Editing The Matrix Reloaded

{{Short description|2003 film by the Wachowskis}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox film
| name                 = The Matrix Reloaded
| image                = Poster - The Matrix Reloaded.jpg
| caption              = Theatrical release poster
| director             = [[The Wachowskis]]<!--Do not change without consensus. See [[Talk:The Matrix (franchise)#Request for Comment - Crediting The Wachowskis]]. -->{{efn|name=Credited|Credited as ''The Wachowski Brothers''.}}
| producer             = [[Joel Silver]]
| writer               = The Wachowskis
| based_on             = [[List of Matrix series characters|Characters]]<br />by The Wachowskis
| starring             = {{Plain list|
* [[Keanu Reeves]]
* [[Laurence Fishburne]]
* [[Carrie-Anne Moss]]
* [[Hugo Weaving]]
* [[Jada Pinkett Smith]]
* [[Gloria Foster]]
}}
| music                = [[Don Davis (composer)|Don Davis]]
| cinematography       = [[Bill Pope]]
| editing              = [[Zach Staenberg]]
| production_companies = {{Plain list|
* [[Warner Bros. Pictures]]
* [[Village Roadshow Pictures]]
* NPV Entertainment
* [[Silver Pictures]]
}}
| distributor          = Warner Bros. Pictures
| released             = {{Film date|2003|05|07|[[Mann Village Theatre, Westwood|Mann Village Theatre]]|2003|05|15|United States}}
| runtime              = 138 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 138:09--><ref>{{cite web |title=The Matrix Reloaded |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/matrix-reloaded-5 |publisher=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |access-date=September 15, 2013 |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314004855/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/matrix-reloaded-5 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| country              = United States<ref name="Lumiere">{{cite web |title=''The Matrix Reloaded'' (2003) |url=http://lumiere.obs.coe.int/web/film_info/?id=20034 |publisher=[[Lumiere (database)|Lumiere]] |access-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-date=December 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224120805/http://lumiere.obs.coe.int/web/film_info/?id=20034 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Matrix Reloaded, The|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/445337/the-matrix-reloaded|website=Turner Classic Movies|publisher=Turner Classic Movies|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809034114/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/445337/Matrix-Reloaded-The/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| language             = English
| budget               =  $127<ref name="Allmovie (2010, The Matrix Reloaded)">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-matrix-reloaded-v279420|title=The Matrix Reloaded (2003) - Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski - Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related|website=AllMovie|access-date=October 8, 2017|archive-date=April 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425044530/http://www.allmovie.com/work/the-matrix-reloaded-279420|url-status=live}}</ref>–150<ref name="BOM">{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0234215/ |title=The Matrix Reloaded (2003) |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |access-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410185339/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0234215/ |url-status=live }}</ref> million
| gross                = $741.8 million<ref name="BOM"/>
}}

'''''The Matrix Reloaded''''' is a 2003 American [[science fiction film|science fiction]] [[action film]] written and directed by [[the Wachowskis]].{{efn|name=Credited}}<!--Do not change without consensus. See [[Talk:The Matrix (franchise)#Request for Comment - Crediting The Wachowskis]]. --> It is the sequel to ''[[The Matrix]]'' (1999) and the second installment in the [[The Matrix (franchise)|''Matrix'' film series]]. The film stars [[Keanu Reeves]], [[Laurence Fishburne]], [[Carrie-Anne Moss]], [[Hugo Weaving]], and [[Gloria Foster]] who reprise their roles from the previous film, with [[Jada Pinkett Smith]] joining the cast. In the film, [[Neo (The Matrix)|Neo]], [[Morpheus (The Matrix)|Morpheus]], and [[Trinity (The Matrix)|Trinity]] attempt to reach the Source of the Matrix to end the war as Zion prepares for an invasion from the machines.

The film premiered on May 7, 2003, in [[Westwood, Los Angeles, California]], and had its [[Wide release|worldwide release]] by [[Warner Bros. Pictures]] on May 15, 2003, including a screening out of competition at the [[2003 Cannes Film Festival]].<ref name="festival-cannes.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/films/the-matrix-reloaded |title=The Matrix Reloaded - Festival de Cannes |access-date=August 22, 2019 |work=festival-cannes.com |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822162638/https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/films/the-matrix-reloaded |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[video game]] ''[[Enter the Matrix]]'' and ''[[The Animatrix]]'', a collection of short animations, supported and expanded the film's story.

The film received generally positive reviews from critics, although most felt it inferior to the first film. It grossed $741.8 million worldwide, breaking ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''{{'}}s record for becoming the [[List of highest-grossing R-rated films|highest-grossing R-rated film]] of all time, until ''[[Deadpool (film)|Deadpool]]'' surpassed it in 2016. In addition to being the highest-grossing film in the franchise, it was the [[2003 in film#Highest-grossing films|third-highest-grossing film of 2003]], behind ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'' and ''[[Finding Nemo]]''.<ref name="GenreHistory">{{cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/the-matrix-reloaded-premiere-wachowskis|title=This Week in Genre History: The Matrix Reloaded fires into theaters and crushes the box office|date=May 13, 2020|access-date=February 3, 2022|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203180046/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/the-matrix-reloaded-premiere-wachowskis|url-status=live}}</ref> A direct sequel titled ''[[The Matrix Revolutions]]'' was released six months later on November 5, 2003.

