Jack_Traven_306 Reviews

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

Could have been better

[6/10 · 23 December 2021]

This film is not trash but not great either. Not good for a Matrix film. The first was perfect in almost every way. Though the sequels were criticised, it was confusing initially but I have loved them more, especially Reloaded, with multiple rewatches. The philosophy, the metaphor, and the whole plot was just great. This film, sadly doesn't reach the greatness of the trilogy.

The opening scenes were intriguing. Some humor felt overdone. Lots of flashback scenes were used. Some were good callbacks and were a nostalgia for fans. Soon, it felt overdone. The meta element was cool and unique but they drop it in the first act after which the plot didn't quite interest me.

The action scenes did disappoint. Gone are the breathtaking, long take, well choreographed fight scenes. Fights are short and edited badly. Not disgusting but mediocre for a Matrix fight. Not a single standout fight scene. KEANU has aged but he could do well. Watch no more than John Wick to realise that. Some moments are really good but you don't have to cut around frikkin KEANU REEVES in a fight scene.

New Morpheus was okay, but felt like a parody. He soon was reduced into just a minor charcter, which I didn't like. New Smith was also similar. They eventually lost purpose overall.

This film feels like an epilogue to the original trilogy. I haven't understood all but I guess I will appreciate more with rewatches. It is just satisfactory. Could have been a lot better. Hope fans will have a nice time with this one.

Dune (2021)

Visually stunning, intriguing & Epic but too long and leaves you dissatisfied

[7/10 · 11 November 2021]

Finally, DUNE hit theatres here only today and I'm glad I watched it in the theatre. This film is a theatre experience.

I've loved all of Villeneuve's films which are gorgeous and appealing. This might be his biggest yet and he doesn't disappoint. The cinematography is Epic. The direction, cast, score, it's all great.

I haven't read any of the novels or watched the 1984 film. I saw this one without knowing anything. So, as a first time viewer, this story is intriguing. And the script was good too. But it is really slow paced. The first half was intriguing because there was some story. Some big battle scenes are also watchable though the editing around the action could have been better. In the second half, nothing actually happens. It's just some characters trying to survive. A series of events are shown which leads to..... nothing. Added to the slow pace, I almost slept. Towards the end, it became exciting but ended abruptly. It's like you stop a movie at its interval. It's obviously leading to a sequel but the ending was not that satisfying.

Overall, the film is good. And it's definitely a theatre watch. It easily gets a 7.5.

One Shot (III) (2021)

Scott Adkins and one shot action sequences elevate this generic action film.

[7/10 · 6 November 2021]

6.5/10; About this film, Scott Adkins shines as usual. This man is a legit on screen action presence and acts well. He sells the character of the Navy SEAL team leader. And the fights are amazing too, starting with extended shootouts to close quarter pistol fights and hand to hand fights. The action is directed well. It is really tense and well choreographed.

The supporting cast is ok. Ashley Greene is good. Ryan Phillip looked bored. Others were just fine. The story is your generic good guys rescuing prisoner from bad guys. And the script is mediocre. Many scenes in the film would have made an impact had the characters been fleshed out and the script a better one. The one take becomes a bit strenuous at times too.

Overall it's a fine movie. Without Adkins and the cool fights, it would have been a boring mess. Do give it a watch.