The Matrix Reloaded **** (2003, Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Monica Bellucci, Lambert Wilson) – Classic Movie Review 7068

Back in the groovy superhero shades and a new swishy black coat, Keanu Reeves assumes his destiny as the hunky one who is The One in The Matrix Reloaded (2003), the second chapter of the Matrix trilogy.

Strengthened by his passionate love for Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), Keanu’s godlike Neo returns to the Matrix, along with Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), to unleash their amazing arsenal of special skills and killer weapons against the Machine Army, which is plotting to topple their city of Zion.

With a half-dozen gloriously exhilarating action sequences, this long-awaited sequel to The Matrix (1999) is awesomely stupendous. The fantastic special effects, gleaming cinematography and inspired fighting have gone beyond state-of-the-art to the point of perfection. Two amazing sequences have Keanu fighting endlessly replicating evil agent Mr Smith (Hugo Weaving) and an endlessly extended highway chase, with Moss and Fishburne holding on for dear life.

Sparking beautifully in their roles, Reeves mumbles impressively between kicking mean butt, Moss proves an action superstar, while the sonorous Fishburne adds welcome gravity. Adrian and Neil Rayment are good values as the evil Twins and Monica Bellucci and Lambert Wilson are stylish as Persephone and Merovingian.

The only downside in 2003 was we that had to wait six months for the story’s conclusion in The Matrix Revolutions (2003).

Gloria Foster returns as The Oracle, but the actress died in 2003. Also in the cast are Harold Perrineau Jr, Anthony Zerbe, Jada Pinkett Smith, Helmut Bakaitis, Steve Bastoni, Christine Anu, Ian Bliss, Daniel Bernhardt, Collin Chou, Roy Jones Jr, David Kilde, Randall Duk Kim, Harry J Lennix, Matt McColm and Terrell Dixon.

The Matrix Reloaded is directed by Andy [Lilly] Wachowski and Larry [Lana] Wachowski (as The Wachowski Brothers), runs 138 minutes, is a NPV, Silver and Village Roadshow production, is released by Warner Bros, is written by Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski, is shot by Bill Pope, is produced by Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski and Joel Silver, is scored by Don Davis and is designed by Owen Paterson.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7068

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