==Plot==
<!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summaries for feature films should be between 400 to 700 words. Please check the word count before making any additions. Word COunt as of march 8, 2025: 679-->
Six months after escaping the Matrix{{efn|as depicted in ''[[The Matrix (film)]]'' 1999}}, [[Neo (The Matrix)|Neo]] and [[Trinity (The Matrix)|Trinity]] are now romantically involved. [[Morpheus (The Matrix)|Morpheus]] receives a message from Captain [[Niobe (The Matrix)|Niobe]] of the ''Logos'' calling an emergency meeting of all ships of [[Zion (The Matrix)|Zion]]. An army of Sentinels is tunneling towards Zion and will reach it within 72 hours. [[List of minor characters in the Matrix series#Lock|Commander Lock]] orders all ships to return to Zion to prepare, but Morpheus asks one ship to remain to contact the [[The Oracle (The Matrix)|Oracle]]. Within the Matrix, the lone ship's crew is encountered by the former [[Agent (The Matrix)|Agent]] [[Agent Smith|Smith]], who copies himself over the body of crew member [[Bane (The Matrix)|Bane]] and uses the phone line to leave the Matrix.

In Zion, Morpheus announces the news of the advancing machines. The ''Nebuchadnezzar'' leaves Zion and enters the Matrix, where Neo meets the Oracle's bodyguard [[Seraph (The Matrix)|Seraph]], who leads him to her. The Oracle reveals that she is part of the Matrix and instructs Neo to reach its Source with the help of the [[Keymaker (The Matrix)|Keymaker]]. As the Oracle departs, Smith appears, telling Neo that he became a [[malware|rogue program]] after being defeated by him. He demonstrates his ability to clone himself over other inhabitants of the Matrix, including the new upgraded Agents. He tries to take over Neo's body but fails, prompting a battle between Neo and many copies of Smith. Neo defends himself, but is forced to retreat.

Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity visit the [[Merovingian (The Matrix)|Merovingian]], who is imprisoning the Keymaker. The Merovingian, a rogue program with his own agenda, refuses to let him go. His wife [[Persephone (The Matrix)|Persephone]], seeking revenge on her husband for his infidelity, leads the trio to the Keymaker. Morpheus, Trinity, and the Keymaker flee while Neo holds off the Merovingian's henchmen. Morpheus and Trinity try to escape with the Keymaker, pursued by several Agents and the Merovingian's chief henchmen, [[Twins (The Matrix)|the Twins]]. After a long chase, Trinity escapes, Morpheus defeats the Twins, and Neo saves Morpheus and the Keymaker from Agent Johnson.

The crews of the ''Nebuchadnezzar'', ''Vigilant'', and ''Logos'' help the Keymaker and Neo reach the Source. The ''Logos'' crew must destroy a power plant and the ''Vigilant'' crew must disable a back-up power station to bypass a security system, allowing Neo to enter the Source. Haunted by a vision of Trinity's death, he asks her to remain on the ''Nebuchadnezzar''. The ''Logos'' is successful, but the ''Vigilant'' is destroyed by a Sentinel. Trinity replaces the ''Vigilant'' crew and completes their mission. Agent Thompson corners her and they fight. As Neo, Morpheus, and the Keymaker try to reach the Source, the Smiths ambush them. The Keymaker is killed after unlocking the door to the Source for Neo.

Neo meets a program called the [[Architect (The Matrix)|Architect]], the creator of the Matrix, who explains that, as the One, Neo is an intentional part of the design of the Matrix, which is now in its sixth iteration. Neo is meant to stop the Matrix's fatal system crash that naturally recurs due to humans' free will, leading to dozens of humans gradually refusing to accept the simulation. As with the five previous Ones, Neo has a choice: either reboot the Matrix from the Source and pick a handful of survivors to repopulate the soon-to-be-destroyed Zion, as his predecessors all did, or go to save the imperiled Trinity, causing the Matrix to crash and killing everyone in it. Neo chooses the latter, prompting a dismissive response from the Architect.

Neo's vision of Trinity comes true as she is shot by Agent Thompson while falling off a building. Before she hits the ground, Neo arrives and catches her. He then removes the bullet from her chest and restarts her heart. They return to the real world, where Sentinels attack them. The ''Nebuchadnezzar'' is destroyed, but the crew escapes. As the Sentinels catch up to them, Neo realizes he can sense the machines in the real world, and telepathically destroys them but falls into a coma. The crew are picked up by another ship, the ''Mjolnir''. The ''Mjolnir'''s captain reveals that the machines wiped other ships defending Zion after someone prematurely activated an [[Electromagnetic pulse|EMP]]. Only one survivor was found: the Smith-possessed Bane, who lies beside Neo in the medical bay, also unconscious.

==Cast==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Keanu Reeves]] as [[Neo (The Matrix)|Neo]]
* [[Laurence Fishburne]] as [[Morpheus (The Matrix)|Morpheus]]
* [[Carrie-Anne Moss]] as [[Trinity (The Matrix)|Trinity]]
* [[Hugo Weaving]] as [[Agent Smith|Smith]]
* [[Jada Pinkett Smith]] as [[Niobe (The Matrix)|Niobe]]
* [[Harold Perrineau]] as Link
* [[Gloria Foster]] as the [[The Oracle (The Matrix)|Oracle]]
* [[Randall Duk Kim]] as the [[Keymaker]]
* [[Monica Bellucci]] as [[Persephone (The Matrix)|Persephone]]
* [[Lambert Wilson]] as the Merovingian
* [[Helmut Bakaitis]] as the Architect
* [[Nathaniel Lees]] as Captain Mifune
* Neil and Adrian Rayment as the [[Twins (The Matrix)|Twins]]
* [[Daniel Bernhardt]] as Agent Johnson
* [[Leigh Whannell]] as Axel
* [[Collin Chou]] as Seraph
* [[Nona Gaye]] as Zee
* [[Gina Torres]] as Cas
* Donald Anjaya Batte as Vector
* [[Anthony Zerbe]] as Councillor Hamann
* [[Roy Jones Jr.]] as Captain Ballard
* David A. Kilde as Agent Jackson
* [[Matt McColm]] as Agent Thompson
* [[Harry Lennix]] as Commander Lock
* [[Cornel West]] as Councillor West
* [[Steve Bastoni]] as Captain Soren
* [[Anthony Brandon Wong|Anthony Wong]] as Ghost
* [[Ian Bliss]] as Bane
* [[Clayton Watson]] as the Kid
* [[Malcolm Kennard]] as Abel
* [[Genevieve O’Reilly]] as Officer Wirtz
* [[Tory Mussett]] as Beautiful Woman at Le Vrai
* [[Essie Davis]] as [[List of minor characters in the Matrix series#Maggie|Maggie]] 
}}

