Title: The Matrix Resurrections
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Lana Wachowski
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Ann Moss, Jessica Henwick
Runtime: 2 hr 28 mins

What It Is: We return to the Matrix. When Neo (Reeves) under the guise of a video game designer doesn’t realize that the actions of his popular video game are actually his experiences. When he is pulled back into the Matrix by Bugs (Henwick), Morpheus (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), and their crew it’s a return he didn’t expect against a villain he didn’t know existed. But can Neo once again be the hero he needs to be or will The Matrix swallow him whole?

What We Think: I’m a huge fan of the first film in The Matrix franchise. I find it to be one of the cinema’s most important films. It bridged the gap between the 20th and 21st centuries back in 1999 perfectly. The sequels left a lot to be desired. That being said this is probably the best sequel. It does enough to keep your interest in the now 20-year-old franchise. It’s meta, though it perhaps holds its tongue in cheek for too long. There’s one character in particular who feels out of place completely. Keanu Reeves is yet to lose a step as Neo and having Carrie-Ann Moss doing anything is always a treat. Some of the new additions work really well (see Neil Patrick Harris’ devious turn as “The Analyst:) and some don’t (love Jonathan Groff but he’s no Agent Smith). It is, as a Matrix film should be, beautiful looking.

Our Grade: B-, Gorgeous to look at and as existential stocked as you’d like. This is a good sequel that is sure to reignite the passion for this franchise. It’s an easy watch being on HBO Max but this is one that if it’s still available in a theater near you you must certainly seek out. It’s a worthy fourth entry, which isn’t something too many franchises have the luxury of saying.