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'The Matrix: Reloaded'

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Starring: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss
Director: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
MPAA rating: R for sci-fi violence and some sexuality
Running time: 138 minutes
Release date: May 15
Where "The Matrix: Reloaded" is playing.

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Second "Matrix" still packs a punch

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By Gissela SantaCruz
Austin360 Staff

Posted: May 13, 2003

Today was a good day.

A mighty good day.

Not only because the smothering humidity in Austin had faded and my hair was showcasing its ability to produce the perfect spiral curl -- but more importantly because I was among the fortunate few at a screening for the long-awaited sequel to the original kick-ass Wachowski brother action film, "The Matrix."

It was this second installment, "The Matrix: Reloaded," that for the past several months had kept me anxiously waiting, craving its arrival.

Let me tell you, it was worth the wait.

And yet ... I wasn't completely fulfilled.

The ever-so-slight disappointment wasn't completely a fault of the film itself, as much as it was being part of a 'press only' screening. In this field, that's not always a good thing. Especially when you sit next to so-called critics who insist on making cynical remarks out loud to hamper the pure viewing experience I'd so longed for.

I was determined to let the film speak for itself though, however hard it was to block out the negative feedback coming from five chairs over. But there were things to dislike about the film itself, too.

True, there will be many who will be disappointed with this second film. But I think only those who expect a perfect production will dismiss the entertainment value that "Reloaded" clearly holds. Believe me, this baby is packed with entertaining action and some scalding hot romance scenes (more on that in a bit).

But there are two noticeable flaws. One is the very thing that made the first movie such a gem -- the stop-motion sequences. Not because they don't work, but because they do. The subsequent copy-cat overload has made us immune to the awe-factor the original provided.

The second flaw is a very heavy elucidative approach to storyline. If you've never seen the first film, I suggest you rent it before you watch this one.

"Reloaded" picks up where its predecessor left off, filling us in on more stories of human struggles on Zion and accounts for the reasons behind the current state of affairs. Much of what's being explained at first is easy to understand, then becomes incomprehensible as storyline is piled upon storyline. Eventually, you really don't care to hear more.

But the one storyline that was fresh, heartwarming and enjoyable to follow was the relationship between Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss).

Sigh. So romantic.

These weren't your average chick-flick love scenes. They were very bold and powerful, strong and sexy. In fact, when Neo and Trinity make love on the screen, it is one of the hottest unrevealing sex scenes I've seen in a very long time. The hypnotic trance music that underscores the bodies in motion, the slow passionate kisses and believable spark between the two is without a doubt, cosmic.

And yes, the kick-ass action, special effects and stunts are all here -- just as creative, just as fun, just as cool. Neo and his mates come through for all Matrix-heads. Rock on.

It is the appreciation of the quality action, the display of true love and devotion and my constant glimpses of super cool eyewear I just gotta have, that tells me: "Yep. This film has something for everyone."

And it shows Keanu's critics why he keeps managing to land jobs. Keanu is Neo.

Bring on the next one.

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