Zee was originally played by [[Aaliyah]], who died in a plane crash on August 25, 2001, before filming was complete, requiring her scenes to be reshot with Nona Gaye.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/aaliyah-755377.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100606064412/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/aaliyah-755377.html| archive-date=2010-06-06 | location=London | work=The Independent | title=Aaliyah | url-status=dead| date=August 27, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/27/aaliyah.obit/ |title=Aaliyah: A 'beautiful person's' life cut short |publisher=Archives.cnn.com |date=2001-08-27 |access-date=2015-02-08 |archive-date=October 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018174309/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/27/aaliyah.obit/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Pinkett Smith declined her role in ''[[Nutty Professor II: The Klumps]]'' in order to star in ''The Matrix Reloaded''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/wasnt-jada-pinkett-smith-nutty-professor-2.html/|title=Why Wasn't Jada Pinkett Smith in 'The Nutty Professor 2'?|date=July 8, 2021|access-date=June 12, 2023|archive-date=June 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612170331/https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/wasnt-jada-pinkett-smith-nutty-professor-2.html/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Jet Li]] was offered the role of Seraph, but turned it down as he did not want his martial arts moves digitally recorded.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3028904/jet-li-says-he-rejected-matrix-because-he-didnt-want-his-kung-fu|title = Jet Li says he rejected the Matrix because he didn't want his kung fu moves digitally recorded|date = October 18, 2018|access-date = March 11, 2022|archive-date = March 11, 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220311185735/https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3028904/jet-li-says-he-rejected-matrix-because-he-didnt-want-his-kung-fu|url-status = live}}</ref>

==Production==
[[File:Icons of Science Fiction - Matrix, Neo's coat (15815781261).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|The coat that Neo wears in the Matrix]]

===Filming===
''The Matrix Reloaded'' was mostly filmed at [[Fox Studios Australia|Fox Studios]] in [[Australia]]. Filming began on March 1, 2001 and ended on August 21, 2002, concurrently with the filming of the second sequel, ''[[The Matrix Revolutions|Revolutions]]'' and the live-action footage for the ''[[Enter the Matrix]]'' video game. The [[freeway]] chase and "Burly Brawl" scenes were filmed at the decommissioned [[Naval Air Station Alameda]] in [[Alameda, California]]. The producers constructed a 1.5-mile freeway on the old runways specifically for the film. Some portions of the chase were also filmed in [[Oakland, California]], and the tunnel shown briefly is the [[Webster Tube]], which connects Oakland and Alameda. Some post-production editing was also done in old aircraft hangars on the base. The city of [[Akron, Ohio]] was willing to give full access to [[Ohio State Route 59|Route 59]], the stretch of freeway known as the "Innerbelt", for filming of the freeway chase when it was under consideration. However, producers decided against this as "the time to reset all the cars in their start position would take too long".<ref name=job>{{cite web |url=http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4021949&src=News |title=Chasing the Stars: Carmakers in Movies |publisher=MSN.com |first=Ann |last=Job |access-date=2005-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306233023/http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4021949&src=News |archive-date=March 6, 2005 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[General Motors]] was hired to donate over 300 cars to be used during production, destroying them for the sake of creating art.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorbiscuit.com/300-gm-cars-completely-destroyed-during-matrix-reloaded-highway-chase-scene/|title=Over 300 GM Cars Were Completely Destroyed During 'The Matrix Reloaded' Highway Chase Scene|date=March 10, 2022|access-date=July 5, 2022|archive-date=May 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518041436/https://www.motorbiscuit.com/300-gm-cars-completely-destroyed-during-matrix-reloaded-highway-chase-scene/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[MythBusters]]'' would later reuse the Alameda location in order to explore the effects of a head-on collision between two semi trucks, and to perform various other experiments. It took 27 days to film the Burly Brawl sequence, which was combined with [[motion capture]] and [[computer-generated imagery|CGI]].<ref name="CrazySecrets">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/matrix-reloaded-secrets-behind-scenes-trivia/|title=16 Crazy Secrets Behind The Matrix Reloaded|website=[[Screen Rant]]|date=April 7, 2018|access-date=July 5, 2022|archive-date=July 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705191237/https://screenrant.com/matrix-reloaded-secrets-behind-scenes-trivia/|url-status=live}}</ref> This would become one of the most expensive action scenes, costing $40 million to make.<ref name="ExpensiveAction">{{cite web|url=https://www.cinelinx.com/movie-news/movie-stuff/the-ten-most-expensive-action-scenes-in-film-so-far/|title=The Ten Most Expensive Action Scenes in Film (So Far)|date=May 15, 2019|access-date=July 5, 2022|archive-date=July 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705191816/https://www.cinelinx.com/movie-news/movie-stuff/the-ten-most-expensive-action-scenes-in-film-so-far/|url-status=live}}</ref> Around 97% of the materials from the sets of the film were [[recycled]] after production was completed; for example, tons of wood were sent to [[Mexico]] to build [[low-income housing]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/11/14/hollywood.pollution.ap/index.html  |title=Hollywood smog an inconvenient truth |publisher=Associated Press (CNN.com) |date=November 14, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061215051825/http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/11/14/hollywood.pollution.ap/index.html |archive-date = December 15, 2006}}</ref>

