Matrix premiere pictures

Hollywood heart-throb Keanu Reeves braved the appalling British weather to treat thousands of screaming fans to a mammoth walkabout at the UK premiere of his latest blockbuster, The Matrix: Reloaded.

The movie sequel, which has grossed $160 million (£100 million) in its opening week, lived up to its billing as one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of the year.

Fans queued for hours just to get a glimpse of their screen idol last night. And he didn't disappoint.

Keanu praises fans

Wearing a black suit and white shirt he withstood the pouring rain, walking from fan to fan to sign autographs and pose for photographs.

The star, who ploughed a lot of his own money into the film, spent 30 minutes rewarding those who had waited so long, and later said: "I wish I could have stayed out longer.

"It's absolutely fantastic," he continued. "It's extraordinary.

"Some people have been really anxious for this film to come out and I just hope it lives up to their expectations.

"I've loved making the film and I just hope that it brings as much enjoyment to those who watch it."

But co-star Laurence Fishburne was less appreciative of the premiere greeting rating it a two out of five.

Marshal arts experts

Also splashing their way through the red carpet at the Odeon in Leicester Square, central London, were twins Neil and Adrian Raymont, the film's most unlikely stars.

The pair, who were better known as the handymen from the Carol Vorderman DIY show Better Homes, wowed fans as they arrived wearing matching purple suits, orange shirts and orange ties.

Adrian said: "What typical British weather - it's peeing down with rain and everyone is still out there."

The shell-shocked actor and martial arts expert continued: "The crowd - it starts two miles back. And despite the weather, everyone is just so up for it.

"To be honest, we are humbled. It's so nice to be included in such a memorable film and such a step from where we were to where we are now.

"To receive the applause and the well dones is amazing."

Also present at the film premiere was Hugo Weaving who, although disappointed by the wet weather, described the reaction from the fans as "lovely".

Likewise, producer Joel Silver said: "I'm sorry it's so rainy but it feels like a sunny day to me."

Cannes premiere

Last week, the most hyped movie release of the year dazzled at the Cannes Film Festival were received its European premiere.

The Matrix party was one of the hottest tickets of the festival, with a lavish £2 million bash laid on for the stars.

The £84 million movie promises even more groundbreaking special effects and spectacular fight scenes than in the 1999 original.

The third film in the trilogy, Revolution, is released in just six months.

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