The Matrix Reloaded (Widescreen Edition)

Sci-Fi, Action, Thriller

Laurence Fishburne	Morpheus
Carrie-Anne Moss	Trinity
Keanu Reeves	Neo
Ray Anthony	Power Station Guard
Christine Anu	Kali
Andy Arness	Police #2
Alima Ashton-Sheibu	Link's Niece
Helmut Bakaitis	The Architect
Steve Bastoni	Soren
Don Battee	Vector (as Don Batte)
Monica Bellucci	Persephone
Daniel Bernhardt	Agent Johnson
Valerie Berry	Priestess
Hugo Weaving	Agent Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith	Niobi
Gloria Foster	The Oracle
Harold Perrineau, Jr.	Link
Harry J. Lennix	Commander Lock
Lambert Wilson	Merovingian
Jada Pinkett
Monica Belluci

Director	Larry Wachowski; Andy Wachowski; The Wachowski Brothers; Wachowski Brothers
Producer	Bruce Berman; Grant Hill
Writer	Andy Wachowski; Larry Wachowski

Considering the lofty expectations that preceded it, The Matrix Reloaded triumphs where most sequels fail. It would be impossible to match the fresh audacity that made The Matrix a global phenomenon in 1999, but in continuing the exploits of rebellious Neo (Keanu Reeves), Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) as they struggle to save the human sanctuary of Zion from invading machines, the codirecting Wachowski brothers have their priorities well in order. They offer the obligatory bigger and better highlights (including the impressive "Burly Brawl" and freeway chase sequences) while remaining focused on cleverly plotting the middle of a brain-teasing trilogy that ends with The Matrix Revolutions. The metaphysical underpinnings can be dismissed or scrutinized, and choosing the latter course (this is, after all, an epic about choice and free will) leads to astonishing repercussions that made Reloaded an explosive hit with critics and hardcore fans alike. As the centerpiece of a multimedia franchise, this dynamic sequel ends with a cliffhanger that virtually guarantees a mind-blowing conclusion. --Jeff Shannon