===Visual effects===
Following the success of the previous film, the Wachowskis came up with extremely difficult action sequences, such as the Burly Brawl, a scene in which Neo had to fight 100 Agent Smiths. To develop technologies for the film, Warner Bros. launched ESC Entertainment.<ref name="Wired VFX" >{{cite magazine | url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.05/matrix2_pr.html | title=Matrix<sup>2</sup> | magazine=Wired | access-date=December 25, 2012 | author=Silberman, Steve | archive-date=January 15, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115105744/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.05/matrix2_pr.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The ESC team tried to figure out how to bring the Wachowskis' vision to the screen, but because bullet time required arrays of carefully aligned cameras and months of planning, even for a brief scene featuring two or three actors, a scene like the Burly Brawl seemed almost impossible as envisioned and could take years to composite. Eventually [[John Gaeta]] realized that the technology he and his crew had developed for ''The Matrix''{{'}}s [[bullet time]] was no longer sufficient and concluded they needed a [[virtuality|virtual]] [[camera]] (in other words, a [[simulation]] of a camera). Having before used real photographs of buildings as texture for 3D models in ''The Matrix'', the team started digitizing all data, such as scenes, characters' motions, or even the reflectivity of Neo's [[cassock]]. The [[reflection (computer graphics)|reflectivity]] of objects needs to be [[Bidirectional scattering distribution function|captured and simulated adequately]] and [[Paul Debevec]] et al. captured the reflectance of the [[human face]] and Borshukov's work was strongly based on the findings of Debevec et al. They developed "Universal Capture", a process which samples and stores facial details and expressions at high resolution, then capture expressions from Reeves and Weaving using [[Motion capture#Markerless|dense capture]] and [[multi-camera setup]] (similar to the bullet time rig) [[photogrammetry|photogrammetric]] capture [[Art techniques and materials|technique]] called [[optical flow]].<ref name="Deb2005">{{cite book | last = Debevec | first = Paul | author2 = J. P. Lewis | chapter = Realistic human face rendering for "The Matrix Reloaded" | pages = 13–es | publisher = ACM | year = 2005 | chapter-url = http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1198593 | doi = 10.1145/1198555.1198593 | access-date = 2013-08-10 | title = ACM SIGGRAPH 2005 Courses on - SIGGRAPH '05 | isbn = 9781450378338 | s2cid = 53235122 | archive-date = July 15, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170715075820/http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1198593 | url-status = live }}</ref> The algorithm for Universal Capture was written by George Borshukov, visual effects lead at ESC, who had also created the photo-realistic buildings for the visual effects in ''The Matrix''. With this collected wealth of data and the right algorithms, they finally were able to create [[virtual cinematography]] in which characters, locations, and events can all be created digitally and viewed through virtual cameras, eliminating the restrictions of real cameras, years of compositing data, and replacing the use of still camera arrays or, in some scenes, cameras altogether. The ESC team rendered the final effects using the program [[Mental Ray]].<ref name="Wired VFX" />

===Music===
{{See also|The Matrix Reloaded: The Album|The Matrix Reloaded (score)}}
[[Don Davis (composer)|Don Davis]], who composed for ''The Matrix'', returned to score ''Reloaded''. For many of the pivotal action sequences, such as the "Burly Brawl", he collaborated with [[Juno Reactor]]. Some of the collaborative cues by Davis and Juno Reactor are extensions of material by Juno Reactor; for example, a version of "Komit" featuring Davis' strings is used during a flying sequence, and "Burly Brawl" is essentially a combination of Davis' unused "Multiple Replication" and a piece similar to Juno Reactor's "Masters of the Universe". One of the collaborations, "[[Mona Lisa Overdrive (song)|Mona Lisa Overdrive]]", is titled in reference to the [[cyberpunk]] [[Mona Lisa Overdrive|novel of the same name]] by [[William Gibson]], a major influence on the directors.

[[Leitmotif]]s established in ''The Matrix'' return — such as the Matrix main theme, Neo and Trinity's love theme, the Sentinel's theme, Neo's flying theme, and a more frequent use of the four-note Agent Smith theme — and others used in ''Revolutions'' are established.

As with its predecessor, many tracks by external musicians are featured in the movie, its closing credits, and the soundtrack album, some of which were written for the film. Many of the musicians featured, for example [[Rob Zombie]], [[Rage Against the Machine]] and [[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]], had also appeared on the soundtrack for ''The Matrix''. [[Rob Dougan]] also re-contributed, licensing the instrumental version of "[[Furious Angels]]", as well as being commissioned to provide an original track, ultimately scoring the battle in the Merovingian's chateau. A remixed version of "[[Slap It (Fluke song)|Slap It]]" by electronic artist [[Fluke (band)|Fluke]] — listed on the soundtrack as "Zion" — was used during the rave scene.

[[Linkin Park]] contributed their instrumental song "Session" to the film as well, although it did not appear during the course of the film. [[P.O.D.]] composed a song called "[[Sleeping Awake]]", with a [[music video]] which focused heavily on Neo, as well as many images that were part of the film. Both songs played during the film's credits.

