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Going to see this Saturday so I'm not going to be looking at this thread till then 
Posted: 08:00 May 22 2003
Matrix Reloaded (may contain spoilers)
Just got back from a preview showing and I'm lost for words. OK, I have one... disappointed! 
Posted: 08:00 May 22 2003 
Well, I saw the film last night at the first showing at the Odeon here in Leicester and I thought it was excellent.
The performances were excellent all around, I especially liked Hugo Weaving, he's really good in the (non)Agent Smith role.
I liked the story too, especially the realisation that Zion is just another part of The Matrix used to control the humans. One thing I wasn't keen on though was the Architech's speech, it was too long and contrived and would have been more effective if it was shorter.
Visually, the film was fantastic. It was just plain cool. The fight scenes were excellent, they definitely managed to use the same techniques from the first film and make it fresh. It didn't have the same impact as it did before, but they still manage to make it new and improved.
Cool Bits:
Neo fighting all the Smiths in the playground, some excellent stuff in there.
The chase scene... got to be one of the best chase scenes i've seen in an action film.
The Twins.. in the words of Trinity, 'That's a nice trick'.
Neo's fight with Seriph.
Persephone's cleavage.
Lots of other stuff
Niggly Bits
Morpheus' lecturing tone... however, this is essential to his character, he's a religious fanatacist, and at the end of the film i felt sorry for him, not annoyed with him.
The Architech's speech... too long.
The film ended... I. want. more. Matrix!
The performances were excellent all around, I especially liked Hugo Weaving, he's really good in the (non)Agent Smith role.
I liked the story too, especially the realisation that Zion is just another part of The Matrix used to control the humans. One thing I wasn't keen on though was the Architech's speech, it was too long and contrived and would have been more effective if it was shorter.
Visually, the film was fantastic. It was just plain cool. The fight scenes were excellent, they definitely managed to use the same techniques from the first film and make it fresh. It didn't have the same impact as it did before, but they still manage to make it new and improved.
Cool Bits:
Neo fighting all the Smiths in the playground, some excellent stuff in there.
The chase scene... got to be one of the best chase scenes i've seen in an action film.
The Twins.. in the words of Trinity, 'That's a nice trick'.
Neo's fight with Seriph.
Persephone's cleavage.
Lots of other stuff
Niggly Bits
Morpheus' lecturing tone... however, this is essential to his character, he's a religious fanatacist, and at the end of the film i felt sorry for him, not annoyed with him.
The Architech's speech... too long.
The film ended... I. want. more. Matrix!
Posted: 12:01 May 22 2003
Now I'm over the initial shock I thought I'd post a bit more on what I thought. Morpheus, The Oracle and The Architect all had speaches that were far too long and left me bored; there was no need for the sex scene as it was implied anyway; the 'rave' was fun but too damned long; and there were times in the action sequences when you could clearly spot the digital actors - one point when he was fighting Smith, Neo's face was so wrong it was laughable.
I understand why they used CG because there were so many things that they couldn't have done with actors (e.g. the fight with 100s of Smiths when the camrea spins at breakneck speed), but when they used the 'slowing of the film' effect you could clearly see thst the digital doubles were exactly that.
After saying all that though, I was hugely impressed with Trinity's opening shots and that amazing freeway sequence - worth every penny! Shame the twins weren't in it longer though as they were cool.
All in all... it wasn't a bad film, I just didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I thought I would. I was hoping for the feeling I got comimng out of the Two Towers, but it was a bit more Phantom Menace. Dammit, I enjoyed X2 more! Still, there's always November.
I understand why they used CG because there were so many things that they couldn't have done with actors (e.g. the fight with 100s of Smiths when the camrea spins at breakneck speed), but when they used the 'slowing of the film' effect you could clearly see thst the digital doubles were exactly that.
After saying all that though, I was hugely impressed with Trinity's opening shots and that amazing freeway sequence - worth every penny! Shame the twins weren't in it longer though as they were cool.
All in all... it wasn't a bad film, I just didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I thought I would. I was hoping for the feeling I got comimng out of the Two Towers, but it was a bit more Phantom Menace. Dammit, I enjoyed X2 more! Still, there's always November.
Posted: 12:48 May 22 2003
hmmmm, i tended to agree with Lori here.
the wow factor on the film was 11.
Special effects were amazing - but...i just kinda felt they put them in for the sake of it. I dunno, it's difficult to explain, i think i felt like they used them too muc hand relied on them too much.
The fight with Smith and Neo in the alley was look too much like a computer game for me - lol, it's prolly because i'm not too keen on computer games though.
hmmmm, i think i need to see it again - really enjoyed it but not as much as the first one.
But the car chase was brilliant - thought that was very cool
the wow factor on the film was 11.
Special effects were amazing - but...i just kinda felt they put them in for the sake of it. I dunno, it's difficult to explain, i think i felt like they used them too muc hand relied on them too much.
