Two things that i miss with the new Matrix
- an original style
- a thought provoking plot
about the plot. I think there COULD have been a new - reality questioning plot .. based on the Matrix world - but it was not found.
So i doubt there is anyone leaving the cinema thinking the hard question about actual reality - which is not necessarily a big minus for a sequel.
About the style .. the original one had a style that almost defined a certain subgroup of a generation. A new cool based on leather, looks and. Never before seen moves, copied by so many following movies, iconic scenes and ideas.
This sequel does not even remotely come close to that.
But
Is it bad? I think not. It is a competent sequel .. even a smart one. It takes the very hard job building on a trilogy that terminated. It builds on the world building of not just the trilogy but also the accompanying other media (animatrix, the computer game etc.)
It does so in a solid way ... but all it can ultimately achieve is a let down.
I would rate this 4th iteration of the Matrix as slightly above average. No wasted time watching it ... but it is about as useless as the 2nd Space Jam movie. (much better though)
I have watched the Matrix several times .. and i always enjoyed it. It holds up very well even in 2022 ...
... i am unlikely to re-watch the reincarnation part IV again though. It is forgettable in a sad way.