The sfx bombardment can't hide a lack of sense and substance.

The whole film may be more than a bit suspect cerebrally, with dime-store philosophy, potted mysticism and cut-price otherworldliness, but visually it gives full value as a virtuoso workout for your senses.

Indeed, if you loved the first Matrix and its mix of comic-book angst, martial arts, virtual reality, video-game punch-ups, pop philosophy, biblical subtext, romance, tragedy and pathos, then you won't be disappointed.

In a genre dominated by fan service, “requels” (see also, The Force Awakens), and movies devoid of philosophical dilemmas or subtext, The Matrix Reloaded feels like a unicorn. The Wachowskis made it as a personal statement.