The Matrix Reloaded

REVIEW
If the original was a series of fantastic revelations exploring the world of the Matrix, this sequel, less ambitious plotwise but tremendously exciting in terms of pure action, at least proves that it's a terrific world in which to play. Neo (Reeves) is The One, and he sets out on a quest to find the keymaster, who can unlock the door to the mainframe, which can . . . oh hell, this thing isn't about story. It's about badass battles, like when Neo must take on a gaggle of cloned Agent Smiths (Weaving) in a glorious fight set in a virtual playground. Or a massive car chase, with cars and trucks flipping while our heroes use kung fu at 70 mph. The philosophy spouted by Morpheus (Fishburne) is appropriately grave, while vague enough to appeal to everyone in the audience -- as are the multiracial cast, the blossoming romance between Neo and Trinity (Moss), and even a closing song that mixes hippie pop and techno (Dave Matthews' "When the World Ends" gets a Paul Oakenfold remix). Maybe it's calculated to please, maybe it's all 1s and 0s, but for those who want to plug in, it's a real blast. (Sequel: The Matrix Revolutions)