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The Matrix Reloaded

© James C. Hess

Bringing me, then, to "The Matrix Reloaded": Contrary to what may be suggested by way of the hype preceeding the theatrical release of this movie this movie really has nothing to do with the movie that came before. Oh, yes: There are characters from before. But they are not the same as they were.

And neither are any of the stories set forth herein.

And what are these particular stories about? Again the armchair experts, already hard at work taking this flick apart, got it wrong: These stories are not about anything. These stories, simply, are about what good stories could be about: Effect. Presentation. And, finally, albeit barely, drama.

But because these stories are not actual stories, well, then, there it is: Fraud.

No matter. The rank and file, the faithful, the followers will flock to this flick, then spend hours afterwards determining the 'meaning' of "The Matrix Reloaded".

You gotta love it: Increasingly young people and college graduates alike, ground from the steaming bowels of the pop culture, have no prior knowledge of such things as the works of Shakespeare, yet in quoting entire scenes from "The Matrix Reloaded", do a mean imitation of masters the likes of Olivier and Welles performing "Macbeth" or "Hamlet".

Does this go to suggest I am angry with this movie? Not at all. If but one viewer of this flick, who takes to performing scenes from it again and again, goes on to become a true thespian then the desired intent is realized and The One ('Neo'? perhaps?) is brought forth.

Does this fraud on the part of "The Matrix Reloaded" go to suggest I disappointed? Yes. But only superficially. Once my disappointment quickly passes I would watch this movie again. And again. So inspired is the deception by the directors, the actors, the screenplay, the effects that one cannot help but be drawn in again and again.

And why not? That is, that should be, the primary purpose and fuction of entertainment, regards the form or medium it is presented in.

A few words, then, on the movie itself: Brilliant. Skillful. Certain. Thoughtful.

Even if it is a fraud.

But I digress: Taken individually and collectively these terms serve to create a foundation for an enjoyable visual ride. Further, they allow the brothers Wachowski to explore the conventions that often clutter pop culture excrement--heroes, villains, special effects, stunts, chases, explosions, romance, oration, consideration--and push them to new levels of storytelling.