The Matrixis one of the most influential sci-fi movies of all time, but it’s often dragged down by the poor reputation of its sequels. BothThe Matrix: ReloadedandThe Matrix: Revolutionsmade drastic changes to the franchise that weren’t fully embraced by critics and audiences, and it’s widely agreed that the Wachowskis’ original film remains the strongest in the series. While there are certainlygood things about theMatrixsequels, there’s a reason they didn’t fully work.
The true meaning ofThe Matrixis something that people have been discussing since before it came out, and that’s part of the reason why it’s aged so flawlessly. Despite meaning being essentially unsolvable, the film’s mysteries and questions make the audience think twice about every single character or decision. The Wachowskis struck gold with the story, and most would agree that it works best in isolation.TheMatrixsequels have some great moments, and they spawned some of the franchise’s most iconic moments, but they only detract from the self-contained magic of the original.
The Matrix Sequels Didn’t Have The Element Of Surprise Of The Original
The reason why 1999’sThe Matrixwas so influential and revolutionary was because it had never been done before. From the storytelling to the technical craftsmanship, every aspect of the Wachowskis’ film was totally original and changed the trajectory of cinema forever. The same can’t exactly be said about the sequels, which all draw inspiration from the first movie but none of which push the genre forward as radically. From a technical perspective,it was difficult to come up with any slick camera tricks or filmmaking inventionsthat surprised audiences as effectively asThe Matrixdid.
I Want The Matrix 5 Less Than I Wanted Resurrections (& I Didn’t Want Resurrections At All)
The Matrix franchise has no business delivering yet another tone-deaf cash grab sequel that only serves to dilute the genius of the original film.
Additionally, once the concept of the Matrix had been explained to the viewer and understood by the characters, this element of mystery was no longer present in the sequels. Much of the first movie centered around Neo and Trinity attempting to figure out exactly what the Matrix was, jumping between the real world and the simulated world. OnceNeo figures everything out at the end ofThe Matrixand unlocks his true potential, it’s hard for the sequels to go anywhere new from there. Ofall theMatrixmovies, the first is the only one that benefits from this creative mystery.
Reloaded & Revolutions Were Too Worried About Explaining The Matrix Universe
The Sequels Were Too Detail-Oriented
There’s an unspoken rule in storytelling that a sequel should always expand upon the story of the original, raising the stakes and introducing new characters along the way. However, this dedication to makingThe Matrixeven more complex and detail-oriented is ultimately what killed the franchise for many audiences.ReloadedandRevolutionsare so committed to expanding this world in exciting new waysthat they drift too far from the story we originally fell in love with, ditching the philosophical storytelling of the first movie for more sci-fi-infused action movies about intergalactic revolution.
1999
83%
2003
88%
74%
33%
2021
63%
What’s so brilliant aboutThe Matrixis that audiences don’t really understand what’s going on for the majority of the story. It’s not untilthe ending ofThe Matrixthat the details of this world become clearer - and there’s a reason it ends there.Once the mystery is gone, much of the film’s appeal disappears too.ReloadedandRevolutionsseemingly forget this, going behind the curtain of this sci-fi world and attempting to explain every little detail in the process. The war on Zion is an effective storytelling device because it’s vague and unknowable, at least untilRevolutions.
The Matrix Resurrections Didn’t Even Try To Match The Original Movie’s Tone
The Latest Movie Feels Like A Totally Different Franchise
There are several reasons whyThe Matrix Resurrectionsis seen as the worst movie in this franchise, but the most obvious is that it rarely feels like aMatrixmovie at all. Audiences had been waiting so long for another adventure in the Matrix, butResurrectionstook a much more radical approachand turned itself into a metatextual love story that comments on the nature of the film industry as a whole and leaves little room for large-scale sci-fi concepts like Zion and the machines.
WhereThe Matrixis a very serious and dark movie that always takes itself seriously,Resurrectionsalmost makes fun of this approach by subtly breaking the fourth wall and changing aspects of Neo and Trinity’s story in unnatural and poorly-received ways.It certainlydoesn’t feel like a sequel for those who grew up withTheMatrix, and it’s not surprising that many long-time fans were disappointed by it. WhileReloadedandRevolutionsdefinitely have their flaws, at least they maintain a similarly dark and gritty tone as the first movie.
The nextMatrixmovie will be helmed byWorld War Zdirector Drew Goddard.
However,Resurrections’ decision to stylistically distinguish itself from the previous installments was an intentional one. Lana Wachowski used the project as a tool to comment on her relationship with the franchise over the years, weaving intricate metaphors about toxic fandom and the inequity of the movie business into her sci-fi screenplay.This certainly gives the film a unique angle, but it didn’t work as well for those who were simply expecting a newMatrixmovie.
The Matrix 5 Is The Best Chance In Decades To Replicate The Original Matrix Twist
The Next Matrix Movie Could Be A Huge Surprise
AlthoughThe Matrix Resurrectionswasn’t met with the reception we were hoping for, the upcomingMatrix 5can steer the franchise back on track. Just like the original film,we have no idea what the story of the fifthMatrixmovie is going to be about. It could be a sequel, a prequel, a spin-off, or even a reboot of the first movie. No details have yet been announced, which is an incredibly exciting prospect.
The Matrix 4’s Worst Crime Was Thinking It Could Replace Hugo Weaving’s Agent Smith
The Matrix Resurrection made the bold but misguided decision to recast one of the franchise’s most iconic characters, and it backfired badly.
With Neo and Trinity’s story seemingly finished by theend ofThe Matrix Resurrections,it wouldn’t make sense forThe Matrix 5to bring these characters back for no reason. This could mean a totally new story in mind for her upcoming sequel, potentially introducing new characters and exploring the concept of the Matrix from a new angle. Whether we need anotherMatrixmovie is debatable, but should it happen, a brand-new story with original characters is the best approach.