It was originally planned for the electronic band [[Röyksopp]] to create the soundtrack, but this offer was turned down.<ref>"[http://www.fib.no/en/News-2015/Kafka-feat-Royksopp-at-the-Bergen-International-Festival/ Kafka feat. Röyksopp at the Bergen International Festival] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906154055/http://www.fib.no/en/News-2015/Kafka-feat-Royksopp-at-the-Bergen-International-Festival/ |date=September 6, 2017 }}". Bergen International Festival. 2015</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
''The Matrix Reloaded'' earned an estimated $5 million during Wednesday night previews in the United States and Canada. It grossed $37.5 million on its Thursday opening day from 3,603 theaters, which was the second-highest opening day after ''[[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]''{{'}}s $39.4 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB105312617241241200|title='Matrix Reloaded' Sales Hit $37.5 Million on 1st Day|newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=May 17, 2003 |access-date=November 19, 2022|archive-date=November 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119214253/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB105312617241241200|url-status=live}}</ref> The film earned $91.7 million during its opening weekend and $134.3 million in its first four days, including the previews.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2003&wknd=20&p=.htm|title=Weekend Box Office Results for May 16-18, 2003 - Box Office Mojo|website=Boxofficemojo.com|access-date=October 8, 2017|archive-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008232359/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/?yr=2003&wknd=20&p=.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> This made it not only the second-highest opening weekend of all time, but also the biggest opening weekend for any [[Warner Bros.]] film, beating ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)|Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-19-et-horn19-story.html|title='Matrix' sequel is big but no match for 'Spider-Man'|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=May 19, 2003|access-date=April 6, 2022|archive-date=April 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406152204/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-19-et-horn19-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> For six years, the film would hold the record for having the largest number of screenings for an R-rated film until the opening of ''[[Watchmen (2009 film)|Watchmen]]'' in March 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://movieweb.com/watchmen-gets-biggest-r-rated-rollout/|title=Watchmen Gets Biggest R-Rated Rollout!|date=March 5, 2009|access-date=June 21, 2022|archive-date=June 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602094904/https://movieweb.com/watchmen-gets-biggest-r-rated-rollout/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Matrix Reloaded'' also surpassed ''[[Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones]]'' to have the highest Thursday opening.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed1031013380/|title='Matrix' Loads Massive Opening Day|first=Brandon|last=Gray|publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=April 6, 2022|archive-date=April 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406152904/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed1031013380/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BreaksRecords">{{cite magazine|last=Karger|first=Dave|title=''Matrix Reloaded'' breaks box office records|url=https://ew.com/article/2003/05/16/matrix-reloaded-breaks-box-office-records/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=March 1, 2022|date=May 16, 2003|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203174543/https://ew.com/article/2003/05/16/matrix-reloaded-breaks-box-office-records/|url-status=live}}</ref> It would hold this record for two years until it was taken by ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith]]'' in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1824 |title='Sith' Destroys Single Day Record |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |date=May 20, 2005 |access-date=August 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216151031/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=1824 |archive-date=December 16, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, the film had the highest opening weekend for an R-rated film, overturning the previous record held by ''[[Hannibal (2001 film)|Hannibal]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108202603/reloaded-sets-r-rated-record/ |title='Reloaded' sets R-rated record |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107214658/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/108202603/reloaded-sets-r-rated-record/ |date=May 19, 2003 |access-date=November 7, 2022 |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |page=1 |publisher=[[Daily Press (Virginia)|Daily Press]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="BreaksRecords" /> With a total gross of $146.9 million, ''The Matrix Reloaded'' held the record for having the biggest six-day opening until 2004, when it was surpassed by ''[[Spider-Man 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/06/movies/spider-man-gives-the-summer-one-of-its-few-box-office-hits.html|title='Spider-Man' Gives the Summer One of Its Few Box Office Hits|date=July 6, 2004|first=Sharon|last=Waxman|website=[[The New York Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326065712/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/06/movies/spider-man-gives-the-summer-one-of-its-few-box-office-hits.html|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=December 30, 2020}}</ref>

