Film review - The Matrix Reloaded (15): UGC cinema, Great Park, Rubery.

THE long-awaited sequel to the 1999 box-office smash The Matrix came zipping into our cinemas at maximum speed this week but unfortunately fails to capture the imagination in the same way as the first.

The story starts off in Zion, the last human city in the real world, under threat from Sentinels that could exterminate the human resistance to the machine army and imprison mankind. It is down to Neo (Keanu Reeves) to save the human race but before doing so he must conquer his doubts and fears, including a recurring dream.

The problem with the film, directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski, is that it lacks structure. The special effects and fight scenes are fantastic, yet the plot is poorly strung together. Matrix fans will be dazzled by the action scenes but may leave the cinema feeling a little deflated.

LH