I'm not afraid to have a differing take on a movie from popular opinion.  I hated `There's something about Mary', and one of my favorite flicks is an esoteric movie called Cohen and Tate (good luck finding that one at the video store).  In the case of The Matrix however, the hype is justified.

The influences of Japanese animation continue beyond The Animatrix-- Neo, the hero, continues to evolve, realizing the full potential of his powers, even manifesting them in the real world.  But while Neo grows stronger, his adversaries have returned bigger and badder, and his list of responsibilities loom over him, vague and undefined. These perfect elements all set the stage for the sequel and second installation of The Matrix trilogy.

There can be few complaints about reloaded, the action sequences are without hesitation the best ever seen in a movie, there are some philosophical underpinnings, a love story, and a desperate fight for survival.  The dance sequence in Zion probably could have been tightened up a bit, but that's really picking at straws at an otherwise nearly flawless film.

Like 'The Empire Strikes Back', it ends on a bleak note, a cliffhanger, albeit an incredibly satisfying one.  While Neo seems destined to fulfill his fate, there is one rogue player, a wildcard, that undoubtedly will a key role in the final episode.  Watch out for Agent Smith, one of the best anti-heros ever to be seen in a film.

Rating: 10/10

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