In its second weekend, it would be overtaken by ''[[Bruce Almighty]]'', earning a 4-day [[Memorial Day]] weekend gross of $45.6 million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulsa-world-bruce-almighty-topples-ma/160482358/ |title='Bruce Almighty' topples 'Matrix Reloaded' at weekend box office
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207195023/https://www.newspapers.com/article/tulsa-world-bruce-almighty-topples-ma/160482358/ |date=May 27, 2003 |access-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-date=December 7, 2024 |page=36 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=[[Tulsa World]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> Then, ''The Matrix Reloaded'' collected $15.6 million for its third weekend, ranking fourth behind the latter film, ''[[Finding Nemo]]'' and ''[[The Italian Job (2003 film)|The Italian Job]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Breznican |first=Anthony |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98992509/nemo-sinks-bruce-at-box-office/ |title='Nemo' sinks 'Bruce' at box office |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403180509/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98992509/nemo-sinks-bruce-at-box-office/ |date=June 2, 2003 |access-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |page=26 |work=The Associated Press |publisher=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |url-status=live}} {{Open access}}</ref> The opening weekend represented roughly 60% of that weekend's box-office tally, but some box-office prognosticators noted it fell short of lofty expectations set by some in the industry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-10-07 |title=The Weekend Report - by Leonard Klady |url=http://www.moviecitynews.com/columnists/klady/2003/030518.html |access-date=2022-02-13 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007003308/http://www.moviecitynews.com/columnists/klady/2003/030518.html |archive-date=7 October 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Overall, the film would maintain the highest May opening weekend for Warner Bros. until it was beaten by ''[[Godzilla (2014 film)|Godzilla]]'' a decade later in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/godzilla-breathes-93-million-atomic-heat-at-box-office/|title='Godzilla' Breathes $93 Million Atomic Heat at Box Office|date=May 18, 2014 }}</ref> ''The Matrix Reloaded'' and ''Finding Nemo'' both teamed up with ''Bruce Almighty'', ''X2'' and ''[[Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl]]'' to become the first five films to make $200 million at the box office in a single summer season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Analysis: Hollywood's hot summer |url=https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2003/09/02/Analysis-Hollywoods-hot-summer/47631062534986/ |access-date=1 March 2022 |work=[[United Press International]] |date=2 September 2003 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301174947/https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2003/09/02/Analysis-Hollywoods-hot-summer/47631062534986/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This was also the fourth R-rated film to cross that mark, just after ''[[Beverly Hills Cop]]'', ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' and ''[[Saving Private Ryan]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-may-13-fi-matrix13-story.html|title='Matrix' Reloaded and Set to Shatter Records|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=May 13, 2003|access-date=June 21, 2022|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220031952/http://articles.latimes.com/2003/may/13/business/fi-matrix13|url-status=live}}</ref> It would remain as the year's top-grossing film until ''Finding Nemo'' overtook it in July.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2003/07/t3-terminates-competition-nemo-beats-neo/|title=T3 Terminates Competition, Nemo Beats Neo|date=July 7, 2003|access-date=November 11, 2022|archive-date=November 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111234329/https://www.animationmagazine.net/2003/07/t3-terminates-competition-nemo-beats-neo/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Internationally, ''The Matrix Reloaded'' opened in 13 territories, including Australia and France, and grossed $37.5 million in its first week.<ref name="intl1">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title='Matrix' does brisk biz in 13 territories|first=Michaela|last=Boland|page=16|date=May 26, 2003}}</ref> It expanded to most international territories (62) the following weekend, except Japan and India, and became the first movie to earn more than $100 million outside the U.S. in one weekend, taking its overseas total to $176 million and worldwide total to $385 million.<ref name="intl1" /><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title='Reloaded' crosses global $100 mil mark|first=Michaela|last=Boland|page=14|date=June 2, 2003}}</ref> Grossing over $113.2 million, the film scored the highest international opening weekend, breaking the previous record held by ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/matrix-reloaded-passes-100m-abroad-in-record-time/4013641.article|title=Matrix Reloaded passes $100m abroad in record time|access-date=March 23, 2022|archive-date=March 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321010254/https://www.screendaily.com/matrix-reloaded-passes-100m-abroad-in-record-time/4013641.article|url-status=live}}</ref> In Japan, it had the biggest opening of any film in the country, earning $18 million and smashing the previous record held by ''[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)|Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 9, 2003 |title=Matrix breaks Japanese record |publisher=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2975050.stm |access-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418213654/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2975050.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> It was also the country's highest-grossing R-rated film until ''[[The Last Samurai]]'' surpassed it in early 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/the-last-samurai-smashes-through-250m-barrier/4017220.article|title=The Last Samurai smashes through $250m barrier}}</ref> There were other opening records in Russia and South Korea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/the-matrix-reloaded-passes-international-100m-mark-in-record-time/4013639.article|title=The Matrix Reloaded passes international $100m mark in record time|access-date=April 18, 2022|archive-date=April 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418213105/https://www.screendaily.com/the-matrix-reloaded-passes-international-100m-mark-in-record-time/4013639.article|url-status=live}}</ref> The Japan and South Korea opening records were both given to ''[[Spider-Man 3]]'' in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/spider-man-shatters-records-with-375m-global-opening/4032220.article|title=Spider-Man shatters records with $375m global opening|access-date=March 19, 2022|archive-date=March 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319221933/https://www.screendaily.com/spider-man-shatters-records-with-375m-global-opening/4032220.article|url-status=live}}</ref> In the United Kingdom, the film topped the box office for four weeks until it was overtaken by ''[[2 Fast 2 Furious]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/2-fast-two-french-ride-into-uk-cinemas/4013975.article|title=2 Fast, two French ride into UK cinemas|access-date=May 16, 2023|archive-date=November 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117205254/https://www.screendaily.com/2-fast-two-french-ride-into-uk-cinemas/4013975.article|url-status=live}}</ref>

The film ultimately grossed $281.6 million in the US, and $739.4 million worldwide, becoming the [[2003 in film#Highest-grossing films|third-highest-grossing film of 2003]], after ''Finding Nemo'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]''.<ref name="GenreHistory" /> It would have the highest domestic gross for an R-rated film until it was taken by ''[[The Passion of the Christ]]'' the next year.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Karger|first=Dave|title=''The Passion'' raises another $31.7 million|url=https://ew.com/article/2004/03/13/passion-raises-another-317-million/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 20, 2022|date=March 13, 2004|archive-date=May 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524165241/https://ew.com/article/2004/03/13/passion-raises-another-317-million/|url-status=live}}</ref> For over a decade, ''The Matrix Reloaded'' held the record for being the highest-grossing R-rated film worldwide before ''[[Deadpool (film)|Deadpool]]'' took it 13 years later.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Coggan|first=Devan|title='Deadpool': Highest-grossing R-rated movie ever|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/03/29/deadpool-box-office-highest-grossing-r-rated-movie/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=May 20, 2022|date=March 29, 2016|archive-date=May 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528172431/https://ew.com/article/2016/03/29/deadpool-box-office-highest-grossing-r-rated-movie/|url-status=live}}</ref> The film sold an estimated 46,695,900 tickets in North America.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=July 13, 2016|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=matrixreloaded.htm&adjust_yr=1&p=.htm|title=The Matrix Reloaded (2003)|website=Box Office Mojo|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817072717/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=matrixreloaded.htm&adjust_yr=1&p=.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Following re-releases, the worldwide gross of the film is $741.8 million.<ref name="BOM" />

