Given the fervor surrounding the film, there's no way we'd send you back to the world of Neo and Trinity without some preparation. So we've compiled this guide, which includes a complete list of local theaters screening "Reloaded," movie reviews, info about the forthcoming IMAX release, a poll and more. We won't make you swallow a red pill or follow a white rabbit. All you have to do is free your mind and read on.

'Matrix' Movie Screens

"Reloaded" opens today on numerous cineplex screens throughout the Washington area, which are listed below. Advance tickets are available at some theaters, as well as online at fandango.com, movietickets.com and moviefone.com.

In D.C.: AMC Union Station, Cineplex Odeon Wisconsin Avenue and Loews Georgetown.
In Maryland: AMC Academy 8 and Rivertowne; Cineplex Odeon Marlow; Laurel Town Center; Loews Centerpark, Rio, and Wheaton Plaza; Muvico Egyptian; P&G Montgomery Mall; Regal Bowie, Rockville and Germantown; The Senator; and United Artists Bethesda and Snowden Square.
In Virginia: AMC Potomac Mills, Skyline, Springfield Mall and Hoffman Center; Cineplex Odeon Fairfax Square; Hoyts Potomac Yard; Manassas Cinemas 4; Multiplex Cinemas Centreville, Lee Highway, Mount Vernon, and Reston; Phoenix Worldgate; Regal Ballston, Countryside and Manassas; and United Artists Fairfax.

'Reloaded' Reviews
The first of The Washington Post reviews has arrived, and it's a positive one. Weekend's Michael O'Sullivan says the film, "delivers, in spades, exactly what you should expect from a popcorn flick -- thrills, chills and spills -- plus a little more for good measure." Read the full review.

Style's Stephen Hunter offers a mixed response: "No, it's not great. No, it's not a disaster. That leaves two possibilities: Is it really good or is it merely good enough?" To find out, read the Pulitzer Prize-winner's full review.

Analyses of 'The Matrix'
Here's Hank Steuver's entertaining essay on "Matrix" culture. And here's Cynthia L. Webb's column, which features news about the Matrix video game, the movie's special effects and more.

Fans React to 'Reloaded'
In this video, opening night moviegoers offer their take on the "Matrix" sequel.

'Matrix' to the Max
The rumors are true: "The Matrix Reloaded" will be released as an IMAX film about six weeks after the movie's May 15 opening. Will it come to Washington? We're not sure because venues are still being negotiated. Keep checking washingtonpost.com for updates.

Load the Trailer:
Take a look at the "Matrix Reloaded" trailer.

Survey Says . . .
Choose your favorite scenes from both "Matrix" movies by voting in our "Reloaded" poll or our survey on the original "Matrix".

'Matrix' Flashback
Here's Stephen Hunter's rave Style review of the original "Matrix," as well as Michael O'Sullivan's equally effusive critique from Weekend.

Weekend's Desson Howe liked "The Matrix" so much, he included it on his list of best movies of 1999.

Still Want More?
Of course you do. Visit the Live Online archives for Desson Howe, Rita Kempley and the Entertainment Guide's Got Plans? discussions. And don't forget to check the movies section for reviews and news about other releases . . . that is, if any other releases besides "Reloaded" matter.