Review: 'The Matrix Resurrections' Reboots a Legendary Franchise

In 1999 the blockbuster was revolutionized: A cinematic experience unlike any movie-goers had been exposed was about to blow everyone's collective mind, and it had nothing to do with a comic book franchise or CGI dinosaurs. When the Wachowskis unleashed "The Matrix," bullet-time visual effects became a thing, and the sci-fi genre got a major injection of relevance. Their dystopian fable centered on one man: Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves), a video game programmer living an otherwise unimpressive existence – that is, until he decides to wake up.

With the help of a growing resistance, Mr. Anderson learns a stunning truth: Mankind has become a living energy source, made completely docile to an artificial intelligence that now rules the planet and forces humans to exist in a simulation called "The Matrix." Over the course of the original trilogy conceived by Lilly and Lana Wachowski, Keanu Reeves' Mr. Anderson evolves into Neo, a messiah of legend that is destined to liberate humanity and bring about a revolution. At the conclusion of the third picture, there was little expectation that the Wachowskis would revisit their worldwide phenomenon. "The Matrix" saga had apparently been closed.

Nearly two decades later, it appears that the tale is far from over. In fact, it seems that our worst fears have been realized, as the Wachowski's go back to where it all began in "The Matrix Resurrections," directed by Lana Wachowski and starring Reeves in a reprise of his lead role, along with returning favorite Carrie-Anne Moss... but didn't she meet her fate in the original trilogy? That is part of the mystery facing our heroes in "Resurrections," because by the looks of things "The Matrix" itself is fully functional!

A new generation of freedom fighters are introduced with Jessica Henwick an Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (HBO's "Watchmen") leading the charge to (re)liberate Mr. Anderson (Reeves) from his captivity. That's where the story begins: In order to succeed, the heroes must remind him of his true identity and bring Neo back into the fight.

Unfortunately, Anderson is convinced that the entirety of the narrative of the original trilogy is all just part of a successful video game series that he created, and is now being pressured by his business partner (Jonathan Groff) into revisiting. A sequel must be released and marketed immediately!

Anderson's analyst (Neil Patrick Harris) does not believe its good idea to give in to the demands to create a sequel, and is concerned that it might inspire another unhealthy episode in his patient. Unfortunately, he's absolutely correct; and while a tactical force descends on Mr. Anderson's place of business, he is ultimately rescued by Bugs (Henwick) and Morpheus (Adbul-Mateen II), and none too soon before he must face off with a harrowing reinterpretation of the dastardly Agent Smith.

Neo is resuscitated in the material world outside of "The Matrix" and quickly discovers that of his efforts to thwart the AI that was controlling the planet were not entirely in vain. The human race has been able to endure and work collectively with the technology that it was once enslaved by, but not everyone has been freed. A new program has emerged with a new directive and direction to re-subvert the human race, convinced that it's actually what humanity wants. What's even more traumatizing to Neo is the role he and his one true love, Trinity (Moss), played in allowing this new threat to emerge.

Determined to right his wrong, Neo will do whatever he can to resurrect Trinity and set in motion a series of events that will undoubtedly lead to another conflict – only, this time, mankind has far more to lose; the machines have adapted become more ruthless. Cleverly using every meta-trick in the book, Lana Wachowski eases the audience into this all-new existence with an incredible sleight of hand that is less dependent on special effects and keener on character development.

"Resurrections" is successful on many levels, mostly on the details; reflective of a multi-cultural, sexually diverse cast, the story is more than just a regurgitation of the original. This is in every sense a proper sequel, extension of a tale that we all thought had come to a natural conclusion. But, as with every action, there are consequences. The Pandora's Box has been opened – what's next is anyone's guess. What's still true is this: The choice is yours. Will you return to "The Matrix," or seek the truth behind the illusions?

"The Matrix Resurrections" premieres in theaters on December 22 and is also steaming on HBO Max.