I must admit I never expected a fourth film in this series, but here we are. Matrix 4 follows Neo - reborn into a new matrix as a computer game programmer who thinks that all the events in the original trilogy were part of a computer game that he created. When memories begin to surface, and people from his past re-enter his life, he must once again break free of the matrix and attempt to reawaken Trinity.
This series sadly has been one of deminishing returns, and I was hoping that this 4th entry would break that decline... but sadly it does not. The most annoying thing is that the plot works... I can completely get behind the idea of the old matrix being a video game inside the new matrix. However, an utter slew of problems just drag the film down into a large pit of mediocrity despite this. The first problem is that aside from Neo and Trinity, the rest of the characters are 100% forgettable, including Morpheus (who is a new actor). Then there's the action, which is lukewarm at best. I get that Keanu is older now and perhaps would struggle with the high-octane stuff... but it looks like he isn't even trying half the time.
But by far the biggest problem, is that the film 100% focuses on the love story between the leads and everything else is half baked. I get that it was important in the original trilogy, but even then it was just one aspect of a larger story. This film drives and drives the Neo loves Trinity plot point so much it begins to irritate, and since you obviously know they will fly off into the sunset together, the whole film just feels like its going through the motions.
Overall this feels like a wasted opportunity to resurrect (sorry) this franchise and if you skip it you will miss precisely nothing. Disappointing...
