The Matrix Reloaded” was hotly anticipated in 2003 as the sequel to a revolutionary science fiction surprise hit – and disappointed more than a few fans. To this day, there is no consensus as to whether this sequel was needed or not!
When a film sets completely new standards (not only) in terms of special effects and is celebrated as a revolution in its genre, a possible sequel naturally has a hard time. The Wachowski sisters also had to realise this when they brought “Matrix Reloaded” to the cinema – four years after the original film completely overwhelmed the audience with its previously unseen mixture of martial arts, dark science fiction and philosophy out of nowhere.
The two direct sequels, however, are something like the epitome of controversial sequels: Although the second part also proved to be a huge success at the box office with 741.8 million dollars. But even the direct sequel “Matrix Revolutions” grossed considerably less – perhaps because the expectations of many fans who were disappointed by part 2 had dropped rapidly?
A look at the ratings of the FILMSTARTS community confirms this impression: While Part 1 still received an almost perfect average rating of 4.592 stars, “Matrix Reloaded” only received 3.562 stars – more than a whole star less!
Finally, only 3.317 stars were given to the third film. And “Matrix Resurrections” (2021) couldn’t stop the downward trend: 2.816 stars on average for the late fourth part of the sci-fi saga with Keanu Reeeves.
User Lamya, for example, finds the second part “a bit worse” than the original “Matrix”, but still gives it the highest rating of 5 out of 5 stars and praises both effects and story. BrodiesFilmkritiken gives it 4 out of 5 and calls the film a “revolutionary masterpiece in terms of action and effects […].”
Film fan Andi, on the other hand, can only bring himself to give it a single star and wonders why the Wachowskis’ production was so “unimaginative” compared to its predecessor. Half a point less (and thus the lowest possible rating) is awarded by user Cursha: “Matrix Reloaded” is a “terrible sequel” with an “implausible story”.
WILL THERE BE A FIFTH “MATRIX” MOVIE?
So, after “Matrix” was agreed upon by almost everyone in 1999, “Matrix Reloaded” is a clear divider – and none of the subsequent sequels have been able to cohesively wow its audience once again.
After “Matrix Resurrections” was not only received ambivalently by fans and critics two years ago, but also flopped at the box office with a box-office takings of just 159.2 million US dollars worldwide (on a budget of 190 million!), it is rather unlikely that there will be a fifth “Matrix” film any time soon. And maybe it’s better to let the saga rest in peace.
