The Matrix Reloaded is easily the most anticipated film of the summer and is poised to become the most successful "R" rated movie in history. Not a bad little showing for creators Andy and Larry Wachowski, a sibling film-making team with only two other films under their belt (the brilliant noir gem Bound, and the first Matrix film).

This movie broke records in it's first day bringing in over 32 million dollars (this figure includes 10:00 P.M. sneaks that were shown the night before it's official release date). Of course being the huge movie fan I am, I attended one of those sneaks. For big, event movies like this, I really think watching it with a sold out crowd is part of the fun.

The first film was a surprise hit and while much of the hype that year revolved around a little film called Star Wars Episode I, it was The Matrix that would be one of the most talked about films that year, with it's eye popping effects (which beat out Phantom Menace for an Oscar), a creative plot line involving a computer manufactured reality, and a wild homage to kung-fu cinema.

It's no surprise that the Wachowski Brothers are back with a sequel. In fact, it doesn't stop there for The Matrix Reloaded is only half of the story (Matrix Revolutions opens this November). What is a surprise is that audiences only had to wait four years for a follow-up (Star Wars fans had to wait sixteen years between Return of the Jedi and Episode I). And while this sequel could be considered disappointing in a sense, it doesn't feel as much a let down as Phantom Menace because the Wachowski Brothers didn't make us wait nearly as long for it. I also appreciate that these visionaries attempted to give us something more than eye candy. While The Matrix Reloaded is bogged down with a tad too much futuristic philosophy, I liked the fact that it attempts to engage the mind as well as the eye.

The Matrix Reloaded picks up where the first picture ended. Neo (Keanu Reeves) is now awake and aware of the real world. Along with Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), he has become a legend among the residents of Zion (a city at the center of the Earth inhabited by awake and potentially oppressed humans). While he has discovered the reality he was once blinded to, he still struggles to find his role in a prophecy that suggests he is some kind of savior. Before long, prophecy spokesman Morpheus has Neo and all of Zion believing that they have a chance to take their world back from the evil clutches of technology. Then the adventure begins as we the audience are once again taken through the world of the Matrix where we come face to face with familiar characters (the deadly Agent Smith and the wise Oracle) as well as new ones (the spunky Niobe and the mysterious Architect).

The Matrix Reloaded is certainly ambitious. In terms of scope, it's much bigger than the first. It is clear that the Wachowski Brothers have been given free reign to do pretty much whatever they want and they take full advantage. As a result, for every moment of awe-inspiring showmanship, is something that doesn't work.

The first hour of this picture (save for a nifty opening action sequence) is sluggish to say the least. I've even had people come up to me and say that the first act of this picture is downright terrible. Yes, it has a number of faults most notably a laughably bad sequence in which the residents of Zion engage in some sort of half baked tribal rave ritual. (Think Deadheads in a cavernous venue). This is followed by a Neo/Trinity romance montage that is void of anything remotely resembling passion. The entire, boring sequence takes nearly ten minutes.

Of course, if you can make it through the first hour, then you'll get to the fireworks, starting with an absolutely exhausting fight sequence between Neo and a hundred Agent Smith look-a-likes. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that it doesn't look like a world of CGI effects went into this sequence. Quite obviously, this stuff wouldn't have been possible had it not been for the advancement of effects technology. What I am going to say, is that the Wachowskis and their effects team have outdone themselves. This is probably the best fight sequence I've ever seen in a film because it's go for broke. Right at the very moment I thought the fight would come to an end, it seemed to just be getting started. Absolutely breathtaking.

Sadly, there are some martial arts sequences in the picture that push the boundaries of the audiences patience, including a lengthy kung-fu fight a top a huge, mansion staircase.

I'd also like to mention the much talked about freeway chase (the film-makers actually built their own freeway to shoot the sequence). Lasting nearly fifteen minutes, the gigantic piece features motorcycles, 16 wheelers, cars, trucks, huge explosions, and a martial arts battle atop a moving vehicle. Everything a action junkie would want in a film of this nature. And while the sequence is certainly breathtaking and impressive to look at, some of it falls flat in terms of rhythm. More than any other sequence in Matrix Reloaded, this one feels the flashiest. It's simply there to look cool.

Finally, I really loved the moments in which Neo takes flight. If I were to guess, I'd say that Warner Brothers was salivating when they saw how amazing the flying sequences in this picture look, given that their developing a new Superman film.

The Wachowski Brothers have taken The Matrix to the next proper level, but unfortunately it's not nearly as interesting. The first film had mystery and an element of intrigue. What is The Matrix? Finding out was a kick, and trying to grasp that was absolutely mind boggling. Through Neo's eyes, we the audience felt his confusion as we discovered things were not as they seemed. With The Matrix Reloaded, this cat's already out of the bag. What we're left with is Zion and it's inhabitants. Underdeveloped characters that struggle to take back their world. I never really found myself caring about these people because I don't know any of them.

This isn't to say that the entire story is a wash-out. I found the spiritual aspects of the plot interesting. The idea that Neo is some kind of Messiah and here to save humanity is interesting. I also love the world of The Matrix. When Neo, Trinity and Morpheus are actually inside the program doing their thing, this film becomes a creative burst of energy bringing to mind Tron only at a much more intricate level. And I needn't remind anyone that visual effects have come a long way since the days of the Disney cult classic. These are the most entertaining aspects of the picture because anything can happen.

So what do I think of The Matrix Reloaded as a whole? Well firstly, it should be noted that I haven't seen it as a whole yet. As I stated, Matrix Revolutions comes out this November marking the first time this sort of continuation gimmick has been used since Back to the Future 2 and 3. So consider yourself warned. The Matrix Reloaded does end with the dreaded "to be concluded" phrase.

Secondly, I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a tad disappointed by The Matrix Reloaded, particularly where the first hour is concerned. However, despite some bad directing choices by the Wachowski Brothers, this movie certainly has the "WOW" factor. There were many moments in this picture that blew me away.

It's tough to give a thorough review of Matrix Reloaded until I've seen the final chapter. After all, the Wachowksis may have more tricks up their sleeve. For all we know, all of Zion could just be an elaborate computer program. There could be a whole world of trickery here.

Back to the Future Part 2 is actually my favorite of the "Future" trilogy, but it wasn't when I first saw it. At the moment, it is clear that the first Matrix picture works best as a whole, but that might change come November.

On a final note, stick around through the end credits of Matrix Reloaded. There is a teaser trailer for Matrix Revolutions attached. I must admit. I'm looking really forward to it.