The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

Crawford calls the sequel a revolutionary, optimistic capstone that expands the series with a rich, original vision. She especially praises its affirmation of non-binary identity and the fresh, hopeful presence of female and non-binary characters.

Bastién calls the film a thrilling, ambitious triumph that turns the franchise’s return into a bold, romantic story. She especially praises the chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, which gives its themes of love and community emotional force.

Uhlich finds the film a transcendent, emotionally persuasive story of renewal, despite less effective action scenes. He especially praises the mature, natural rapport between Neo and Trinity and the film’s heartfelt love story.

Walsh finds the film an original, joyful remix that makes a persuasive case for revisiting the franchise. She praises its earnest Neo–Trinity love story and colorful, well-designed action.

O’Sullivan finds the ambitious sequel bold and much more than a cynical cash-grab, though its supporting cast and stretches of dialogue disappoint. She praises Reeves and Moss for bringing gorgeous gusto to Neo and Trinity’s frayed chemistry.

Ehrlich praises the film as a bold, personal, and unusually thoughtful franchise sequel, though its action and some fan-service moments disappoint. He singles out its sincere romance between Neo and Trinity as the film’s emotional and thematic strength.

The critic finds the film a bold, successful reboot, though its meta-commentary may test viewers’ patience. They praise the love story between Neo and Trinity as the emotional anchor.

Tallerico gives the film a mixed but generally appreciative verdict. He singles out its self-aware engagement with the franchise’s history as a strength.

Newland calls the film a sophisticated, compelling addition to the series and expects fans to enjoy its return. She praises its balance of homage and self-aware humor, especially its teasing of people who read too much into the films.

The critic finds the film a welcome, self-conscious antidote to generic blockbusters, despite its uneven middle and weaker action. They praise Wachowski’s effort to reclaim the original’s ideological meaning, especially through its engagement with transgender politics.

DeFore finds the sequel an enjoyable, self-aware return that largely remakes the original, while questioning whether its ideas fully come together onscreen. He singles out the scenes of Neo trying to reconnect with Trinity as especially engaging.

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Rife finds the sequel self-referential and messy, but ultimately hopeful and endearing. She praises Wachowski’s inspired visual touches while criticizing the action staging and less legible fight choreography.

The review suggests the film is only moderately successful, with its meta approach shaping the experience. It singles out Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss for breathing some life into the revived franchise.

The critic finds the film entertaining in bursts but ultimately hollow, as it shifts from playful self-awareness to pedestrian plotting. They praise its cheeky, layered opening and the romantic, sometimes touching return of Reeves and Moss.

The review suggests the film is more a treatise against franchise filmmaking than a genuine revival. It singles out the film’s meta approach, implying that it offers more commentary than transformation.

Debruge finds the sequel slick but largely redundant, with little reason to revive a story that had reached a natural conclusion. He praises its self-aware, pop-subversive framing, while faulting its lack of innovation and striking visual identity.

Brody finds the film a disappointing, sluggish return that relies on nostalgia and routine spectacle. He praises the brief reunion of Neo and Trinity for its powerful sense of mutual recognition and transformation.

Bradshaw finds the reboot lifeless and unable to justify its return, calling it an unoriginal piece of franchise IP. He gives some credit to its middle-aged love-story charm and playful new ideas, but complains that Trinity is underused and the action lacks the original’s impact.

Lane finds the sequel worthwhile, admiring its meta approach and the franchise’s romantic core. She especially praises Reeves and Moss’s compelling portrayal of Neo and Trinity’s love, while noting that some action is hard to follow.

The critic finds the sequel an entertaining, unconventional experiment, though it has stumbles and lacks the original’s inventive action. They praise its humor and the romantic chemistry between Neo and Trinity.

Robertson enjoyed the film more than expected and says he was eager to watch it again. He praises its reabsorption of what made the original work, especially its playful metatextuality and emotional spark.

Miller finds the film a satisfying, often exciting continuation that revives enthusiasm for the franchise. She especially praises the deepened chemistry between Reeves and Moss, while noting that the action falls short of the earlier films.

The critic finds the follow-up a breath of fresh air, despite its choppy, shaky action. She singles out the women characters, especially Trinity, for giving the film its heart and appeal.

Oller finds the sequel ambitious and often joyous, though messy and not always successful. He especially praises the warmth and chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss.

The critic finds the sequel ambitious, weird, and satisfying, though it falters with a plot-heavy middle and a less compelling follow-up to the earlier films. He particularly praises the romantic chemistry between Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss and the cathartic story of second chances.

Surrey sees the film as a bold, self-aware challenge to franchise nostalgia, while appreciating Wachowski’s right to shape the series’ legacy. He singles out its earnest focus on Neo and Trinity’s love as the force driving the story.

Sandwell calls it a mixed bag, but says its unusual ideas and creativity make it better than the later sequels. He praises the central romance and cast chemistry, while criticizing the action and the exposition-heavy second half.

The review finds the film convoluted but intermittently gripping, with a somewhat unsatisfying climax. It praises the inventive fight scenes and highlights Jada Pinkett Smith’s poignant performance.

The critic finds the sequel frustrating and uneven, but worth accepting for its unusual self-awareness. They particularly praise the more convincing, emotionally developed relationship between Neo and Trinity.

The critic finds the sequel a weak, disappointing addition that fails to recapture the original’s magic. They praise its core premise and find several performances enjoyable, but fault its metatextual humor and romance for poor execution.