The fight with Smith and Neo in the alley was look too much like a computer game for me - lol, it's prolly because i'm not too keen on computer games though.
hmmmm, i think i need to see it again - really enjoyed it but not as much as the first one.
But the car chase was brilliant - thought that was very cool
Posted: 19:45 May 22 2003 
Just got back from seeing this. First impressions, like Lori, I was disappointed. I did enjoy it all, but it was only towards the end, after they had rescued the Keymaker, that I thought it actually got *good*. Up till then it was just impressive, flashy but without any real content.
However, don't get the wrong idea, I did really like this film. Not a patch on the first one, X2 was indeed better, and I reckon Return of the King will far outshine both of them, but it was still very cool. I'd agree with all of Maff's 'Cool Bits', although...
The fight with all the Smiths was an incredibly cool scene. Although when they did the bullet-time effect but it wasn't actually bullet-time it was CG, was nowhere near as cool as proper bullet-time. If that makes sense...
The Keymaker I think was my favourite character, and I thought the scene with the Architect was very cool too.
Oh, and if there's anyone reading this who hasn't been to see it yet, when you do see it STAY TILL THE END OF THE CREDITS, unless you want to miss out on a preview of Matrix Revolutions.
However, don't get the wrong idea, I did really like this film. Not a patch on the first one, X2 was indeed better, and I reckon Return of the King will far outshine both of them, but it was still very cool. I'd agree with all of Maff's 'Cool Bits', although...
Leave other site-members out of it and stick to reviewing the film.
by Maffrew
Persephone's cleavage
The fight with all the Smiths was an incredibly cool scene. Although when they did the bullet-time effect but it wasn't actually bullet-time it was CG, was nowhere near as cool as proper bullet-time. If that makes sense...
The Keymaker I think was my favourite character, and I thought the scene with the Architect was very cool too.
Oh, and if there's anyone reading this who hasn't been to see it yet, when you do see it STAY TILL THE END OF THE CREDITS, unless you want to miss out on a preview of Matrix Revolutions.
Posted: 00:12 May 23 2003
by PictureOfFlowers
STAY TILL THE END OF THE CREDITS, unless you want to miss out on a preview of Matrix Revolutions.
awwww no help now that we've left
i was a bit let down too I enjoyed X2 more and i avoided all hype to both films. i will be watching it again as the fight scenes were awesome but was also kinda let down by the fact that i didnt know it was a "to be concluded" ending and was left feeling cheated 
but totally love the Smith "thing".
Posted: 03:18 May 23 2003 Yeah, someone told me about that and then I forgot. Still, will begoing to see it again anywayso I'll stay then
by PictureOfFlowers
Oh, and if there's anyone reading this who hasn't been to see it yet, when you do see it STAY TILL THE END OF THE CREDITS, unless you want to miss out on a preview of Matrix Revolutions.
Posted: 15:42 May 23 2003
Well, you've all seen it...
"Me too"
I'll start by saying I didn't think it was a patch on the first one Still a good film, but not what I would have hoped for.
Visually, I thought the Zion scenes were breathtaking, the mix of the high tech and the totally primitive cavemen-esque. Kudos to those involved in the conceptualisation of the hovercraft and the linear-frames/mechs and such.
I'll adit I got a little confused towards the end, but mainly cos some £%^%&*$%^ in the rows below was having a phone call and he was too far away from me, for me to cave his head in without getting up and disturbing everyone else worse than he was already doing
Hugo Weaving steals the show imho despite not having as prominent a part as last time, the fight scenes were superb, who knew white guys could look so good as "hong kong cinema" style martial artists? Well done to Mr Reeves on that achievement
I didn't like the whole ghost vampire sub-mythology and I'm not sure where that's going? Anyone have any ideas?
One of the collest things was the candy that the Oracle eatsand the one she offers Neo on the park bench are the same as "the Red Pill" that Neo takes inthe first film and starts the whole ball rolling! Very cool
Ooh and the bit just before Neo takes off to fly where the ground ripples out from around him!!! how cool is that?
OK so the more I dwell on it, the more I like the film, but also the more I think the original should just maybe have been left as a perfect standl alone?
Oh and one more thing, Is he still in the Matrix? In a different Matrix or in a complete different matrix, or is he free and does Zion actually exist and? (that's more than one more thing isn't it?)
I think I'll watch Total Recall for the answer to that one
(Edited by MonSTeR 24/05/2003 21:28)
"Me too"
I'll start by saying I didn't think it was a patch on the first one
Still a good film, but not what I would have hoped for.Visually, I thought the Zion scenes were breathtaking, the mix of the high tech and the totally primitive cavemen-esque. Kudos to those involved in the conceptualisation of the hovercraft and the linear-frames/mechs and such.
