The Matrix Reloaded (Widescreen Edition)

The Matrix Reloaded (Widescreen Edition)
by Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski

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DVD Cover Information

• 2003 - Matrix Reloaded - Widescreen Edition
• Keanu Reeves, Carrie-anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
• 2-Disc DVD Set - 138 Minutes - Rated R
• Bonus Features - Warner Bros. -
• Collectible - New

Movie Reviews of The Matrix Reloaded (Widescreen Edition)

Movie Review: Brilliant. Much more than an "action" flick...if you wish
Summary: 5 Stars

Sure, some could say the battle/fighting sequences go on a bit - then again, many in the audience probably came only for the fighting. The writing, story and ultimate meaning of The Matrix Reloaded deliver movie science fiction at the highest level. Sure quibbles here and there can be found, but one must remember this is a science fiction joy ride. It also happens that the ride offers willing passengers some rather meaningful thoughts along the way.

I found the story to be plausible, it pulled me in enough to go along for the ride - with the concept and truths the storytellers were trying to share. I find this move timelessly relevant. And people might enjoy this more if they judged this in the context of this being the middle part of a three piece composition. This movie makes the first Matrix all the more enjoyable and the upcoming finale highly anticipated.

There are many levels to this movie that some reviewers, I am sorry to say, seem to be missing. I believe some of the reason for the violent negatives against this sequel has to do with the deeper meaning/points of the story more directly coming to light here in Reloaded. Maybe some find those meanings offensive to their political and/or religious leanings? For example, the Matrix message is now more clearly evident as being beyond just a "shoot 'em up action flick", is "wrong" to those people now willing to give up their liberties for "safety" in this post 9/11 world. The point of the Matrix movies is that, at least in part, reality as it is normally "presented" is something that deserves more attention, more scrutiny and more questioning. Digging deeper into such reality can be scary and/or uncomfortable for many. The status quo is, after all, usually easier.

Matrix Reloaded is everything the last two STAR WARS movies are not! If only such writing and creativity behind the Matrix movies invigorated these, so far, bland and leaden Star Wars sequels.
As far as all the complaints about the "orgy" scene: it was a rave - people having fun and DANCING. Doing, being and behaving as humans, doing something that gives them humanity the computer programs can never "get" as authentically. Morpheus was solemn about the task ahead and then essentially said revel in who you are, enjoy and have fun as you are uniquely capable...for afterward it is for these such things - our ability to be free and human - that the battle is joined.

By the way, my impression of the only way to "win" this Matrix battle is to co-opt the adversary by influencing them (corrupting their program) so they alter their way of thinking - seeing the benefit of each side surviving. We get a taste of that in this movie from the Oracle and also when we meet the Merovingian "programs" that have developed an intense appreciation for the finer pleasures of beauty, taste - even love. This person/program (Monica Bellucia) has become a voluptuary who has learned to enjoy much of what machine-like thinking is unable to appreciate - whether an actual machine or by humans who have become like machines in their rigid and controlled lemming-like following of whatever they are spoon-fed.(It is easier that way, isn't it?)

Interestingly, Mr. Smith, as he was corrupted with greater "awareness" as well, chose a darker path. As long as people are kept fighting and agitating and wanting, they will find that it is harder to open their eyes to other ways of resolving disputes, of working together to help each other. So, the battle is perpetuated...which leads to the need for more machinery, rules, "order" - instead of those resources being used for higher ideals.

Think about television in this regard. Television is most primarily an advertising medium, the "entertainment" is in service to that reality. So, the entertainment - be it news or comedy or drama - is there to get you ready (to be conditioned) for those ads. Those ads work best if you don't feel as good about yourself. Then the products come to the rescue...to make you smell better, look better, be happier, more wealthy, more safe etc. If you are fearful of loss of something, then brush with this, wear that, drive this, take these pills. The ads perpetuate those feelings of inferiority and unhappiness so that the shows take your mind away for awhile...and then back to commercials. More and more as time has gone on, the money/advertising aspect has been allowed to overpower and corrupt any other purpose of the mass media. This influences all media and all people. Kinda Matrix-like, it isn't good for us, but we have gotten to the point where we do not realize that greater reality. Like sitting in a pot of boiling water, by the time you realize what is happening, you are cooked.

(At the very least, "watch" what you watch, be a bit more mindful to how too much of that "reality" can keep you from deeper realities of human interaction and awareness of some of the other things going on in your life and the world around you. And remember, you are being "sold"... not only products, but also ideas, a way of life, a belief system that is not necessarily in your interests. For example, it is becoming more and more handy for powers that be to have a populace that is afraid. This will allow the rationale for more power given to those who can "protect" us. A story told time and time again throughout history. Follow the money.)

My tv screed is just a handy metaphor for how we can willingly allow a "Matrix" of reality (that is unreal) to gradually overpower us; and why I believe the story of the movies is so ingenious (the ideas aren't necessarily new, but to showcase them so creatively is) and popular. It resonates.

Some may find the above thinking beside the point of going to see The Matrix movies. Maybe they just think the movie stinks. That is perfectly fine. However, it is a bit harder to fathom how those who say they enjoyed the first movie can despise the second. It is most likely they will dislike the third as well. Maybe all they saw was a bang-bang, cool special effects and new-look "show" and just did not wish for much more than that. Those sorts of movies certainly seem to do well at the box office too.

But, again, The Matrix stories can offer you much more. I enjoyed the layers of ideas and meaning of these Matrix movies just as much as the visual fireworks. And I give the moviemakers credit for trying to present such ideas while also working to make a film as popularly appealing to as many people as possible. Not an easy task.

Choose wisely the pill(s) you take.

Summary of The Matrix Reloaded (Widescreen Edition)

DVD Features:
DVD ROM Features:Web links to the official Matrix website
Documentaries:PRELOAD: Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew THE FREEWAY CHASE: Anatomy of the mind-blowing scene ENTER THE MATRIX: Making of the ground-breaking video game WHAT IS THE ANIMATRIX? THE MATRIX UNFOLDS: A look at the Matrix phenomenon GET ME AN EXIT: Matrix-inspired design advertising
Other:THE MTV MOVIE AWARDS RELOADED