6. The Matrix Reloaded Has Bad CGI Because The Matrix Is Being Overloaded
The Theory: Redditor luisseg suggests that the reason why the Smith-Neo Burly Brawl fight looks so visually dodgy is because The Matrix is struggling to process the hundred-or-so Smiths who have suddenly come into being. Why It Might Be True: It's the only half-logical explanation as to why Reloaded's CGI looks markedly worse than that from the original movie which came five years earlier. Yes, The Matrix wasn't nearly as ambitious with its set-pieces as Reloaded, sure, but it's staggering how much of a backpedal the sequel feels in terms of effects quality. Considering how eccentric and smart The Wachowskis are, it actually makes a weird sort of sense that the characters all have rubbery textures and dubious physics during this fight, especially considering that other segments in the film (namely the highway chase) look markedly better. But Why It Probably Isn't: It's hard to imagine Warner Bros. signing off on some intentionally crap CGI, and it seems like a lot of visual ugliness to make a point that isn't even explicitly stated to the audience. Nice try, though.