Packing more excitement, thrills, drama and romance than the original, The Matrix: Reloaded is an irresistible arsenal of exhilarating spectacles. But the plot is confusing in places, especially to those who haven't seen The Matrix. It feels emotionally vacant at times and the excessive talk about fate and karma could overwhelm some.

Yet the special effects-driven martial-art scenes are so electrifying that many may willingly overlook the sequel's many minus points, especially what some may feel is indulgence in overextended symbolism and mystical allusions.

The Matrix belonged to the same category of such brilliantly executed sci-fi thrillers as Bladerunner. The sequel, except for its action and technology, doesn't offer the kind of surprises that made us talk about the original for days.

Among the highlights of The Matrix: Reloaded is the elaborate scene in which Neo (Keanu Reeves) fights Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) and his 99 clones. Known as the Burly Brawl, this beautifully orchestrated, hair-raising fight is arguably the best there is. 

Then there is the nearly 15 minute-long freeway chase, filmed for most part on the roof of an eighteen-wheeler, in which the good guys, Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), put up a brave fight amidst jaw-dropping action to keep the evil ones from gaining over them. The fight sequence has more power, thrills and visually stunning scenes than the action devised by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg for their Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies, respectively.

Hardcore Matrix fans would be delighted not only by the visuals, but also by the film's seemingly philosophical and theological aspects. They might also sit through the lengthy character introductions with pleasure and high expectation. Others will be bored as they wait for the action to explode. And it is this aspect of the film, along with its overdone karmic discussion, that could prevent it from becoming a giant $400 million hit (in the US) like the sweet-natured Spider-Man.

Many trade experts expect the new film to gross about $300 million in America and some $400 million abroad. The original film grossed more than $450 million worldwide in 1999 and made a bigger fortune in video and DVD sales.

The Matrix: Reloaded, which cost about $140 million (two times the original) does not really work out as a stand-alone movie in its ending for the obvious reason: The Matrix: Revolutions, the final film in the sci-fi trilogy directed by the Wachowski Brothers, opens on November 7.

By planning to open two sequels in one year, Warner Bros has set a Hollywood record. The two sequels were shot back to back and it will be interesting to see which of them hog the Oscar nominations, at least in the technical departments.

This time the good guys -- Neo, Morpheus, Trinity and Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith) -- have to confront the evil characters while searching for 'the truth' about the Matrix, the computer system that threatens humanity.

Neo, a former hacker who discovered in the first movie that his apparently real world is computer-created maya, has also learnt to ignore the physical laws of the fake universe created by machines. He is expected to liberate humanity from their technologically smart, would-be masters.

Not everyone in Zion, the last place inhabited by humans, is convinced Neo, hallowed by his followers as The One, is the answer to their problems.

Despite self-doubt and the prevailing scepticism among his own people, Neo forges ahead, fighting many deceptive tricks and facing inhuman odds.

Do performances matter in a sci-fi film? I would think so, especially when a film is showcased as a thinking man's thriller.

Though ardent fans may love Reeves's messianic appearance and brooding exterior, his emotions are often wooden and unsurprising. But Fishburne is commanding, and Moss is arresting. Smith looks alluring and offers a very good performance.

Despite disappointment over the plot development of The Matrix: Reloaded, it may be hard to meet someone who is not looking forward to the final instalment. Opening in November, before the other heavy movies open, the final piece might yet surprise us by being leaner and more muscular.