Matrix Reloaded Movie Review

The Matrix: Reloaded

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Hugo Weaving, Clayton Watson, Nona Gaye, Monica Bellucci, Cornel West

Director(s): Larry Wachowski, Andy Wachowski

Screenwriter(s): Larry Wachowski, Andy Wachowski

Filming Location(s): Australia; Chicago; San Francisco

Studio: Warner Bros.

Alternate Title(s): The Matrix 2

Rating: R - for sci-fi violence and some sexuality

Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Sequel

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Special Effects:

The Matrix raised the bar, in terms of special effects, and kept it there for an awful long time before being topped of. Then comes The Matrix Reloaded which has once again proved the Wachowskis are undoubtable the most imaginative and innovative directors this side of Zion. The two stand out scenes come with neo kicking 100+ agents cyber punk asses and a 14 minute car chase that cost $40, 000, 000 to produce and upon seeing the movie its not hard to see why, with cars being blown up left, right and centre, death defying motorcycle stunts and a car being cut in half by an ancient samurai sword among other things. This is by far the most elaborate movie ever made and with a crew including Yuen Wo Ping, arguably the best fight choreographer in the world and the visual effects mastermind John Gaeta everyone saw it coming, but it still managed to blow away all pre-conceptions and expectations.

Cinematography:

Let this be a lesson to you about perseverance. One of the Wachowski's earlier movies was entitled Bound and had its original cinematographer quit because of the “very restrictive” budget. They went to a man named Bill Pope next who was more than willing to work within the budget. A few years later the when the Matrix was green-lit he became the obvious choice, not only for the original, but also for both sequels, sling-shoting him into the cinematographers hall of fame. From a continuos pan, circling one of Neo’s battles, to a tracking shot that looks like it passes through traffic, the cinematography in The Matrix Reloaded is second to none.

Costumes and Make Up:

Kym Barett, costume designer and regular collaborator with Baz Luhrman, she previously worked on Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge. Suggested to the Wachowski's by Bill Pope, she created the Gucci does Bondage look that The Matrix trilogy is famous for. Every punch, block, kick and swirl is dramatised and accentuated by the blank, fearless look on their face and the uniform like consistency of long flowing leather jackets and pitch black shades. Agent Smith and his partners wear dark suits and ties: they’re very neat, one indistinguishable from another. These characters were made to look like “the Everyman, anonymous,” says Barrett, “the corporate criminal”.

Scenery and Props:

Prascilla, Queen Of The Desert and The Matrix Reloaded share 2 mutually conclusive people, one being Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith) and a man by the name of Owen Paterson. A production designer for over 15 years, he was one of the many Australians recruited for The Matrix Reloaded. His attention to detail is amazing and yet he still manages to depict a broader visual image. Although his part was somewhat down-played by the fact that the majority or props (and sets for that matter) are digital created for the purpose of being destroyed by Gaeta and his FX team, Paterson stilled played a heavy hand in the process of design.

Acting:

Every single actor gave the performance of his or her life in The Matrix Reloaded. Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss have upgraded from roles in Point Blank, What’s Love Got To Do With It? and Baywatch collectively to the paramount film trilogy known affectionately as The Matrix.

Sound Track:

Marilyn Manson, RATM and the two Robs (Zombie and Dougan) have all returned for the second soundtrack, following up from the original Matrix soundtrack. The success of the first film has had an impact so some songs here are more tailored to the sequel and we have song titles such as Reload and Zion while the others follow more of a pattern, all featuring dark, electronic rock rather than all out heavy stuff. The first few tracks kick things