Matrix Resurrections (2021)
How to destroy a franchise.
Presentation:
Save for a few neat shots, the films visuals bears no resemblance to previous films with forgettable action/fight sequences, the core of what makes the Matrix special. Keanu feels slow and provides less presence than his John Wick series.
Story:
The story betrays what conspired in previous films. There is no meaningful inspiration at the heart of this film, save for some grief that Wachoskis emulate for the passing of a loved one. And so this franchise fittingly dies as well. The writers attempt at a clever conscious story, aware of it's cultural impact and illustrating social commentary on the effects of zombie consumerism akin to the imprisonment of the Matrix, but it's presented so poorly that it ends feeling lazy and too smart for what it really is: a cash grab. It cheapens the monumental impact of the previous films and definitively ruins the original. There is little good about this film and the post modernist commentary is too explicit, which robs us of the enjoyment of reaching this potentially meaningful conclusion on our own. Offensive to the Matrix name.
Conclusion:
This film should be retconned from the franchise. Trash.
Recommendations
Bringing Japan to western audiences.