===Critical response===
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]], the film holds an approval rating of 74% based on 246 reviews, and an average score of 6.80/10. The site's critical consensus states: "Though its heady themes are a departure from its predecessor, ''The Matrix Reloaded'' is a worthy sequel packed with popcorn-friendly thrills."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/matrix_reloaded |title=''The Matrix Reloaded'' (2003) |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |publisher=[[Fandango Media|Fandango]] |access-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712172810/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/matrix_reloaded |url-status=live }}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a [[weighted average]] score 62 out of 100 based on 40 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-matrix-reloaded |title=''The Matrix Reloaded'' Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 9, 2016 |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917020208/http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-matrix-reloaded |url-status=live }}</ref> Audiences polled by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale, a grade down from the "A−" earned by the previous film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemascore.com/|title=Find CinemaScore|format=Type "Matrix" in the search box|publisher=[[CinemaScore]]|access-date=April 26, 2020|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413083139/https://www.cinemascore.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Positive comments from critics included commendation for the quality and intensity of its action sequences,<ref>{{cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Todd |date=May 7, 2003 |title=''The Matrix Reloaded'' |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=review&reviewid=VE1117920694&categoryid=31&cs=1 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 12, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100430154655/http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=review&reviewid=VE1117920694&categoryid=31&cs=1 |archive-date=30 April 2010}}</ref> and its intelligence.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/movies/article/Matrix-fans-can-t-afford-to-miss-Reloaded-1114604.php |title='Matrix' fans can't afford to miss 'Reloaded' |newspaper=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |date=May 14, 2003 |first=William |last=Arnold |access-date=July 12, 2007 |archive-date=October 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021191536/http://www.seattlepi.com/ae/movies/article/Matrix-fans-can-t-afford-to-miss-Reloaded-1114604.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Tony Toscano of Talking Pictures had high praise for the film, saying that "its character development and writing...is so crisp it crackles on the screen" and that "''Matrix Reloaded'' re-establishes the genre and even raises the bar a notch or two" above the first film, ''The Matrix''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/click/movie-1122457/reviews.php?critic=columns&sortby=default&page=3&rid=1140415 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310233205/http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/click/movie-1122457/reviews.php?critic=columns&sortby=default&page=3&rid=1140415 | archive-date=March 10, 2007| title=The Matrix Reloaded (2003) movie review |website=Rotten Tomatoes |date=May 20, 2003 |first=Tony |last=Toscano |access-date=July 12, 2007}}</ref> [[Roger Ebert]] of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' also commended the film, giving it three and a half stars out of four. He described it as "an immensely skillful sci-fi adventure, combining the usual elements: heroes and villains, special effects and stunts, chases and explosions, romance and oratory" and praised the fact that "it develops its world with more detail than the first movie was able to afford, gives us our first glimpse of the underground human city of Zion, burrows closer to the heart of the secret of the Matrix, and promotes its hero, Neo, from confused draftee to a Christ figure in training." He also compared the choreography of the "Burly Brawl" fight to that of [[Yuen Woo-ping]] in the 2000 film ''[[Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon]]'', and called the scene "one of the three great set pieces in the movie" (along with Morpheus' announcement to the people of Zion and the freeway chase).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-matrix-reloaded-2003 |title=The Matrix Reloaded movie review (2003) |website=RogerEbert.com |date=May 14, 2003 |first=Roger |last=Ebert |access-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411153547/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-matrix-reloaded-2003 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Negative comments included the sentiment that the plot was alienating,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101030519-450996,00.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050305172252/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101030519-450996,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 5, 2005 | title=The Matrix Reboots |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|TIME]]|date=May 11, 2003 |first=Richard |last=Schickel |access-date=July 12, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://ae.miami.com/entertainment/ui/miami/movie.html?id=95606&reviewId=12076 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030812071056/http://ae.miami.com/entertainment/ui/miami/movie.html?id=95606&reviewId=12076 | archive-date=August 12, 2003| title=Sequelitis infects 'Matrix Reloaded' with talk - lots of it |newspaper=[[Miamiherald.com]] |date=May 14, 2003 |first=Rene |last=Rodriguez |access-date=July 12, 2007}}</ref> with some critics regarding the focus on the action as a detriment to the film's human elements.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0516/p15s02-almo.html |title=Ready for a Neo world order? |website=[[csmonitor.com]] |date=May 16, 2003 |first=David |last=Sterritt |access-date=July 12, 2007 |archive-date=June 12, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612030409/http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0516/p15s02-almo.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-matrix-reloaded-1798198595 |title=''The Matrix Reloaded'' review |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=May 13, 2003 |first=Nathan |last=Rabin |access-date=July 12, 2007 |archive-date=February 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215041210/http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-matrix-reloaded,5628/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Some critics thought that the number of scenes with [[Exposition (narrative)|expository dialogue]] worked against the film,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/v279420/review |title=''The Matrix Reloaded'' review |website=[[AllMovie]] |first=Skyler |last=Miller |access-date=July 9, 2016 |archive-date=August 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814150612/http://www.allmovie.com/movie/v279420/review |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/film/2003-05-16/the-matrix-reloaded/ |title=''The Matrix Reloaded'' review |newspaper=[[The Austin Chronicle]] |first=Marc |last=Savlov |date=May 16, 2003 |access-date=July 12, 2007 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817003944/http://www.austinchronicle.com/calendar/film/2003-05-16/the-matrix-reloaded/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the many unresolved subplots, as well as the [[cliffhanger]] ending, were also criticized.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/movies/mmx-030514-moviesreviewmatrixreloadedmc,0,1704389.story?coll=mmx-movies_top_heds | title=Movie review: 'The Matrix Reloaded' |website=[[Metromix]] |date=June 11, 2003 |first=Mark |last=Caro |access-date=July 12, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071230193732/http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/movies/mmx-030514-moviesreviewmatrixreloadedmc,0,1704389.story?coll=mmx-movies_top_heds <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = December 30, 2007}}</ref> Other criticisms included the film's perceived lack of pacing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2003/05/15/Film-of-the-Week-Matrix-Reloaded/74341053012588/ |title=Film of the Week: 'Matrix Reloaded' |first=Steve |last=Sailer |author-link=Steve Sailer |website=[[United Press International|UPI]] |date=May 15, 2003 |access-date=October 6, 2015 |quote=It has only two speeds: you either get leaden philosophizing about free will or super-colossal action set pieces. It's like "[[My Dinner with Andre]] on the [[Hindenburg disaster newsreel footage|Hindenburg]]." |archive-date=October 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006233718/http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2003/05/15/Film-of-the-Week-Matrix-Reloaded/74341053012588/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' named it as one of "The 25 Worst Sequels Ever Made".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/5804864.html | magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] | title=The 25 Worst Sequels Ever Made | first=Chris | last=Nashawaty | date=December 22, 2007 | access-date=July 9, 2016 | archive-date=April 22, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422003632/http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/5804864.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

