The Matrix Ressurections electrifies the franchise but gets tripped up
The Matrix Resurrections has finally arrived - but does the latest installment live up to everyone's expectations?
The short answer is yes, but it also requires a more complicated one.
In following the white rabbit, the Matrix franchise continues to get trippy, but gets tripped up on the journey.
Keanu Reeves dons the infamous black trench coat as he reprises his iconic role of Neo, aka The Chosen One.
Resurrections is loaded with mind-blowing action sequences, an entertaining storyline, and a lot of potential for future films in the franchise.
Yet, the fourth Matrix movie robs die-hard fans of the same enticing steampunk vibes the 1999 film first put into play, and doesn't seem to take the calculated risks it needs to pay off.
The computer programmer finds himself again imprisoned in an alternate psychedelic reality despite his heroic efforts in the previous film, Revolutions.
Resurrections picks up exactly 60 years later after Neo and Trinity, reprised by Carrie-Anne Moss, have made the ultimate sacrifice to set humanity free.
While their selfless actions have drastically changed the way humans and machines co-exist, it has also led to a more dangerous, craftier enemy.
Resurrections breathes new life into the Matrix franchise
Without spoiling too much, Resurrections is most certainly a must-watch for fans of the franchise and action-thrillers.
After the underwhelming offerings of Reloaded and Revolutions, the latest chapter in the series takes viewers back to the beginning and also opens the door for future possibilities.
Keanu and Carrie-Anne's intense on-screen chemistry is undeniable as the movie's star-crossed lovers.
Newcomers Jessica Henwick, Neil Patrick Harris, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas astound as fresh, exciting new characters – particularly Harris' A+ portrayal of a villain.
Plus, Keanu's inner turmoil as "The Chosen One" is aptly executed by the star as he is haunted by the burdens he bares throughout the film.
Yet, the sci-fi flick did fail to avoid the common trope most sequels and reboots fall into: overdoing the nostalgia while also failing to keep the essence of the series the same.
For instance, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II takes over Morpheus, the most pivotal role in the franchise, but he may not have been the best choice.
The Aquaman star's performance doesn't hold a candle to the incomparable Laurence Fishburne, who played the role previously. Laurence's mystique and undying loyalty to "The One" makes the entire premise of the franchise worthwhile.
Then, there's Jada Pinkett-Smith, who returns as Niobe and has a much larger role in Resurrections. Yet, the move seems unnecessary, since her role wasn't as important in the previous films.
Despite the few pitfalls, Resurrections delivers an electrifying thriller that has put the franchise back on the map – and perhaps set it up for even better upcoming installments.
The Matrix Resurrections is now in theaters and streaming on HBO Max.
Cover photo: Imago/Prod.Db