Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus are back. 18 years after what seemed to be the clear and logical end to the beloved science fiction trilogy, “The Matrix Resurrections” has arrived to breathe (new) life into the franchise.
Pro โ Looking good
When “The Matrix” debuted in 1999, it was an instant classic for a lot of reasons. Chief among them were the amazing style and visuals of the film. With its black latex, sunglasses, automatic weapons, and kung fu poses, the film just looked cool. In addition, it featured mind-bending special effects that still hold up today, including the amazing advent of โbullet time.โ
“The Matrix Resurrections” takes that pedigree, adds in 21 years of digital progress, and creates one of the best-looking movies ever. The visuals are so seamless and slick itโs spellbinding to watch the film. Keanu Reeves continues to be an ageless wonder, and Carrie-Anne Moss holds her own.
Itโs worth noting that while overall the film’s sound is on par with the visuals, there is frequent use of periods of โdistorted soundโ akin to the concussion sequences in “Saving Private Ryan.” Frankly itโs overused, confusing, and distracting.
Pro โ Moments of deepness
Part of the charm and allure of “The Matrix” franchise has always been the allegory, social commentary, and depth of the material. Certainly, this was most true in 1999โs “The Matrix,” which is rightly regarded as the stand above film in the franchise. There was a richness to the story that allowed the viewer to mine lots of meaning and thought-provoking morsels while viewing it and provided enduring ideas like the โred pill.โ
A cynic would suggest that the latter films felt a lot more forced and planted. There was still allegory and meaning in the story, the name choices, and the dialogue, but it was much more ham-fisted and bolted on. The “Matrix Resurrections” seems to dip into a little of both. There are some generally thought-provoking allegories and ideas contained within the film. Some of it is also sloppy and far too โmeta,โ including an apparent jab at the film itself. Overall, it works, but feels like a decent forgery of “The Matrix” rather than possessing its own merit.
Con โ Hamster Wheel
Perhaps the best metaphor used in the entire film is that of the film itself for the internet. Much like falling into a TikTok or Youtube rabbit hole, “The Matrix Resurrections” is a two-and-a-half hour film that by the end feels like time spent for no value. Itโs not that the film isnโt entertaining, it is, most of the time. Rather, itโs that the point of the film is hard to grasp. By the end, it feels like nothing has happened, except to open a portal to the money grab that is a few more sequels. Lots of exciting but confusing noise happens. Things are different somehow, but even then it is not entirely clear how or why. Ultimately, the film takes 150 minutes to announce, “Neo and Trinity return!”
“The Matrix Resurrections” is visually gorgeous and certainly fun at times. It’s got a great cast of fan favorites and new arrivals. It has things to ponder, but they tend to be an even split between Confucius and fortune cookies. Itโs more entertaining, but no more useful than time wasted on the internet. If that is what youโre in the mood for, port over to the Fridley Palms Theatres and check it out.
