I give Matrix Resurrections 1 out of 5 quarters.
When our only local Dolby Atmos / 4k Laser movie house announced that they’d be relegating this Matrix release to their 2k screens, I suspected this movie would disappoint. The first two times I watched it (in 4k w/ Dolby Atmos but at home) I was fighting a case of pinkeye-related light sensitivity. I walked away hating… no.. resenting this movie but suspected maybe it was on account of watching it through squinted eyeballs.
All healed up, I watched it a final time. Still don’t like this movie.
The beginning gave me hope. It was great seeing Reeves and Moss back in these roles. During the first Act, I can’t help but think of the ST:TNG episode “Frame of Mind” and the “is this a dream, am I going mad?” emotional thrill ride that Riker experienced. I warmed up to all of the meta-stuff in the first Act of this Matrix installment hoping they’d do something interesting with the Thomas Anderson: Make him question his own sanity and leave the viewer’s wondering: “Was this all a dream?”
During the second Act, I enjoyed the new cast members more than I expected but the third act was mostly a mess and to me, failed to deliver a good story.
Pros
Opening Shot: Puddle, Reflection & Distortion - Nice!
Seeing Neo and Trinity again is a Treat
The new cast was better than I feared
Not properly explaining Neo’s lack of abilities
Doogie Howser as a Villain I dig it, NPH is a fine actor.
Swarm Mode: Neat Horror Visual
Cons
Distracting misuse of “modal” concept.
Smith doesn’t use the “Mr. Anderson” callout enough.
Homeless Merovingian? WWHHHHYYY!?!
Swarm Mode: A bit much.
Not properly justifying Trinity’s power levels in relation to Neo
Closing Fight Gag with NPH
Out-tro to a horrible cover of Wake Up.
Ultimately, The Matrix Resurrections wasn’t the worst thing I’ve seen recently but it also failed to live up to the hype. That (more than bullet time, even) appears to be the legacy of The Matrix sequels. The first installment was such a well told story with well executed cinematography, stunts & character beats that it has become an impossible act to the follow.