The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

The Wachowski brothers has always considered their story as serial fiction and a trilogy was in development while they were still filming the original film. This movie, which takes place approximately six months after the end of the first Matrix, is the story of the impending doom facing Zion (the last human civilization) and the actions taken by it’s population to prevent it.  Neo, while still learning how to deal with his newly discovered powers and popularity, anxiously awaits word from the Oracle on what his next step should be. 

Morpheus is also waiting for contact from the Oracle and defiantly defends his actions to a frightened Zion.  Trinity struggles with the conflict between her commitment to oppose the machines and her love for Neo.  The apocalypse is only hours away and no one is sure if Zion is ready to defend itself.

Amidst the virtual smorgasbord of high paced action and incredible visual effects is a car chase like none ever seen before in a motion picture. A mile and a half of freeway way built on the Alameda Point Naval Base to give the filmmakers the freedom to do what they needed to do for the scene.  It took nearly three months to shoot and some three hundred cars were destroyed in the process. If nothing else it’s worth the price of admission alone.

The story following The Matrix was written and produced as one film and then was split into two features (Reloaded and Revolutions) and one video game (Enter the Matrix). The game is unlike any other movie video game ever created and is a compliment to the story of films.  The game opens two days before the beginning of The Matrix Reloaded and immediately immediately after “Final Flight of the Osiris” from The Animatrix.

It elaborates on plot points that The Matrix Reloaded only hints at and gives the player a broader view of the entire Matrix story line.  The Matirx Reloaded is a brilliant piece of film, but be aware that it is literally the first half of a very long film.  It suddenly stops mid-action to segue onto The Matrix Revolutions and its abruptness surprises some viewers.  (Written and directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski)