Reviewed December 24, 2021 - 1ST viewing 12/23/21 in IMAX
WB - Rated R - Directed by: Lana Wachowski - Based On: Sequel to Original
The Matrix (1999) is arguably one of the best films of all time, catapulting into cult classic status almost instantaneously. The Wachowskis wrote and directed a profound script with iconic characters at its core, but the brilliance of it was that it was not simply a post-apocalyptic Sci-Fi venture to free minds, but to postulate (and perhaps prove) that belief is what gets us there. The original film, along with its inevitable two-parter sequels, was at its core an iconic love story, and that connection, along with its ground-breaking bullet-time technology developed for the film and amazing stunts, is why it continues to resonate so deeply all these years later.
That being said, you cannot mention the sequels without discussing the proverbial elephant in the room (SPOILER ALERT): the Wachowskis killed Trinity, and presumably Neo in the end.
Now admittedly, that decision left fans feeling slighted, and many believed (as did I) that the story was not over. So here we are, eighteen years later, finally getting the answers to the questions we've had for nearly two decades. Few can say why it took so long to return to the story, however it seems the collaboration with the stunt team and a lot of the original actors in the John Wick films along with some personal reasons on the part of the Wachowskis have something to do with it. It saddens me that so many people have completely missed the mark on why this film really is a diamond in a sea of stones... The only possible answer to that is they are not of the original's generation, and/or do not remember the disenchantment that Revolutions left us with.
Set in the distant future, Mr. Anderson (Keanu Reeves) finds himself existing between two realities, unsure of which is real. To discover whether or not he lives in the real world or another construct, he must find himself, and find the courage to follow the white rabbit once more. The desire to limit any spoilers is why there is no further description.
Lana Wachowski returns to direct what can best be described as her swan song to the original trilogy. It is a rare thing when a writer/filmmaker can reevaluate their original work and not only recognize, but seek to rectify their transgressions. A poetic blend of new and old, Resurrections goes back to the beginning, allowing the narrative to play out as if history is repeating itself, while simultaneously allowing for the possibility of change-the idea that we are in control of our own destiny-a theme straight from the first film. The self-reflection that follows is nothing short of a stroke of brilliance. Harkoning back to Cameron's Terminator films, humanity is once more divided on whether or not the machines can be trusted. Thomas Anderson must once again go on a journey to find himself and have the fortitude to fight for the life he wants instead of settling for the path of least resistance. This theme is vitally important, now more than ever, as we must fight every day to wade through political pandemonium, racial injustice, and a pandemic that has not only taken the lives of loved ones, but created a pervasive level of anxiety for almost every person alive.
Wachowski not only seeks balance, but redemption-something we all seem to be looking for. As Mr. Anderson struggles with the sadness, confusion, and anxiety, it is easy to relate to his struggle, as we all have shared it in the last two years. And in his case, without even understanding why, in the absence of his memory. The fact that his experience is reflective of our real-life trauma is brilliant. He begins to feel the spark of a connection again when his colleague Jude (Andrew Lewis Caldwell) formally introduces him to "Tiffany", aka Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), at the coffee shop. As the pieces start to fall into place, Neo begins to remember.
There are many moments that pay homage to The Matrix (1999), including cut scenes to help Neo (and perhaps audiences) remember the real story. And without spoiling anything, Trinity does have some epic moments that will spark our recollection of why she is a legend, replete with some kick-ass girl power moments.
The score, composed by both Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard, was robust and mostly fitting of the scenes, other than a few minor moments. It was surprising that the ethereal song used in the trailer-"White Rabbit" by Epic Geek, was also featured in the movie. The visual effects were ramped up, however the production would've benefitted from utilizing more practical effects as in the original. Honestly, the only area where the film seems a little lacking is in the stunts/fight sequences, which are generally too few in number, and not as mesmerizing as anything seen in either the original Matrix trilogy or the John Wick films. This could be attributed to the fact that neither Yuen Woo-ping, who choreographed the fight scenes in the Matrix (1999), nor Chad Stahelski, who was a Stunt Coordinator for the latter Matrix films and directed the John Wick films, returned to work on the stunts for this film.
The mark that seems to be missed is iconography of Neo and Trinity, perhaps the first and most quintessential power couple of all time. They represent the love and hope that we all desperately seek, a connection so strong and rare, it can only be equated to soul mates, and their journey represents the lengths one must go to find and hold onto a love that rare. It does not come easily, but nothing worth fighting for ever does. And then there's the power of choice and belief. I do not say this often, however this film struck a personal chord with me. It has been a long time since a movie has so excited and inspired me, not only re-instilling hope, but giving me back a piece of something seemingly lost long ago, as if something clicked back into place. There are other films whose narrative revisions or resolutions had the same profound effect-namely X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). I was so scarred by the events of X3, I wasn't sure I would ever watch another X-Men movie again. And presently, Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) is in effect working on a similar resolution, but you'll just have to go see it if you want to know what it is!
In my humble opinion, if you found yourself annoyed with or disappointed in this film, you are not a true fan of the original, and/or do not fully understand the depth and connection that make Neo and Trinity so iconic. The Matrix (1999) was never just about the effects or the fight sequences, but about the power of love-they are the heart of it all.
FINAL VERDICT: You can go home again... Let's just say Wachowski gave me hope again-no small thing. I definitely recommend seeing it in theaters-in IMAX-for the best experience possible. Not only that, but before you go watch it in IMAX, WATCH THE ORIGINALS! Whether you have already seen them or not, it is necessary to remember the context and conclusion so that you may experience the full weight of this story. This movie gave me something back I thought I lost all those years ago, so please... Go in with an open mind and FREE IT!
