After 20 years we are once again to either take the red pill or the blue pill. Or so it seems. Here is my review of the 4th feature film in the Matrix saga.
Return to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more.
The Matrix Resurrections is another massive departure from the original film that forever changed action/sci-fi films. Lana Wachowski’s script has an amazing self-deprecating style that not only pokes fun at the source material but also Warner Brothers. This latest installment is by far the most humorous take on the series. The unique departure may be a tough element for rabid fans to get past. However, Lana’s script is still amazingly inventive in expanding the full Matrix universe. We not only are thrust decades into the future from the original trilogy but are given new people, places and purpose for the future of the series. The way in which Lana’s has given more questions than answers is an important element to the Matrix saga. Without questioning what, why and how we only are left with kick-ass action sequences. The Matrix is not just an amazing action-based film but its ability to evaluate and comment on the realties that face us in the real world is enlightening.
Now that doesn’t mean that Lana didn’t give us another visually stunning action flick to beat all others because she sure did. John Toll’s cinematography is an epic and large-scale master work that even takes on bullet-time with a really awesome twist. Tom Tyker and Johnny Klimek’s musical score packs a massive punch of its own and adds so much to the epic action sequences seen in the film. Seeing Keanu and Trinity and their new friends battle the overwhelming forces inside the matrix is something that will never get old.
New characters built on old ones is a rather intriguing choice by the film. I won’t spoil who is who and all that, but it is really intriguing to see who is in place of or who is actually wearing a new face. This of course includes our heroes as much as the villains in the story. The Wachowskis’ real life physical changes are fully realized and mirrored in this latest film. The whole notion of one’s physical representation in the matrix compared to the real world is a fascinating commentary from Lana’s script. This further diving into the way in which you look at yourself is a huge emotional element to this story and possibly the series as a whole. The strength shown by Lilly and Lana to fulfill their real-life transformation is just as important to their film. The female presence in the film thus takes a more prominent place in the plot. We see this in characters like General Niobe, Adult Sati and of course Trinity. Neo is always going to be a massive figure for his being the One, but in this new battle against the computers, exiles and who knows what we need more leadership. Lana has given us a slew of leaders and it is uplifting to see they are women.
Many of you maybe a little taken aback by the comic nature of the film and yet I urge you to stick with the story as it is fully realized. I still think the original Matrix film is the best and personally love the Animatrix over the 2 sequels in the original trilogy, but Resurrections is now on par with Animatrix.
Now take the red pill and follow that goofy white rabbit.
Directed by: Lana Wachowski
Written by: Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell from story by Lana and Lilly Wachowski
Rated: R
Running Time: 2hr 28min
Action / Sci-Fi
Release: In Theaters and on HBO Max (for 30 Days) Wednesday, December 22th
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Carrie Anne-Moss, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris and Priyanka Chopra
RATING: 4 Stars out of 5
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
