Continuing straight on from the events of Reloaded, the first hour of this more substantial second sequel plays like an extended version of the previous film: annoyingly cryptic conversations, overfamiliar acrobatic shoot-outs and inert pacing. But, in a great second half, the Wachowski brothers get the trilogy back on track, as humans in huge combat armour battle valiantly to protect their Zion stronghold against a million robotic Sentinels. Both technically and artistically, this extended siege is perhaps the most impressive set piece of the series, while Keanu Reeves's journey as Neo culminates in a gravity-defying, rain-soaked duel with Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) that is moody superhero spectacle par excellence. Performances are of a better standard than Reloaded, too, and although the perpetual vibe of self-importance and climactic slabs of cyber-cheese do undermine some remarkable film-making, the integration of action, emotion, plot and character arcs is more satisfying this time around. The ending is not entirely convincing, however.

The human city of Zion defends itself against the massive invasion of the machines as Neo fights to end the war at another front while also opposing the rogue Agent Smith.