MOVIE REVIEW
Reload 'The Matrix' for more of everything

By Jack Garner
Gannett News Service

THE MATRIX RELOADED Rated R Four Stars (Excellent) The second "Matrix" film has arrived — and it offers more of everything, from special effects to mythology. Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss return for the writing-directing Wachowski brothers. Warner Bros., 132 minutes.

"The Matrix" is the ultimate computer-nerd adventure, about a hacker (Keanu Reeves) who discovers that the "real world" is actually a computer program.

The truth is horrific: Humans are enslaved to the machines and are being force-fed a program (the matrix) into their brains, making them think they're leading a normal life.

Just in time, a rebel hero (Keanu Reeves) rises up to fight for the human race. But he must do battle on the machines' terms — inside the matrix.

"The Matrix" opened to fair business and mixed reviews. But word began to spread: "The Matrix" offered a unique visual style — including a freeze-frame, revolving camera shot that set the industry standard for visual effects. And it concocted a unique blend of dark prophecy, religious mythology and kung-fu action.

So, of course, it slowly but surely became a smash hit, with heavy repeat business, fan Web sites and all the other signs of cult fame. And it continues today as one of the most popular DVD releases of all time.

Finally, four years later, a sequel is upon us. And with a wit a computer geek would surely appreciate, it's called "The Matrix Reloaded." And it'll be followed in November by the third film in the planned trilogy, "The Matrix Revolutions."

One thing's clear, when you reload the matrix, you get more of everything:

• More money on the screen. "Reloaded" reportedly doubles the first film's $63 million budget, and it's clear in the more spectacular sets and backgrounds, the larger cast and the many additional visual effects.

The original "Matrix" was a somewhat-intimate sci-fi adventure, played out in a dark, claustrophobic settings. "Reloaded" offers a much more expansive view —and an epic scope.

• More special effects. The first film had 412 effects shots. Parts two and three (which were filmed in unison) offer more than 2,500 effects shots.

They include a battle between Neo (Reeves) and 100 cloned versions of the villainous Mr. Smith (Hugo Weaving). There are also new variations of the film's famous "money shots," the so-called bullet-time revolving camera stunt.

And "Reloaded" concludes with a 14-minute, state-of-the-art freeway chase sequence with 16-wheelers, motorcycles, characters performing kung-fu on the tops of moving trucks, and one already-famous shot of Mr. Smith smashing the hood of a vehicle simply by jumping on it.

• More martial arts. High-kicks, impossible leaps, twists, turns, chops and punches abound. Incorporating Hong Kong fight choreography into an American sci-fi saga was pure genius — and the energetic genius continues.

• More mythology. The first film resounded with echoes of "Alice in Wonderland," Greek mythology, the story of Christ as savior, Zen philosophy and much more. Well, that was just the beginning.

All that is still there, but vampire imagery, silver bullets, a magical kiss, and many more images, ideas and fantasy-world icons are thrown into the stew. (These elements become more obvious with repeated viewings.)

• More style. The first film expressed super-cool with black trench coats, leather, skin adornment, and sunglasses with more impact than any worn on film since the "Risky Business" days of Tom Cruise.

In "Reloaded," the styling is even more intense, more widespread and seems more purposeful.

• More sex. Neo and Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss) grew close in "The Matrix," in the sequel the passions erupt big-time. The R-rated film includes a naked (though discreet) love-making scene, while the rest of the humans in the underground city of Zion dance wildly at a giant party.

• More complexity and possible confusion. "The Matrix" likes to think of itself as a thinking-person's sci-fi action film. Indeed, it took two viewings before I understood it.

This time, I have a head start, though the plot lines become too entangled in the final reel. New elements are quickly added and compounded.

If I was home, I'd push "pause" on the remote and think about them for a second or two. Here, the ideas assault you and may leave you a bit dazed. A second viewing is definitely in order.

And, yes, you absolutely should see the original "Matrix" before tackling "Matrix Reloaded." Otherwise, you'll be so lost, trust me. "Matrix Reloaded" hits the ground running, picking up exactly where the first film ended.

Similarly, "The Matrix Reloaded" has an abrupt, wide-open and inconclusive ending, followed by a blank screen and the words "To be continued."

Thank goodness we only have to wait till November.

The restrained Reeves is perfectly cast as Neo, since he's depicted as a heroic man of few words and little expressed emotion. He has grown in the role, and now expresses the character's growing confidence about his unique skills. He's also a believable martial arts fighter.

Laurence Fishburne continues to bring a philosopher's wisdom and a statesman's leadership as Morpheus, while Moss still impresses as the tough-but-tender Trinity and Weaving menaces convincingly as Mr. Smith.

Welcome newcomers to the cast include veteran character actor Anthony Zerbe as a conscientious Zion politician, and Jada Pinkett Smith and Harold Perrineau (the narrator on HBO's "Oz") as two of the more adventurous human warriors.

It's been a long time between "The Matrix" and "The Matrix Reloaded" — but finally the sequel is upon us. And filmgoers get to download a winner.

Rated R, with strong violence, sex, nudity.