This question came up in the ‘other people ask’ section of the search results, a few years ago when I last watched the Matrix series. I’ve occasionally thought about this, and after re-rewatching them again, now’s my chance to answer the question. No, I don’t think they’re bad movies. I’m no expert what constitutes a bad movie and I’m not certain such a thing is possible because isn’t it subjective? However, if a film keeps you entertained, or excites you, or makes you think and feel, it can’t be a bad movie.

I really like the Matrix films. Not only are the special effects fantastic, the fight scenes brilliantly choreographed, the actors great and the soundtracks cool. They include some of my favourite tropes; humans vs. machine (more relevant than ever now that AI is becoming embedded into society), the chosen one who has special powers, and the blurring between fiction and reality. The first film in particular poses questions: if you were a computer construct (or a brain in a jar, etc), would you be happier not knowing? If you had the choice, would you escape, even if reality is grim? The success of The Matrix (1999) is to blend these philosophical ideas with a sci-fi action movie, influenced by video games, cyberpunk and martial arts movies. Where the ‘bad movies’ question comes from is probably the less successful critical reaction to the sequels, which don’t quite have the same tone as the first. The Matrix Reloaded, the second one (2003), suffers particularly from extended fight/chase scenes which begin to seem self-indulgent, an uncomfortable attitude to the role of some female characters, and ‘middle film’ syndrome in which the story is too obviously a bridge. The Matrix Revolutions, the third (also 2003), can be confusing, but it has some brilliant scenes and stunning effects, and of course the final battle between the humans and machines. One of my favourite moments in the whole series is the few seconds in which Trinity and Neo fly the ship above the clouds on their way to the Machine City. Briefly, we see the real sky, before plunging back into the storm. It seems to have a vital significance and deeper meaning.

This brings us to The Matrix Resurrections, the fourth and possibly unnecessary film which was released in 2021, with only one of the Wachowskis on board. When I saw it at the cinema, there was so much detail packed in that I couldn’t process it all, and had to think about it later. I liked it, though. It had a different vibe again, humorous and deliberately self-parodying at times. The premise of the film is that the machines have brought Neo and Trinity back to life, plugged them back into the Matrix to run off their energy, and fooled them into thinking they are normal people. Neo thinks he’s going crazy, with these flashbacks of his former life which he based a computer game on. He’s rescued by a group of young people, to whom he is their hero, and taken back to the real world, where 60 years have passed. The rest of the plot revolves around convincing Trinity that her Matrix-life is false, bringing her back, and beating a new version of Agent Smith. I loved that Neo and Trinity were given a second chance together, because it was a tragic end for them in the third film. There are lots of fun details too for fans of the series to spot. I remember the critical reviews of the film mostly weren’t great – I haven’t revisited any reviews while writing this post – but if the critics didn’t like the second and third films, it seemed unlikely they’d feel differently about the fourth. My feeling was the film was for the fans. It was also a commentary on ageing, with Neo’s character growing in confidence as he regains his former identity, but also recognising he can’t do everything he used to. Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss looked great and had matured in their acting ability. Not all of the film made sense to me – the new versions of Morpheus were confusing and I didn’t like what happened to Niobe’s character – but the central core of Neo and Trinity’s relationship was the highlight. I was kind of sad that no one had to rely on landlines any more to get back into the real world, but it wouldn’t have made sense in the 2020s!

So are the Matrix films ‘bad movies’? Take the blue pill and believe whatever you want to believe.