Matrix sequel off to flying start

The sci-fi thriller The Matrix Reloaded sold US$93.3 million ($164 million) of tickets in its first weekend of release across North America - the No 2 draw of all time behind Spider-Man, according to studio estimates issued on Sunday.

Spider-Man opened with US$115 million last year. The previous No 2 slot was held by 2001's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with US$90.3 million.

Reloaded, a sequel to the groundbreaking 1999 film The Matrix, stars Keanu Reeves as a resistance fighter who battles an army of machines that seek to take control of the last human city. It will be followed in November by a third movie, The Matrix Revolutions.