The plot thickens in "The Matrix Reloaded," while the dialogue gets heavier and the special effects get more expensive. It
is no better than its groundbreaking predecessor -- its cyclical structure of leaden philosophical conversation followed by techno-scored butt-kicking, repeated repeatedly, is disappointingly formulaic -- but it is certainly awe-inspiringly cool when it wants to be, which is most of the time. The film gives no recap, assuming instead that all viewers have either recently seen the 4-year-old "Matrix" or have insanely good memories. When it begins, Neo (Keanu Reeves), now experiencing Jesus-like popularity and responsibility, is weighed down by the prospect of fighting the machines that have enslaved mankind -- 250,000 representatives of which are now heading for Zion to put down the Neo-led rebellion. Once again, he is mentored by Morpheus (the coolly eloquent Laurence Fishburne), and once again he seeks guidance from the Oracle (Gloria Foster). His heady conference with her is the film's last stop in Legitimately Deepville before venturing into Pretentiousland, where it wallows for some time. Brother writer/directors Larry and Andy Wachowski have read a lot of writings by a lot of German philosophers, and this film demonstrates those great thinkers' usefulness: They have none.
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