8.5 (9) - Rewatch Value: 9
~AleXa~ An original IMDB user for over twenty years.
The Matrix (1999) is arguably one of the best films of all time, catapulting into cult classic status almost instantaneously. The Wachowskis wrote and directed a profound script with iconic characters at its core, but the brilliance of it was that it was not simply a post-apocalyptic Sci-Fi venture to free minds, but to postulate (and perhaps prove) that belief is what gets us there. The original film, along with its inevitable two-parter sequels, was at its core an iconic love story, and that connection, along with its ground-breaking bullet-time technology developed for the film and amazing stunts, is why it continues to resonate so deeply all these years later.
That being said, you cannot mention the sequels without discussing the proverbial elephant in the room (SPOILER ALERT): the Wachowskis killed Trinity, and presumably Neo in the end.
Now admittedly, that decision left fans feeling slighted, and many believed (as did I) that the story was not over. So here we are, eighteen years later, finally getting the answers to the questions we've had for nearly two decades. Few can say why it took so long to return to the story, however it seems the collaboration with the stunt team and a lot of the original actors in the John Wick films along with some personal reasons on the part of the Wachowskis have something to do with it. It saddens me that so many people have completely missed the mark on why this film really is a diamond in a sea of stones... The only possible answer to that is they are not of the original's generation, and/or do not remember the disenchantment that Revolutions left us with.
Set in the distant future, Mr. Anderson (Keanu Reeves) finds himself existing between two realities, unsure of which is real. To discover whether or not he lives in the real world or another construct, he must find himself, and find the courage to follow the white rabbit once more. The desire to limit any spoilers is why there is no further description.
Lana Wachowski returns to direct what can best be described as her swan song to the original trilogy. It is a rare thing when a writer/filmmaker can reevaluate their original work and not only recognize, but seek to rectify their transgressions. A poetic blend of new and old, Resurrections goes back to the beginning, allowing the narrative to play out as if history is repeating itself, while simultaneously allowing for the possibility of change-the idea that we are in control of our own destiny-a theme straight from the first film. The self-reflection that follows is nothing short of a stroke of brilliance. Harkoning back to Cameron's Terminator films, humanity is once more divided on whether or not the machines can be trusted. Thomas Anderson must once again go on a journey to find himself and have the fortitude to fight for the life he wants instead of settling for the path of least resistance. This theme is vitally important, now more than ever, as we must fight every day to wade through political pandemonium, racial injustice, and a pandemic that has not only taken the lives of loved ones, but created a pervasive level of anxiety for almost every person alive.
Wachowski not only seeks balance, but redemption-something we all seem to be looking for. As Mr. Anderson struggles with the sadness, confusion, and anxiety, it is easy to relate to his struggle, as we all have shared it in the last two years. And in his case, without even understanding why, in the absence of his memory. The fact that his experience is reflective of our real-life trauma is brilliant. He begins to feel the spark of a connection again when his colleague Jude (Andrew Lewis Caldwell) formally introduces him to "Tiffany", aka Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), at the coffee shop. As the pieces start to fall into place, Neo begins to remember.
There are many moments that pay homage to The Matrix (1999), including cut scenes to help Neo (and perhaps audiences) remember the real story. And without spoiling anything, Trinity does have some epic moments that will spark our recollection of why she is a legend, replete with some kick-ass girl power moments.
The score, composed by both Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard, was robust and mostly fitting of the scenes, other than a few minor moments. It was surprising that the ethereal song used in the trailer-"White Rabbit" by Epic Geek, was also featured in the movie. The visual effects were ramped up, however the production would've benefitted from utilizing more practical effects as in the original. Honestly, the only area where the film seems a little lacking is in the stunts/fight sequences, which are generally too few in number, and not as mesmerizing as anything seen in either the original Matrix trilogy or the John Wick films. This could be attributed to the fact that neither Yuen Woo-ping, who choreographed the fight scenes in the Matrix (1999), nor Chad Stahelski, who was a Stunt Coordinator for the latter Matrix films and directed the John Wick films, returned to work on the stunts for this film.
The mark that seems to be missed is iconography of Neo and Trinity, perhaps the first and most quintessential power couple of all time. They represent the love and hope that we all desperately seek, a connection so strong and rare, it can only be equated to soul mates, and their journey represents the lengths one must go to find and hold onto a love that rare. It does not come easily, but nothing worth fighting for ever does. And then there's the power of choice and belief. I do not say this often, however this film struck a personal chord with me. It has been a long time since a movie has so excited and inspired me, not only re-instilling hope, but giving me back a piece of something seemingly lost long ago, as if something clicked back into place. There are other films whose narrative revisions or resolutions had the same profound effect-namely X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). I was so scarred by the events of X3, I wasn't sure I would ever watch another X-Men movie again. And presently, Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) is in effect working on a similar resolution, but you'll just have to go see it if you want to know what it is!
In my humble opinion, if you found yourself annoyed with or disappointed in this film, you are not a true fan of the original, and/or do not fully understand the depth and connection that make Neo and Trinity so iconic. The Matrix (1999) was never just about the effects or the fight sequences, but about the power of love-they are the heart of it all.
FINAL VERDICT: You can go home again... Let's just say Wachowski gave me hope again-no small thing. I definitely recommend seeing it in theaters-in IMAX-for the best experience possible. Not only that, but before you go watch it in IMAX, WATCH THE ORIGINALS! Whether you have already seen them or not, it is necessary to remember the context and conclusion so that you may experience the full weight of this story. This movie gave me something back I thought I lost all those years ago, so please... Go in with an open mind and FREE IT!
8.5 (9) - Rewatch Value: 9
~AleXa~ An original IMDB user for over twenty years.