Everything That Has A Beginning...Has An End...And A Ranking. The Matrix Ranked

I learned something this retrospective.  That I, along with plenty of others, severely underrated this film franchise and trilogy.  While it has some problems, I'd like to know another franchise that is without fault.  With the sequels, I think many people mistook confusion and their inability to comprehend some plot points and devices for anger and dislike.  Sometimes you don't get a movie on the first view.  Sometimes we have expectations that aren't met and don't open the door and allow ourselves to appreciate what it is they are giving us.  The Wachowskis gave us a pretty damn good trilogy that I think really deserves more respect beyond the praise of the first movie.  Its also a franchise that sort of pioneered and incorporated outside sources or expanded universe material in a way that was pretty effective.  I'm excited for the next time I sit down to watch this franchise through.  This retrospective was a both a reminder and eye opener for the quality of The Matrix series.  For the first time, I'm incorporating into this, everything I've covered for the franchise as canon.

The Matrix Retrospectived: Enter The Matrix (2003)

In addition to The Animatrix, The Matrix sequels had a video game tie in as well.  And no, this wasn't some generic LJN type thing, this was the real deal.  This had the actors from the movie in a plot with scenes written and directed by the Wachowskis.  It was a pretty big deal.  The story didn't follow Neo, Morpheus, Trinity and the gang though.  It followed the exploits of Niobe and Ghost aboard the Logos.  When playing for the first time after seeing The Matrix Reloaded, one can go "Ohhhh, so THAT'S where Jada Pinkett-Smith's scenes went!"  She was a big casting announcement for this movie back in 2002 and when you see the film you're left kinda like "That was it?" with her.  But come the video game, she gets far more meat to chew on.

The Matrix Retrospectived: The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

 

The Matrix Reloaded

2003

Director: Andy & Lana Wachowski

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie Anne-Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Harold Perrineau, Monica Bellucci

Rated: R

I can't help it, Morpheus, I can't help thinking, what if you're wrong?  What if all this, the prophecy, everything is bullshit?

                  ~Niobe

The Matrix Retrospectived: The Animatrix(2003)- PART 2

Now we take a look at the next 3 entries of the series.  In addition to Final Flight of the Osiris being released in theaters, 4 of these shorts made their debut on the official website for the franchise.  The remaining 4 debuted on the DVD release in 2003.

The Matrix Retrospectived: The Animatrix(2003)- PART 1

Previously, we covered Dark Fury for the Riddick series.  This is the project that inspired that.  In anticipation for The Matrix sequels in 2003, the creators went back to the well where they received their inspiration.  The Wachowski's produced a series of 9 tie-ins and one-offs revolving around the world created in the first film and setting up the second film.  The stories all would take on different styles of Anime with many different contributors.  I'm very much a person who really enjoys these stories and considers them very much a part of this franchise.  If you're purchasing a set of the 3 movies and this isn't included; you're doing it wrong!  In the next 3 pieces, we'll be going over each of these shorts.

The Matrix Retrospectived: The Matrix (1999)

 

The Matrix

1999

Directors: Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano

Rated: R

You know, I know this steak doesn't exist. I know that when I put it in my mouth, the Matrix is telling my brain that it is juicy and delicious. After nine years, you know what I realize?  Ignorance is bliss.

                       ~Cypher