The Matrix Resurrections
The Matrix has finally been resurrected after 18 years in hibernation.
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2021 Review Number 5:
The Matrix Resurrections: (Science Fiction/Action): 65 out of 100: "The Matrix" which was released in 1999 was groundbreaking with its visual effects then was followed by two inferior sequels, "The Matrix Reloaded" and "The Matrix Revolutions" (both 2003). I must admit that I was never a huge fan of the trilogy so I wasn't overly excited to have discovered that there was another instalment to this series. There are some clever concepts but the overall movie is bogged down by a huge amount of exposition that detracts from the action scenes.
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Thomas Anderson/Neo (Keanu Reeves) is a successful video game developer, pursued by Bugs (Jessica Henwick), who entices him to enter The Matrix where he encounters old foe, Agent Smith (Jonathan Groff) and ally Morpheus (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). Neo must decide whether he is living in the real world or the world he has created, where Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) captures his heart. Neo consults with the Analyst (Neil Patrick Harris) in the physical world to help him with the decision he makes.
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'The Matrix Resurrections' probably requires a repeat viewing to make sense of it all but the problem is having to sit through all that exposition again. It's the most exposition I've come across in a movie all year. Along with the flashbacks from previous instalments, this all became so tedious that it's easy to switch off. Fortunately, the action scenes are thrilling and exciting enough to partly make up for the average plot. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and the visual effects make full use of the size and scope of the screen. Credit also goes to the sound effects and production design which help to elevate the mood and atmosphere of the movie.
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The Wachowskis directed the original trilogy but Lana is flying solo this time around. She directs from a script by Alexsandar Hemon and David Mitchell. It would have been interesting to see how the movie would have turned out if it was written by the Wachowskis as they did for the trilogy but judging by the average sequels, then it might not have mattered. The concepts are original and imaginative but the overall execution of the plot ideas leaves a lot to be desired.
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Another reason why this movie hasn't rated highly with this viewer is that two central roles have been recast with actors who lack the authority and presence of Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus) and Hugo Weaving (Agent Smith). Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss shine when their relationship is being explored and of course, they handle themselves brilliantly in the fight scenes, just like they did in the first three Matrix movies.
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Perhaps fans of 'The Matrix' will enjoy 'The Matrix Resurrections' more than I did. It certainly does bring some nostalgia to movie going audiences but this might not be enough for people who require the whole package to be better than just interesting concepts seemingly being thrown together.
Starring Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jonathan Groff, Jessica Henwick and Neil Patrick Harris
(148 mins)
Parental Advice: Violence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNpvWBuTfrc (Movie trailer)
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(Reviewed on Thursday 23rd December, 2021)
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