Matrix 4’s Worst Scene Revealed

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The intense battle between Neo and Agent Smith in “The Matrix Resurrections” highlights why many people felt let down by the fourth movie. The original “Matrix” films were groundbreaking with their action scenes that combined a unique mix of Hong Kong-style combat and gunfights. However, “The Matrix Reloaded” and “Revolutions” received mixed reactions for their complex stories and awkward dialogue. Despite this, they still showcased amazing set pieces such as the freeway chase. The trailer for the long-awaited fourth film suggested even better action scenes, but unfortunately, the movie didn’t live up to expectations.

Let me make this clear: The sequel is packed with exciting events. It offers a highly self-referential critique of Hollywood and storytelling as a whole, while further developing the series’ backstory. In addition, The Matrix Resurrections provided Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) with a fitting conclusion. However, it should be noted that the film was quite controversial due to its numerous departures from convention, including some action sequences that fell short of expectations.

Neo & Smith’s Fight In The Matrix Resurrections Doesn’t Live Up To Their Past Battles

Resurrections’ Neo Vs Smith battle is stunningly flat

Despite receiving mixed critiques for the second and third films, they still showcased thrilling action sequences, particularly the combats between Neo and Hugo Weaving’s Agent Smith. From their intense subway fight in the first movie to their cataclysmic battle in Revolutions, these encounters were always the standouts. The news that Weaving wouldn’t reprise his role for Resurrections was disappointing, as his absence was felt when the character was recast with Jonathan Groff. Unfortunately, one of the weakest scenes in The Matrix Resurrections is the anticipated showdown between Neo and Smith.

In this movie, Neo and his group engage in combat with Smith and other hostile programs that were banished, but unfortunately, the anticipated action scenes fall flat. The intricate dance-like fights from previous installments are missing, replaced by clumsy battles against nameless adversaries. Moreover, the fight between Neo and Smith seems almost forgotten. The choreography of their fight appears awkward and sluggish, and there’s a noticeable absence of suspense throughout the film.

In “The Matrix Resurrections,” Groff delivers an impressive portrayal of Agent Smith, however, the film suffers due to the absence of Weaving who played the character in the original trilogy. The rivalry between Neo and Smith was central to the first three movies, so without Weaving, the relationship between the characters seems lacking. It appears as though the fight scene between Resurrections’ Neo and Smith is intentionally less impactful, serving perhaps to emphasize that another confrontation between them holds no significance. If this was the aim, then mission accomplished, but it results in a rather uninteresting action sequence.

Neo & Smith’s Fight Highlights The Matrix Resurrections’ Broader Action Problem

The Matrix Resurrections has no standout setpieces

Apart from the thrilling bike chase that concludes it, the action sequences in the film “The Matrix Resurrection” are not particularly memorable. The original films’ distinctive Hong Kong-inspired flair is largely absent, replaced by combat scenes and set pieces that feel dull and uninspiring. A training scene between Neo and Morpheus, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, pales in comparison to the one in the original “Matrix.” The movie as a whole seems to lack the iconic style that has come to define the franchise, which can partly be attributed to the absence of action mastermind Yuen Woo-ping.

Yuen Woo-ping, who created the fight scenes for films such as “Fist of Legend” and the “Kill Bill” series, gave the original “Matrix” its unique and invigorating action sequences. However, it appears that “The Matrix Resurrections” does not seem keen on matching or surpassing this standard set by Yuen. The action can be quite sluggish at times, and this is further exacerbated by the sequel’s budget-conscious digital aesthetic.

Every Matrix Movie Release Year RT Critics Score
The Matrix 1999 83%
The Matrix Reloaded 2003 74%
The Matrix Revolutions 2003 33%
The Matrix Resurrections 2021 63%

The failure to focus on key elements in “The Matrix Resurrections” can be traced back to the film’s underlying philosophy. Lana Wachowski, the director, created a follow-up more concerned with exploring the franchise’s impact or viewers’ longing for a revisit of a familiar tale rather than producing a groundbreaking action movie. This is an unusual strategy, but the mixed reactions it garnered indicate it didn’t achieve its goal effectively. Nevertheless, there’s a certain charm in her ability to direct a $200 million sequel that humorously acknowledges its own existence.

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2025-05-18 18:11