I'll adit I got a little confused towards the end, but mainly cos some £%^%&*$%^ in the rows below was having a phone call and he was too far away from me, for me to cave his head in without getting up and disturbing everyone else worse than he was already doing
Hugo Weaving steals the show imho despite not having as prominent a part as last time, the fight scenes were superb, who knew white guys could look so good as "hong kong cinema" style martial artists? Well done to Mr Reeves on that achievement
I didn't like the whole ghost vampire sub-mythology and I'm not sure where that's going? Anyone have any ideas?
One of the collest things was the candy that the Oracle eatsand the one she offers Neo on the park bench are the same as "the Red Pill" that Neo takes inthe first film and starts the whole ball rolling! Very cool
Ooh and the bit just before Neo takes off to fly where the ground ripples out from around him!!! how cool is that?
OK so the more I dwell on it, the more I like the film, but also the more I think the original should just maybe have been left as a perfect standl alone?
Oh and one more thing, Is he still in the Matrix? In a different Matrix or in a complete different matrix, or is he free and does Zion actually exist and? (that's more than one more thing isn't it?)
I think I'll watch Total Recall for the answer to that one
(Edited by MonSTeR 24/05/2003 21:28)
Posted: 21:21 May 24 2003
I saw a thing on MTV about the premiere where Laurence Fishburne was there with his wife (who I recognised from Angel), and said she was in the movie too. I can't remember seeing her though. I found her character name on the IMDb but that didn't help. Did anyone spot her? For my sainty, please post!
Posted: 12:43 May 25 2003 
Yep, she was in the Zion scene as the sister(?) of the girlfriend of the pilot
Posted: 12:45 May 25 2003
"IT'S {A SPOILER}!" - that one's just for EW
I actually liked the film, but then I'm a sucker for mindless, plotless action movies.
I was so gutted by the ending, but at least I don't hafta wait a whole year for 'Matrix Revolutions'.
Edit - Because some people don't have SKY either.
(Edited by Desire 26/05/2003 18:22)
I actually liked the film, but then I'm a sucker for mindless, plotless action movies.
I was so gutted by the ending, but at least I don't hafta wait a whole year for 'Matrix Revolutions'.
Edit - Because some people don't have SKY either.
(Edited by Desire 26/05/2003 18:22)
Posted: 12:25 May 26 2003
by Taz
"IT'S {A SPOILER}!" - that one's just for EW
hunny i know who the big bad is just didnt wanna name any names or give any descriptions in case there are some people that havent gotten to that bit in Angel yet.
Edit - see above
(Edited by Desire 26/05/2003 18:22)
Posted: 13:19 May 26 2003 Thanks for that
by Stoo
Yep, she was in the Zion scene as the sister(?) of the girlfriend of the pilot
The more I think about the movie, the more I like it now. Must go to see it again and focus on the great fight scenes, car chase etc. And I loved those huge mechanical walking things in Zion's arrival area... there was a brief bit in the Revolutions teaser where it looked like one of them was doing kung-fu. Must watch that a little closer.
Posted: 15:25 May 26 2003 Oops!
by EvilWillow
(quotes)
hunny i know who the big bad is just didnt wanna name any names or give any descriptions in case there are some people that havent gotten to that bit in Angel yet.
I'm not up to date on SKY eps, so I thought it had been shown on there.
Sorry.
Edit - no bother, it has been shown on SKY but not everyone has it.
(Edited by Desire 26/05/2003 18:25)
Posted: 17:17 May 26 2003 I just like the bit in Reloaded where it does the typical cowboy bit spinning the guns before holstering them.
by Lori
And I loved those huge mechanical walking things in Zion's arrival area... there was a brief bit in the Revolutions teaser where it looked like one of them was doing kung-fu.
Class!
Posted: 17:20 May 26 2003 
I thought it was awful.
That's the most dialogue has ever hurt me without me finding it funny.
Every single scene went on too long - it was far too indulgent. That film did not need to be two and a half hours.
There were lots of random elements that were thrown in without any reason and in no particularly consistent fashion e.g. Greek references, Vampire stuff.
There was lots of cheaply emotional stuff between characters who didn't have enough to them for me to care anyway.
The philosophy was laughable.
Oh, and my gay best friend thinks Keanu Reeves has a flabby arse
Hugo Weaving was good, as ever. The Oracle was, ironically, the most human character in the film.
I didn't mind watching it, but it was awful.
That's the most dialogue has ever hurt me without me finding it funny.
Every single scene went on too long - it was far too indulgent. That film did not need to be two and a half hours.
There were lots of random elements that were thrown in without any reason and in no particularly consistent fashion e.g. Greek references, Vampire stuff.
There was lots of cheaply emotional stuff between characters who didn't have enough to them for me to care anyway.
The philosophy was laughable.
Oh, and my gay best friend thinks Keanu Reeves has a flabby arse
Hugo Weaving was good, as ever. The Oracle was, ironically, the most human character in the film.
I didn't mind watching it, but it was awful.
Posted: 20:59 May 26 2003