Sep 12, 2021
The Matrix Resurrections — Why?
The Matrix (along with Independence Day) were a huge part of my teenage years. That is when I was making final decisions about where my career would go. Both movies had ‘computer software’ characters — Neo and David Levinson, who save the day (or world) using their programming skills. Independence Day put that idea in my head in 1996/1997, and later, The Matrix, solidified the thought that I will become a software programmer.
Now, 25 years later, I am indeed a reputable software guy. I am the proud recepient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional award. I am currently a Top Rated Freelance Tutor on UpWork. My programming skills have given me a livelihood for me, and my family.
More importantly, despite some challenges, these programming skills have given me a boss-free profession with ample work-life balance, that allows me to earn a living and also pursue hobbies. Plus, guaranteed 10 hours of sleep every night and unlimited vacation days.
In a weird way, these movies taught more than my college education. I love these movies.
Unfortunately, both movies, have had sequels, which are just not that good. Independence 2 was a disaster. Everybody saw it coming. I saw it coming too. Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions, made it very clear, that, The Wachowskis, never had a long term plan in the first place. I enjoyed Reloaded, and I tolerate Revolutions.
I have watched The Matrix, like a thousand times, since its release. Reloaded, 100 times. Revolutions, 10 times, perhaps. They are still enjoyable, but Revolutions really tests your patience. Poor storyline and an ending that does not make sense. Even by matrix standards.
I remember, Matrix Revolutions was so bad, it did not even release in my home town, back in the early 2000s. You know your movie is bad when the local movie distributor did not even bother to release it.
Then, there is the poor track record of The Wachowskis. First, they screwed up with the Matrix Sequels. Then, for some reason, they went and did the ‘family movie’ Speed Racer. I enjoyed it, and, it’s definitely in my permanent watching collection. Unfortunately, I have tried and failed to get anybody to watch Speed Racer with me.
Speed Racer was another disaster. I like it, but, I know I am in the minority who support the movie.
Then, the incredibly unwatchable, Cloud Atlas. I got so pumped for The Wachowskis, I went ahead and bought Cloud Atlas on kindle. Full price. Did not even wait for a sale. That book, oh my god, it’s so boring. I cannot read more than a few pages. I am the sort of guy who has read the Harry Potter books, multiple times. I am talking thousands of pages.
Cloud Atlas, with all due respect for the award winning author, man, this is not meant for general consumption. The Wachowskis, for some reason, take a boring book, and make it even more boring. Why?
Then, comes the ultimate disaster — Jupiter Ascending. I actually watched this movie till the end. I was laughing through out. It’s so bad. Every minute, you keep thinking, why? What is Jupiter Ascending supposed to be? Why did such good actors (Sean Bean! Why did you sign up for this one?) end up in this movie.
That was the last straw for me.
The Jupiter Ascending was the culmination of a long decline that started in 2003, with The Matrix Reloaded. The Wachowskis, convinced, a big studio to give them millions of dollars when they had no clout, way back in 1996. After the success of The Matrix franchise, they could have done anything.
But, god, they let me down and so much goodwill of fans like me.
Final Note
I will of course, watch, tolerate, Resurrections. I am too scared to go to the movie theatres, even after vaccination. I will probably watch it when it shows up on one of the streaming services, here in India. Or rent it. I dont mind waiting 45 days.
I like Keanu Reeves, but it’s hard to trust the The Wachowskis. I understand, the movie, only Lana Wachowski, is involved.
It seems like a rush job. The special effects from the trailer look half baked. It seems like another franchise trying to cash in on nostalgia. I am old enough to understand the importance of money. Everybody has bills to pay. They got to do what they got to do.
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