Everybody's a critic - 'The Matrix Reloaded'

Two stars (out of four)

I always regretted not seeing the original "Matrix" in the theater and was determined not to make the same mistake with the sequel. Was I disappointed! Don't get me wrong, the fight scenes are awesome, and the highway chase scene is incredible. But the story seems choppy and labored. I was very shocked and surprised by the extended sex orgy scenes, and the overt sexual innuendos. I was not expecting this, and it was not needed. I would have gladly traded these scenes for about five more good fight scenes.

I know that there are those who will say that I just don't understand the real meaning of the story, and maybe they're right. There are a lot of hidden agendas and loose ends. I understand that most of the questions will be answered in the final movie, but I would not voluntarily pay to see "The Matrix Reloaded."

- Teresia Shrum

Three stars (out of four)

"The Matrix Reloaded" is packed with innuendoes, religious overtones, quick dialogue, and the most incredible action scenes in movie history. It doesn't re-define, it defines action.

I was unsure until part-way through the movie whether the plot would come together into a coherent story line. It raises more questions than the first movie and explains that some characters from the first are not who you think. I found out who the Oracle really is (you won't believe that one), who made the matrix and why, plus there is an odd connection between the Human City of Zion and the machine world that implies more co-existence and tolerance of man/machine than an all out war.

The original cast reprises their roles with aplomb. Lawrence Fishburne is excellent as Morpheus, Keanu Reeves is much more comfortable as Neo (he reminds me of my youth).

- Eric Shrum, operations manager

Four stars (out of four)

The Wachowski brothers have done it again. "The Matrix Reloaded" is a masterpiece. The familiar scenes of action that all Matrix fans have come to expect are included in this movie. The old cast is back along with some new comrades. Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), and Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) are all veterans from the first movie. Niobe (Jada Pinknett Smith) is a new character who is relatively important.

Old enemies are back along with some new ones, and the machines have a devious new plot. However, the action does at times get predictable. The plot does have many twists, though many are confusing. These are made up for by the amount of action in the film. There is some adult content, so do not take young children.

If you like hard-core action, car chases and large amounts of guns you will love "The Matrix Reloaded."

- Chris Eddleman, Notre Dame Regional High School student