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Premiere of "Matrix Resurrections": Is it really what the public expected?
Matrix Resurrections is the name of the new film in the great cult franchise headed by Keanu Reeves. It is a title that has come to function as a reboot and thus contribute different things to what was seen in previous films. But, the question is, is it really what the public expected to see?
Main synopsis and curiosities about the film
In general terms, it is the filming that follows the events that occurred after Matrix: Revolution launched and released in 2003. As such, actors of the stature of Keanu Reeves (Neo), Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity) and Lambert Wilson (Merovingian) return to reprise their original roles.
More than 60 years later, Neo is enjoying his normal life under the name of his original identity: Thomas A. Andersen; living in San Francisco, he seems to have completely forgotten what happened 6 decades ago in the past. However, everything will change when Morpheus, in a renewed version, appears and offers the protagonist the "red pill".
In essence, Neo returns to the Matrix at a different time and must join forces with a rebel group from that time. The appearance of a new, more powerful enemy leads the protagonists to form an alliance in order to win.
The film was denied and dismissed multiple times by Lana Wachowski, director and writer of the franchise. He argued that the Matrix had come to an end, but rumors of a fourth installment in the saga remained. It was not until 2019 that his production was confirmed, concluding his recording in August 2020.
Has it been a hit at the box office?
The impact of the pandemic on movie theaters continues to be a factor to overcome since the opening of the same. Franchises have to bear the risks that such an event implies, which is why Matrix Resurrections was not exempt in particular.
Over the course of its opening weekend, after its world premiere on December 22, it has raised more than $65 million. The figure was achieved due to its simultaneous launch in more than 76 markets or countries internationally.
But is it really a world-class hit? If compared to another major title like Spider-Man: No Way Home, yes.
The fourth part of Matrix has managed to overcome the barrier of 50 million in collection only in its first weekend.
There is no doubt that the return of Neo, Trinity and company, as well as the mystery of knowing what has happened since then, captivated the fans. The previous Matrix trilogy is one of the most popular in its time, remaining faithful to this date.
After a dream weekend, the critics do not think the same
The criticism of Matrix Resurrections has been on the sidelines of what is being shown in collection. While the box office success continues to grow, experts describe a different opinion regarding the plot and background of the film.
For the IMDb portal, it has barely exceeded the rating of 5 points, placing it in the order of 5.8 / 10 in general.
In the case of Rotten Tomatoes, it is rated 66% according to previous views. Finally, other outlets like FilmAffinity are tougher when it comes to expressing their opinion, promoting 5.1 out of 10 points in total.
General views of the plot
Matrix Resurrections has wasted the opportunity to go ahead and try new things just by repeating old formulas.
While it's true that fans were looking to once again get acquainted with the old characters, they also wanted another story. Especially after how the events in The Matrix Revolution ended.
The first 30 minutes of filming are classified as characteristic and typical of the franchise. However, at some point, it becomes a repetitive or redundant cycle that does not advance to where the viewer needs to go.
For their part, characters like Trinity with a previously established plot arc come into direct conflict with the current film. The constant disparity between making the protagonist an independent character, but at the same time being dependent, does not work at all.
Action scenes with poorly tolerated black humor
The allure of The Matrix has always been its sci-fi action scenes. The dynamics of this class are typical of the saga and executed with the hallmark of the house.
On this occasion, they are not put in the background, but, on the contrary, save a large percentage of the development of the film.
The fights and conflicts throughout the plot are what benefit the viewer not to notice the other flaws. Added to a feeling of nostalgia for the usual characters, mistakes will practically go unnoticed.
But, what cannot be ignored as such, are the scenes where black humor is little tolerated.
The macho touch in various parts of the script wants to attract attention, but takes on a forced characteristic at some point.
Major absences
The balance of the film sometimes falters due to the replacements in actors for important personages. The absences of Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus and Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith are a mistake that weighs heavily on the story.
Although the director tries to reconnect with them through flashbacks and other references, it does not end her objective in itself. On the other hand, it generates a rebound effect that only fuels even more doubts: why didn't those actors come back?
In conclusion…
Matrix Resurrections is not and will not be the only sequel to a great franchise that misses the mark. The squandering of his cast's potential with Keanu Reeves at his climax stands in stark contrast to what the shoot really wants.
Nonetheless, the movie works to remind you of the past and to experience those nostalgic feelings of the old days.
The action scenes, angles, image, orchestra and other small details, are redeemable for the enjoyment of the fan. Although the criticism is harsh in different Internet media, it does not mean that it is not a visually pleasing film.
