:04 PM EST

Final word: Fuck it dude. Let's go bowling.

Posted by Romer @ 06/03/2003 11:19 PM EST

lol

here's a good-for-nothing post just to steal your final word

Posted by unnamed @ 06/06/2003 11:50 AM EST

pft!

Posted by Romer @ 06/10/2003 04:06 PM EST

Wow - go play Enter the Matrix. If not for the cool gameplay and ample cinematics, then just for the kiss between Niobe and Persephone.

Posted by Romer @ 06/29/2003 02:26 PM EST