The Matrix (some spoilers)

[ralphmelton]

I saw The Matrix Reloaded today, courtesy of Apple. (Apple in Cupertino got a theater just for Apple. We couldn't share in that, but Apple did buy us free tickets to see it during the workday. By my estimate, Apple spent about $200,000 in staff time on the Matrix today.)

My review of the flick: It's a wild ride. I think enjoyment of the first movie is a good predictor of enjoyment of this one. More specifically: (I try not to spoil too much in this review, but I do talk about the end in general terms):

Near the end of the movie, there's a scene where Neo gets offered a choice between two options. I half-expected him to think out of the box and make a third option--but he didn't. And the movie as a whole is much like that--it works well within its parameters, but it doesn't break wild new ground.

(And dang, Neo gets led around a lot.)

But it's a very pretty movie. There is much nifty fighting. I have decides that I really like the "bullet time" effect--I am slow on the uptake, sometimes, and the pause gives me a moment to understand what's going on.

There are some nifty outfits, particularly Trinity's vinyl catsuit and Persephone's latex dress.

I quite like the soundtrack--at least, the techno bits. I found myself seriously considering buying the soundtrack--particularly during the rave scene, which was quite hot.

As a flaming liberal, I quite liked the racial diversity presented in the film, and the fact that it was presented without special attention.

So, overall a B. It met expectations, but did not exceed them.

Comments

[ralphmelton.livejournal.com]

One more comment: I managed to avoid letting my nitpickiness get in the way too much. I said to myself, "that makes no sense!" several times, but I didn't let it spoil my enjoyment of the ride.