The Matrix Resurrections
By James Davidson
“The Matrix Resurrections” returns to the world of the Matrix. There are two realities, one of everyday life that the common person sees, and one that lies beyond it, that only those who choose can see. Keanu Reeves, and Carrie-Anne Moss reprise their roles as Neo and Trinity, the chosen ones who will save humanity from slavery at the hands of machines.It’s impossible to tell too much of the plot without giving away spoilers, so that’s all I will tell you for now. “The Matrix Resurrections” was released on December 22nd 2021 and is available in theaters and the HBO Max streaming service.
I am a fairly big fan of the Matrix franchise, although it has been a while since I have seen the originals. I was excited to see what the filmmakers would do with this sequel. Although I wasn’t disappointed in the attempt to return to the world of the Matrix, I wasn’t necessarily impressed either.
I thought that the original Matrix films were revolutionary, mostly because they explored a premise that was almost totally original and unique. There weren’t any other science fiction mediums out there exploring the world of alternate reality like the Matrix franchise. Unfortunately, this new film doesn’t offer anything fresh and new like the original films, although it admits it freely. A lot of the plot is regurgitated from the original films and doesn’t offer any fresh perspective. I thought that, while the filmmakers did an incredible job paying homage to the original flicks, they could have done a better job at coming up with original content.
While there isn’t much original about the plot, there is a meta aspect to the film that almost breaks the fourth wall to tell you that it isn’t original. I enjoyed the fact that the film almost poked fun at itself in telling the audience that the story was regurgitated. So, even though the film seemed like an egregious remake, I thought that it was a well done egregious remake that seemed self aware, which gave it a redeeming quality.
Keanu Reeves, and Carrie-Anne Moss were incredible reprising roles that seemed to be made for them. They fell seamlessly back into the Matrix world and were a joy to watch. The new characters that were introduced fit seamlessly into the Matrix world. While the film lacks originality, it is well made and well cast.
This movie is rated R for violence and some language. There is a little bit of violence and gore, and the entire premise would be lost on younger children, so this is definitely a movie for adults. Also, if you have never seen a Matrix movie, you will probably not understand a lot of what is going on. This film is definitely for Matrix fans and Matrix fans only. If you haven’t seen the original Matrix films, I suggest you see them before you see this flick.
“The Matrix Resurrections”, while lacking originality, is a great homage to the revolutionary original films. If you are a hardcore Matrix fan, you will enjoy this film, if not, you might be a little lost. I recommend this movie for anyone xwho watched and enjoyed the original Matrix films. I would definitely watch this movie again after I rewatch the originals. It earns 3 out of 5 stars.
Film Fodder 