By Abigail Mulonas

In search of every ounce of originality and purpose, “The Matrix Resurrections” director Lana Wachowski brings back the nostalgia of seeing Neo and Trinity together and thinks that’s enough to make a decent movie. Taking the revolutionary concept for granted once built, there is only one question that arises: after all this time, was it the best you can do?

Although I am not necessarily surprised, I am disappointed. Nine times out of 10, sequels or other franchise additions are worse than the former. Eighteen years after the premiere of the last Matrix film, this latest opus proves that actors and producers, indeed, still do not have what they need.

Set in the world of the Return to Two Realities, one is Thomas Anderson’s everyday life and the other is what lies beneath Neo’s life. To know if his reality is a construction, to really know himself, he must choose to follow the White Rabbit once again.

Covering roles within the franchise are Keanu Reeves as Neo, Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity, and Jada Pinkett Smith as Niobe. Jonathan Groff as Agent Smith, Jessica Henwick as Bugs, and Neil Patrick Harris as Analyst, along with many more join the new additions.

My biggest problem is the fact that it doesn’t have an underlying theme or point. Addressing notions that might be important if given time, such as relationships, a female protagonist, or rehearsing a boring Groundhog Day lifestyle, these thoughts were left unambitious, rendering it all unnecessary. .

Neo starts this movie stuck in the Matrix trying to disentangle what is reality. These building blocks take too long to span parts of the story that are not important and go through the moments that would be of value.

While many actors return to reprise the roles of established characters, their arcs are unsatisfying when paired with different actors playing already developed characters from previous films.

Not to mention my lingering disappointment in Reeves and Moss’ single performances. Being the first people the audience can connect with, their painfully monotonous and bland deliverance of lines and actions makes it difficult to be on the same page.

Therefore, this uneven involvement of elongated details was just a mishmash of blunt information.

For my part, I am a die-hard Matrix fan. Still, my initial thought on the possibility of a fourth film was that it might stand a chance. If the reasons for a sequel were justified and well explained in the film, it would have been more successful.

Unfortunately, my wishful thinking for this plot was only due to my undying dedication and hope for the mind-blowing first film rather than clear thinking. This sequel did the same tired things again, this time without the benefit of novelty.

However, what originally made this series so watchable was the fact that it is based on a believable and mind-blowing concept. The Matrix movies have always had an “it moment”.

For example, classic elevator scene, red or blue pill, bullet dodge, highway scene, etc. are all memorable moments that leave the audience saying ‘shit’.

Relying solely on the development and household name of its predecessor, nothing makes this film desirable. Running out of visuals, the sci-fi aspects are toned down to their potential, and there wasn’t enough action to coincide with its slowdown time.

The script was either filled with silent, short, mundane interactions without depth, or relied on constant music to tell the audience to feel a certain way. With not even any cheesy liners to lighten the mood, it wasn’t like “The Matrix” enough to be taken seriously and not unique enough to be treated as a standalone movie.

As much as I wanted to love this movie, it was too slow and filled with boring details that amounted to an inferior addition to a franchise that had already ended badly.

Airing on HBO and simultaneously airing in theaters, this is a tragically unforgettable watch that is the epitome of continuing Hollywood franchises just because they can, not because they should.

Rating: 5/10