“The Matrix Resurrections” is the latest example of a franchise getting pulled from the shelf, dusted off, and given a fresh coat of paint. This time, instead of both Wachowskis, we just get Lana Wachowski returning to direct the newest ‘Matrix‘ sequel nearly 20 years after ‘Revolutions.’ Also returning are Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss as Neo and Trinity, respectively. And whenever you get a highly-anticipated sequel hitting theaters, you know people are going to have thoughts.
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All that to say, the early reactions to “The Matrix Resurrections” have hit social media, and let’s just say they really range and kind of split with some critics heralding it as a triumphant return to the series and some either disappointed by its heavy, referential metatextual sensibilities or downright hating it, including a few Playlist writers too like Rodrigo Perez, Robert Daniels, and Walter Chaw, who all have very different reactions. (This writer doesn’t use Twitter at all, but thinks the film is pretty damn awesome, for what it’s worth.)
Let’s start with three aforementioned writers, our Editor-in-Chief and two regular Playlist contributors.
The reason for the divisive sentiment seems to range from a couple of different aspects of the film. First, there are folks that really do enjoy the ‘Matrix’ franchise and have completely opened up to the idea of a new, very different sequel. So, if you go in with an open mind, so to speak, you might enjoy the ride. However, there are others who still feel burned by the previous sequels and also have issues with this franchise revival trend that we’ve seen quite a few times over the past several years. Those folks are definitely not going to enjoy what “The Matrix Resurrections” has in store for them, with its meta-commentary about sequels and reboots… while also being a sequel and kinda-sorta, reboot.
“The Matrix Resurrections” hits HBO Max and theaters on December 22.
Here’s some more scribes with a lot of different takes!