Movies
WEIRDO Reviews: The Matrix Resurrections *No Spoilers*
See how deep the rabbit hole goes.
Today we dive in to the world of Matrix Resurrections, the fourth film in the iconic franchise that spawned from the creative minds of the Wachowski siblings. Directed by one half of the masterful duo, Resurrections updates the premise of the original for modern times. This time around, the questions have become more complicated — for better or worse — and the technology is far more advanced, which is basically a parallel for the real world of 2021.
Returning cast members Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss play Neo and Trinity, respectively, as if 20 years haven’t passed since they had to contend with the rogue agent Smith. Keanu’s acting has gotten better in that time if anything. Aside from that, they seem as comfortable as ever.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s character is a new, albeit familiar character. Fans of the franchise will simply have to watch the film to understand.
The breakout character here is Jessica Henwick’s Bugs, who is badass in her own right and integral to explaining the complex story. She is sorely missed from her Iron Fist days and deserves way more work in Hollywood.
Side note: I like that the movie ditches the overly green color palate for a more normal look, subtly hinting at the advancements the machines have made to the Matrix. The machines are meaner this go-round but have changed in completely unexpected ways. As you can tell, I desperately wish to spill the beans, but you really owe it to yourself to create your own interpretation of the Matrix’s rebooted world.
One of my only gripes while watching the film has to be the action. Not that the fights aren’t epic when they do happen, but they almost seem like an afterthought. For a franchise known for its unique and groundbreaking action sequences, this fourth film spent much of its lengthy runtime on nostalgic references and complex exposition to the point where I found myself nodding off a couple of times. However, when Neo and company do engage in combat, the technical and precise style of martial arts that was showcased in the original films is on full display, prompting you to reminisce on the first time you saw Neo whoop Agent Smith’s ass. The special effects aren’t the most revolutionary, but Matrix was never just about the VFX. It was always much more than that.
I’d like to say something before stating my last point. I’ve been a fan of The Matrix since its release when I was a kid. The style, the vibe, the clothes, the action, the actual possibility of all — it brings back so many memories of my childhood, including trying to stand on a stick and spin around on it kicking the air (looking at you Reloaded). And while I completely understand what people disliked about the franchise — those last two movies upset A LOT of people for a plethora of reasons — I firmly believe Matrix will stand the test of time.
Having said that, whereas the first film had the most perfect ending we could have hoped for, the “bring-it-full-circle” finale for Resurrections just didn’t do it for me. The left field revelations and the overarching plot twist did little to excite me but did much to confuse the hell out of me. Here’s hoping the sequel, if there is to be one, clearly explains exactly what’s going on in this expanded story. If not, I don’t see much else being done with the iconic IP.
Although I am left genuinely conflicted about where I stand with Resurrections, I still enjoyed the movie for what it was. It tried to provide fans with as much nostalgia and callbacks to previous films as possible. It tried to do something new with a world we thought we were familiar with. It tried to give us balls-to-the-wall action, as well as introduce new characters and explain the absence of old ones. Lana Wachowski and co. truly had their work cut out for them, as continuing a franchise such as The Matrix was no simple task. I appreciate their efforts, and I’m happy to even be alive during such an event. But if this is the end, then thank you, Warner Bros., for even allowing this movie to happen. Thank you to the Wachoswkis for making my childhood one full of possibilities. Thank you for making The Matrix.
