By Andrea Wilhelm

The Point reporter

The Matrix Reloaded

A love story, a sex scene, an orgy rave, a car chase and Keanu Reeves with superman powers…not quite what you’d expect from the second installment of the Matrix trilogy, “The Matrix Reloaded?” Then be warned, these are not the only surprises you will come across while viewing this hit summer movie.

“The Matrix Reloaded” begins with Neo and Morpheus already successfully freeing several people from the Matrix and placing them in Zion, the last city on Earth. Laurence Fishburne’s “Morpheus” and crew are ordered to return to defend Zion as it has fallen under attack to the Machine Army, which aims to take over the universe.

Neo and his leaders estimate that they have 72 hours until the probes discover Zion and destroy it and its inhabitants.

Keanu Reeves is back as “Neo.” Only now he assumes greater command of his powers. Neo, dubbed, “The One” by Morpheus, and Carrie-Anne Moss’s “Trinity” return to the Matrix with Morpheus, where most of the cool special effects occur.

In this sequel, Neo must decide how he can save Trinity from the fate he sees in his dreams.

“The Matrix Reloaded” is better than the first. Amazing special effects and fight sequences cause jaws to drop and phrases, “That was sweet” and “Awesome” to escape your mouth.

Mr. Smith returns in this sequel and a fight sequence where he fights Neo and then multiplies himself so that Neo must fight off 100 Smith’s is especially cool.

Jada Pinkett Smith is introduced as a new character, “Niobe.” Niobe, one bad-ass chick, is involved in what might possibly be the best car chase sequence since “The Fast and the Furious.”

“The Matrix Reloaded” definitely lives up to its hype. The only downfall is that this sequel ends with a cliffhanger. But be sure to stay until the credits are over. You’ll get to hear an awesome Paul Oakenfold remix of Dave Matthews Band’s “When the World Ends” and view the trailer for the November release of the third Matrix, “The Matrix Revolutions.”

Grade: A