‘Reloaded’ continues the saga

What can be said about one of the highest grossing movies of all

time? If imitation is the highest form of compliment, then its

predecessor was complimented with emulations in a wide range of

genres and films, movies and even cartoons.

“The Matrix” was nothing short of a paradigm shift in special

effects and cinematic innovation. Moreover, “The Matrix” mesmerized

and awed its audiences with cabalistic and perplexing thoughts. To be

honest, anything short of this would have been a colossal and

egregious failure.

Fortunately, every aspect that absorbed and impressed us in the

original, and never allowed its audience a moment to subside, was

amplified in “Matrix Reloaded.”

Keanu Reeves reprises his role as Neo, the messiah and scion

forced with the duty of liberating the paucity of humans under siege

by robotic baneful assailants. With the fate of humanity’s last city

“Zion,” and all of humanity at stake, Neo is forced to follow a

convoluted track that leads to more intrigue and confusion than

answers.

While this film is as thought provocative as the first, it

deprives the audience of any form of climax. It is nothing short of a

cliffhanger for the third and final installment of this epic. It is

overwhelmingly entertaining, but it leaves the audience craving a

resolution.

Side Notes: If anyone was afraid of feeling Agent Smith

withdrawal, have no fear. Not one, or two, or even three, but a slew

of Smiths are present, willing and prepared to oppose Neo. And, as

with most sequels, expect more violence and sexual content.

* EVAN MARMOL is Laguna Beach resident. He graduated from UC

Irvine with a degree in psychology and social behavior.