Movie reviews

MARATON MATRIX 2021 (2021 MATRIX MARATHON)

THE MATRIX (1999)

Watchable. The 90s: dial-up Internet, hackers are glorified, bodymorphing and CGIs in general are a novelty, Cronenberg rules the cinemas with humans' rough connections with machinery, fast-track learning through devices put on your head is the rage, gloomy fashion with long coats and clothes looking like out the dumpster, acid pills. Jefferson Airplane's song "White Rabbit" appears to have inspired the fantastic part of the plot too. The song, in turn, was inspired by Jonathan Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland". These are deeply ingrained in the movie structure. No wonder it became a cult film of the time. Most of that image of the world is gone. The movie still impresses with some CGIs and the combat sequences. But you know the plot is nonsense. 

THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS

Watchable. The opening is great. It tells you where Neo is now - working for the gaming industry. Colourful suits bring a fresh look. This time Neo travels the worlds through a mirror, i.e. like Alice again, but in the second book. The protracted middle part is a let-down. Neo and Trinity move like elderly people even though they are just middle-aged. In fact, their age is continually stressed and they move as if they suffered from chronic back pains. Tenuous fights, no new special effects, the 'real world' looks the same as before. Generally, only the Matrix is good, the 'real world' is lame. Priyanka Chopra as Sati doesn't help, I loved her in Bollywood but Hollywood doesn't do her any favours. Other than some savvy remarks, e.g. on originality valued in the past v. sequels being in the vogue these days, on Facebook or on 'sheeple' who want certainty, not freedom, the middle act doesn't offer much. The ending is fun, though not as much as the beginning. I loved "He was definitely asking for it" - definitely an update to the series. On the other hand, I was disappointed not even a rainbow appeared in the new world which the protagonists had discussed. There's a post-credit - another sign of the times. On the whole though, even "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City" was more fun and livelier.