The Matrix Resurrection will destroy all your expectations. But that's what makes the movie interesting.

In 1999, the world of cinema changed. The Matrix was released, a film by the Wachowski duo that revolutionized the concept of blockbusters. Then there were two sequels: successful, but no longer very surprising. And then the series went to rest. No, of course, there was also an anime series, books, comics and games. But still, the story was not returned to the big screens. Until December 16, 2021, when "Resurrection" was launched in cinemas, directed by Lana Wachowski, one of the original authors.

It seemed that the third part of the "Revolution" ended the story: Neo and Trinity were killed, between people and machines was established a shaky, but peace. Itself The matrix not destroyed, but by agreement, everyone who wanted to free themselves received such an opportunity.

Based on this, a logical question arose before the release: what can be shown in the new part? Is it really going to be a banal retelling of the same story? The answer turned out to be unexpected, and therefore very controversial. The fourth film, on the one hand, deconstructs not only the plots of the previous films, but in general the idea of ​​continuing the old franchises. On the other hand, he himself returns the audience to the original plot. But at the same time it does not increase the scope, as it was in "Reload" and "Revolution", but on the contrary narrows it down to the personal drama of two people.

The plot you weren't expecting. Or is it the same story?

Regular readers of Lifehacker know that most often movie reviews begin with a synopsis of the movie. However, in the case of a new "Matrix", an exception will have to be made for two reasons at once. First, literally every phrase describing the beginning of a picture can spoil the viewing experience. And secondly, it is possible to speak about the further plot only in the most banal phrases. Neo and his comrades are fighting for freedom against machines - as if someone was expecting another.

And yet the plot will surprise most viewers. Moreover, emotions will strongly depend on how anxious you are about this franchise. There is a lot of irony in everything that happens. And in an absolutely amazing way "Matrix" from a cyberpunk action movie about the confrontation between people and machines turns into an emotional statement about the fate of the creator and generally a talented person in modern the world. And they do it in the style of post- or even metamodern, approaching an interactive episode "Black mirror».

That is, the creators of the franchise themselves make fun of the new part. Or rather, over the need to remove it. Previously, only Kevin Smith with his sequels to "Jay and Silent Bob" dared to do this. But in the case of The Matrix, both the scale and the level of popularity are completely different.

The plot of "Resurrection" will surely divide the audience into two camps. Some will consider what is happening very funny and witty, while others will accuse the authors of destroying all the beauty of history.

And therefore, the further plot can also be perceived in two ways. From a certain moment, what is happening loses all irony and turns into a typical sequel: the authors somehow glue inconsistencies and allow the heroes and spectators to plunge again into the world of confrontation between people and machines. Yes, the action is a pretty good upgrade. Even the characters themselves joke that no one uses telephone booths anymore. And at the same time, the influence of a computer on a person no longer occurs according to strict formulas, but due to the study of human behavior. But at the core is the same story and goals: some have control, others have freedom.

The return of your favorite heroes. Or a self-parody?

Even before the announcement of the development of the film under the direction of Lana Wachowski, screenwriter Zach Penn told'Matrix' Reboot Still In The Early Stages; Screenwriter Zak Penn Provides Update / Slash Filmthat he came up with a completely new storyline in which Michael B. Jordan. Yes, and in the fan community, discussions regularly surfaced that it would be better to turn the "Matrix" into a large-scale cinematic universe and talk about other characters in this world.

But at the same time, many viewers were delighted when they learned that in the new part, Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss will return to their roles. True, in parallel, jokes were poured that the first in the new image would rather play John Wick (which perfectly intersects with the ironic theoryAnother John Wick / Matrix theory to blow your minds / Digital Spylike a hitman franchise exists in the world of The Matrix). By the way, here it can be noted that in "Resurrection" Reeves will appear without a beard and long hair. Alas, this will debunk the myth of his eternal youth.

Other heroes were presented in a new way. For the "Matrix" this is quite acceptable: even "Star Wars"Allowed themselves to retell the same stories with new faces. And the Wachowskis did write repetitions into the very basis of the plot. Therefore, Morpheus, Agent Smith and several other characters will appear in a different form. And one can argue how well the new performers of these roles were selected. Morpheus and even the analogue of the Architect now look too mannered and even comical, which does not fit at all with the seriousness and even brutality of the old trilogy.

But there is a certain irony in all this again. In modern cinema, neither dark heroes like Morpheus, nor aggressive villains like Agent Smith are no longer relevant. In "Resurrection" they look just as grotesque, but the leather cloak has been replaced by bright costumes, and an eerie grin is a soft smile.

Classic action-thriller. Or a love drama?

It's no secret that the whole trilogy was loved not only for the philosophical plot, but also for the incredible action game that combined classic oriental martial arts and breakthrough graphics. And in the new part, many hope to see the same furious staging of fights and chases.

But here you should immediately underestimate your expectations. No, there are several very spectacular battles in the picture, and some scenes even copy the classics. But in the same "John Wick" the production looked much cleverer. The most annoying thing is that "The Matrix: Resurrection" has lost a large part of the corporate identity of the action franchise.

There is no that "we need a lot of weapons", they get by with simple pistols, the legendary bullet time is replaced with a banal slowdown. And hand-to-hand battles no longer cause such delight. There is nothing comparable to the legendary first battle of Neo and Smith, nor to chase on the highway. And even Reeves' hero sometimes resembles a computer game character controlled by a mediocre player. He uses the same technique in all difficult situations. Effective but not impressive.

And, most likely, staging an action in the style of "The Matrix" simply won't surprise anyone. Bullet time was admitted at allTop 10 Worst Movie Clichés - Cinemassacre Resurrected Review / YouTube one of the most boring cliches in cinema. So they decided to abandon it, and at the same time from the green and blue filters in the picture. But it is difficult to get rid of the thought that battles were added to "Resurrection" as if reluctantly, as an obligatory component.

After all, it is obvious that Lana Wachowski wanted to talk more about something else. No matter how trite it may sound - about the power of love.

Of course, do not forget that the second and third parts were also largely built on the relationship between Neo and Trinity. However, now this line is made not only the main one, it is generally the basis of all existence. And sometimes this drama seems too deliberate. Worse, it doesn't lead to anything. As if the ending to the film was simply forgotten to come up with, adding the banal "And they lived happily ever after."

The Matrix Resurrection will surely anger many fans. And at the same time, some of the viewers will be delighted with the picture: some from nostalgia and meeting with familiar heroes, some from the irony of the plot.

But in any case, anyone familiar with the original trilogy should be given a chance to continue. If only because of its ambiguous plot and morality. After all, once the first "Matrix" made the whole world discuss it. And now I want to argue about the new film, albeit on completely different topics.