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Created Feb 22, 2008 08:03PM PST • Edited Feb 22, 2008 08:03PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Really Great 4.5

   The plot proceeds with a good balance of action sequences (some of the best ever filmed) and character dialogue, instead of trying to dish the audience action at a furious pace, staying true to the 1999 predecessor, The Matrix.

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   Neo (Keanu Reeves), Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie Anne-Moss) have a lot of challenges in the sequel that explores more of the Matrix and introduces Zion to audiences. Trinity and Neo develop well as a couple who truly love and care for each other while Morpheus’ ideals and past get further exploration.

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

7. Female Costars Great 4.0

8. Male Costars Great 4.0

10. Film

    Really Great 4.5

    The fighting sequence in the park, though spectacular mirrors the gun fight near the end of the first Matrix film – great action, but little to further the plot or develop the characters. Other action sequences further the plot along better, most notably the freeway chase – definitely in this reviewer’s top 10 action sequences of all time.

11. Direction Really Great 4.5

12. Play Really Great 4.5

13. Music Really Great 4.5

14. Visuals Really Great 4.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Sordid 3.0

    The violence level makes it rated R along with Monica Bellucci cleavage and Neo and Trinity’s love scene.

17. Sex Erotic 3.0

18. Violence Brutal 3.0

19. Rudeness Profane 3.0

21. Reality

    Surreal 2.5

    Realistic action, but the scope puts that nice spin of escapism into the film.

22. Circumstantial Surreal 2.5

23. Biological Surreal 2.5

24. Physical Surreal 2.5