The Matrix Resurrections

As we approach the end of the year, we're greeted with one of its most anticipated films - and the last of which HBO Max will be doing same day theater and streaming. 

The fourth Matrix film has been rumored for quite some time, pretty much ever since the third one released. That tends to happen with popular franchises that build their own worlds...there's often plenty more to explore. 

While I may not have Retro Reviews of them on my site, I can pretty confidently say that I'm a fan of the franchise. The first Matrix is obviously heralded as an action and sci-fi masterpiece, the much maligned second film, Reloaded, is, in my humble opinion, only a slight half-step behind the first, and the third, even more maligned, Revolutions, is a dip in quality, but still an entertaining conclusion. 

In a lot of ways Resurrections has a lot to live up to. Not only does it need to introduce Matrix to a new generation of moviegoers, but it needs to justify its existence while keeping the things we loved about the originals. 

Unfortunately, Resurrections doesn't really effectively do either. I've been surprised to see some of the "bad" reviews because Resurrections isn't bad, it's just painfully average by this franchise's standards in most of the ways that count. 

Resurrections, much like the strong initial trailer indicates, has us back in the "real" world with Neo (or is it the real world?) as he's potentially discovering the Matrix again. If you remember from the originals, this concept is not inherently new as there were always hints and lore that Neo has done this many times before, but it's a logical place for the story to start. It's actually with the story that Resurrections is at its best, though I'd still argue in "4th place" among its peers. It's somewhat self-aware and definitely relies on its nostalgia too much (and not all that effectively). Flashbacks from old films almost act like they're begging the new generation, "Please go watch us!" but aside from that this is about what I expected in terms of Neo waking up Part Deux. There's a heavier focus on he and Trinity's love, which is nice because they're such a good duo, and the story leaves open some doors for future installments as we come to understand how the world changed after Neo plunged his ship into the machines at the end of the original trilogy. I won't spoil any of that here but I found Resurrections' story both probably my favorite part about it, but also not nearly as smart as I've heard from reviewers on the other end of the spectrum who really enjoyed it. 

"I'm bulimic"
"You can stop bullets...with your MIND?"

[to Chocolate Rain tune] "Digitallll rain!!"

In the action department, Resurrections truly disappoints and it's likely why it's "last" in my ranking. The Matrix has always been about cool action and cooler ideas - which is funny that I'm even positioning this as there's a significant moment at the beginning of the film about what people love about "The Matrix" (you can discover it for yourself). Regardless, I think I'm right and if Resurrections half checks the "cool ideas" box, it only fractionally checks the "cool action" one. There's no standout scene here like there is in The Matrix (i.e. rooftop, lobby) or Reloaded (i.e. the highway scene which is still dope AF), or even Revolutions to a certain extent (i.e. rain battle vs. Smiths). Here the action is using the Matrix lens with bullet time, defying physics, and lots of guns, but it's never really grabbing you. Perhaps that's because it's 2021 and we've seen a lot of it before, or perhaps it's because the direction and capturing of it isn't nearly as good (I think it's the latter). It was a massive disappointment for me because of all the potential these films hold for action, not to mention Keanu's resurgence into that scene, but alas, it's pretty tame and...just...there. The one thing I will say for it is the special effects still remain strong and are a highlight, just don't expect them to redefine the idea of "SFX" all over again. 

Strangely though, Resurrections earns its right to have a follow up film if it wanted one, thanks to a strong host of characters. Newcomers like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Morpheus), Jonathan Groff (Smith), Neil Patrick Harris (The Analyst), and Jessica Henwick (Bugs) are all incredibly strong adds and the surprising casting choices like Harris and Groff work well and are entertaining new variations of what we've seen before. Henwick in particular kicks ass in the way that had this been 20 years ago, she'd probably be getting her own awesome videogame spinoff. 

I've seen many reviews of Resurrections on polar opposite ends of the spectrum. Either people loving it or hating it. Perhaps oddly, I'm in the middle. As a fan of the franchise, it's nice to have this experience again, but there are let downs, primarily with the action. And while it's my "least" favorite of the films, I would definitely watch a sequel and continue in this world...just likely with tempered expectations. 

CONS

• The action is fine by any other standard but by Matrix standards, it's disappointing
• Some of the film's attempts at self awareness and nostalgia are very on-the-nose. It's not nearly as clever as it thinks it is in most regards
• Lacks any really defining scene that it felt like each of the other ones had
• Retreads a lot of familiar ground

PROS

• The overall plot from the "what happened after Revolutions" all the way through the end is entertaining and has a few interesting surprises in store
• Most special effects are incredibly strong
• The original score is good, and comes with plenty of the iconic Matrix theme
• Keanu and Carrie-Anne are a fantastic duo and the film leans into that
• Supporting cast basically is begging for a sequel that gives them more to do

Rath's Review Score | 6/10