Marc Salov of ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]'' gave it a two-and-a-half out of five rating, saying, "There's only so much [[Rubik's Cubism]] a film can handle, and ''Reloaded'' is awash in sci-fi and religious overtones that continually bog down the film's forward motion."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/2003-05-16/the-matrix-reloaded/|title=The Matrix Reloaded - Movie Review|last=Savlov|first=Marc|newspaper=[[The Austin Chronicle]]|date=May 16, 2003|access-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209220421/https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/2003-05-16/the-matrix-reloaded/|archive-date=December 9, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Mike Clark of ''[[USA Today]]'' gave the film three and a four stars and said, "Salvaged by its rally, ''Reloaded'' seems less tired than ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]'', its current sequel rival."<ref>{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Clark (critic) |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2003-05-13-matrix-review_x.htm |title=Visuals save the day for 'Matrix' |work=USA Today |date=May 13, 2003 |access-date=December 7, 2024 |archive-date=June 3, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030603220039/http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2003-05-13-matrix-review_x.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[A. O. Scott]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote, "Relax, the staging of the action sequences is as viciously elegant as you've been primed to expect, though there is a dispiriting more-of-the-same aspect to the picture."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/14/movies/film-review-an-idealized-world-and-a-troubled-hero.html|title=FILM REVIEW; An Idealized World And a Troubled Hero|website=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 14, 2003 }}</ref> In a mixed review, [[Joe Morgenstern]] of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' said, "In this second installment of the trilogy, lithe bodies endowed with superior brains do all sorts of spectacular things, but the movie has the dead soul of a video game."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10535202255462100|title='The Matrix' Finally Reloads, But Its Aim Isn't Always True|work=Wall Street Journal |date=May 21, 2003 |last1=Morgenstern |first1=Joe }}</ref>

===Awards===
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by The Matrix franchise}}

===Censorship===
The film was initially banned in [[Egypt]] because of the violent content and because it put into question issues about human creation, "which are related to the three divine religions."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2980432.stm |title=Egypt bans 'too religious' Matrix |work=BBC News |date=June 11, 2003 |access-date=2016-08-21 |archive-date=October 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030052859/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2980432.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Home media ==
''The Matrix Reloaded'' was released on [[VHS]] and [[DVD]] on October 14, 2003.<ref>{{cite web|last=Patrizio|first=Andy|title=Matrix Reloaded DVD: October 14|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/15/matrix-reloaded-dvd-october-14|publisher=IGN|access-date=April 8, 2023|date=July 15, 2003|archive-date=April 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408154519/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/07/15/matrix-reloaded-dvd-october-14|url-status=live}}</ref> On the first day release, the DVD release sold over 4 million units.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/3709/matrix-reloaded-over-4-million-on-day-one|title=Matrix Reloaded Over 4 Million On Day One|access-date=April 7, 2022|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407132528/https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/3709/matrix-reloaded-over-4-million-on-day-one|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[Blu-ray]] release followed on September 7, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/2586/The-Matrix-Reloaded-(2003).html|title=The Matrix Reloaded DVD Release Date October 14, 2003|website=DVDs Release Dates|language=en-US|access-date=2018-05-21|archive-date=May 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522042047/https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/2586/The-Matrix-Reloaded-(2003).html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Matrix Reloaded'' was released as a part of ''The Matrix Trilogy'' on [[4K resolution|4K]] [[UHD Blu-ray]] on October 30, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ultrahd.highdefdigest.com/62394/thematrixtrilogy4kultrahdbluray.html|title=The Matrix Trilogy - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Ultra HD Review {{!}} High Def Digest|website=ultrahd.highdefdigest.com|language=en|access-date=2018-11-26|archive-date=October 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015163159/https://ultrahd.highdefdigest.com/62394/thematrixtrilogy4kultrahdbluray.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Simulated reality]]
* [[List of films featuring powered exoskeletons]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|http://www.thematrix.com/}}
* {{IMDb title}}

{{Matrix}}
{{The Wachowskis}}
{{Teen Choice Award Choice Movie Action}}
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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Matrix Reloaded}}
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[[Category:Cyberpunk films]]
[[Category:Films about drones]]
[[Category:Films about computer hacking]]
[[Category:Films about mathematics]]
[[Category:Films about rebellions]]
[[Category:Films about telepresence]]
[[Category:Films directed by The Wachowskis]]
[[Category:Films produced by Joel Silver]]
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