I rewatched the previous Matrix movies in the 2 weeks prior to seeing Resurrections. In my opinion, the movies are ranked in the following order from best to worst: Matrix I, Matrix III, Matrix IV, Matrix IV, Matrix II. My criteria include things like: depth of character development as expressed in conversation and progressive actions; inclusion of complex ideas and/or moral situations that are difficult to resolve; ambiguous endings (more like real life); internal struggle in characters; multi layered interrelated plotlines; universal relevance; and, of course, nuanced acting, good line writing, camera work, set design, action choreography, etc.
I think that this fourth installment failed for me because the stakes were just never high enough. So, as I review that list of evaluating criteria above I find myself thinking that the real problem with the movie lies in either the basic writing--that is the plot construction, not the dialogue--or maybe in the final editing.
All the way through the movie, the primary focus seems to be on recovering the romantic relationship between Neo and Trinity. And I suppose that is a fine idea. There are plenty of movies that are basically romantic dramas. But is one romance really worth placing the entirety of the last remnant of humanity at risk? It seems overblown to me. Why would the other humans go along with this?
There were a few extremely brief moments in which other, larger scale, concerns were brought to light: The crucial interest that the machines have in maintaining the status quo (keeping Neo and Trinity separated but close). The tense state of peace that has existed between the humans and the machines since Matrix III. However these two issues, which are actually interconnected, are never really given the screen time necessary for them to help elevate the focus of Neo's mission from one that is purely personal to one that could determine the future of humankind.
If Neo's mission could have been reframed in this way, I think there might have been a greater sense of importance and urgency for this audience member. A greater feeling that the outcome of Neo's actions and choices mattered....... As things stood, this was not much more than a movie about whether Mr. Anderson was going to ball Tiffany.
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