Encrypted raindrops welcome us to this second installment – is it bigger, yes, with more baddies and longer action sequences. Is it better, that is debatable- it depends on what you enjoyed most in the first, for me it was picking out the ambiguous symbolism of which there is less here. One minor character goes by the name Persephone and there is a Captain Niobe and a Counsellor Hominem, but these are inadequate pickings considering first time round we had Morpheus, Trinity, Neo and allusions to Alice and her Wonderland, Brave New World and reincarnation.

What is developed is the contrast between the world created by the Matrix and reality- the land of Zion, humanity’s underground bastion is sketched out, including a semi-pagan after-speech rave scene. Ironically they cannot survive without machines. More action in the Matrix world focuses on not just physical skill and concentration but incorporates acrobatics in road chases.

The concept of subversive computer programmes and what happens to them introduces a few vampires and ghouls, which could have been built on but it would be unkind to give too much away. It is safe to say that while Trinity dashes and somersaults in her funky leather this time round Neo has opted for a more natural option ( perhaps cotton breathes better) in a Jesuit/ Missionary frock coat –it certainly gives good swirls for the action stills.

It is hard to find an ultimate answer, especially as the film ends mid-action, to be concluded. Less about fate and more about choice, one has to agree with Agent Smith when he tells Neo that he needs to use one muscle more, his brain. It is still Morpheus who is gets to enunciate moving speeches and rabble rouse.

Having shown the process of traveling within the Matrix in the original, it is true that different ideas had to be developed this time. Morpheus the Visionary, the original seeker of The One is now considered by some to be another sad eccentric. The passion between Trinity and Neo is rammed down our gullets unnecessarily, and some of the action scenes are too long. All we need now in the sequel are twins called Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee!