Why was The Matrix RESURRECTED? (ft. Patrick Willems)

Wake up, Neo---it's a new Movies with Mikey! In this episode, Mikey joins forces with with a familiar friend to do a meta commentary on the meta commentary of [Matrix catawampus]. Join us down the rabbit hole, and feed your head thusly.
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[@TDawgBR]

Patrick (H) Willems delivering a "No One Knows What They're Doing". Chef's kiss.

[@MattHorton]

really perfect

[@-MrFozzy-]

I cannot staaaand PHW…..

[@LordOfThePoptarts]

I loved this movie largely because I've been experiencing a creative burn out around all the remakes and sequels, so it felt validating to see a director who didn't want to do a sequel and had to do it to retain creative control spend large portions of the movie ruminating on the same ideas and thoughts I'd been having. Also it was goofy and fun and that was great.

[@stephenking5251]

I don't understand the reasoning of "to retain creative control" as a reason to do something. Is there some production or financial reasoning behind this that I'm missing as a Hollywood outsider? The creators had moved on from the IP for at least a decade and had no plans to revisit it. If the studio wants to continue on with the story at their own risk, without cooperation with the creators then why not let them? It's pretty widely established that whether it does well or not at the box office is irrelevant, fans will create their own version of what is/is not canon in terms of the story.

[@MichaelSotoCE]

@@stephenking5251 you named yourself Stephen king and yet you don't understand? How do you think Stephen King would feel if a movie studio just decided they're going to push on and make "The Shining 2" with or without Stephen king? I imagine he'd be livid. This, despite the fact that some contract or gaggle of lawyers says they have the right. I think it's fairly reasonable to begrudgingly do a project yourself if it's the only way you can prevent soulless corporate masters from raping and exploiting your IP.

[@stephenking5251]

@@MichaelSotoCE first off I didn't name myself Stephen King, my parents did. Secondly you didn't have to be rude about my honest question about the filmmaking process.

[@MarkHWillson]

LOL That is all I have to contribute. :) It is a good question though.

[@gypsieking3280]

@@stephenking5251 This is long after your initial question, but to guess, I believe the Wachowski(sp?) Sisters or at least Lana have a strong connection to the Matrix movies/world. Some creators dont want other people playing in their playground especially if it may retroactively cheapen some aspects of earlier entries.

[@jessicadaltongoode6019]

There's something strangely comforting about the statement "nothing we do will have an effect on the Charl timeline"

[@jamescartel9448]

Hope you enjoyed the movie 🎥.. hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@Szanth]

Big "You cannot kill me in a way that matters" energy

[@DeviantOllam]

I loved in Katie Rife's review on The AVClub where she describes "the most gratifying stretch of the film, as Wachowski stuffs all of her resentment about the existence of Resurrections into a slickly edited montage set to Jefferson Airplane’s White Rabbit.” ... true words, and i love the side-eye she cast through the whole project. 👍😏

[@TrashHeapCustodian]

You're reminded me of a tweet I once saw that said "Lana Wachowski putting Alice in Wonderland and White Rabbit in the same movie trailer:" with the picture from Garth Marenghi's Darkplace that's the shot of him saying "I know writers who use subtext and they're all cowards!" I loved how little subtext there was on the surface of this one compared to the others because it just throws it right up at ya, but- If you have the knowledge base/experience about some social issues related to the Wachowski Sisters, you can still see the subtext that was in the first movie as well. Really excellently done IMO.

[@danielpirone8028]

Woah - what up fellow seattle and all around rad dude! This is like chocolate in my peanut butter of parasocial goodness 😀

[@DeviantOllam]

@@danielpirone8028 Hello there and cheers! Nice to see locals and cool folk in the comments. 👋😁

[@bodhisattvaFM]

I dig the way she's like "all you people want is the exact same movie over again so I'll give it to you." Replaying the footage from the original might've been the project's smartest decision. It's the one that serves both the satire and actual audience prefs at the same time. Bravo. This is how you burn a village to save it.

[@bemasaberwyn55]

@@DeviantOllam can you provide a link, I can't find that particular review

[@ArthurCrane92]

My first impression upon seeing this movie was that I really need to watch it more than once because it's doing a lot of things and I need to properly process all of it. It definitely feels very personal to Wachowski's experience and outlook on the entertainment landscape and I respect the hell out of her for it. I also like interpretations of how it captures this feeling among Gen-Xers and older millenials having a major victory over the evils of the world to the point of believing them defeated now feeling at a loss when those evils are reering their ugly heads in present day, trying to find some semblance of knowing that all that work wasn't for nothing and even if things look ugly now, hope for the better endures nontheless.

[@alwaysardent1125]

...and yet... There's something surreal and uneasy about the "take that warnerbrothers" meta-commentary that is ultimately allow to persist into the finished product for viewers. As if, your enjoyment of the rage against warnerbros, has already been commodified. "You can like us , love us, or hate us- whatever your brand of emotion your putting out there, we sold it to you anyway, so we win."

[@yodasears]

@@alwaysardent1125 ...and then we torrent the movie.

[@-MrFozzy-]

Somehow palp returned

[@IngeniousNinja]

@@alwaysardent1125 Capitalism do be like that

[@morank3]

The gag about Patrick watching Ghostbusters Afterlife and Aladdin at the same time made me chuckle 😄

[@Newbiespud]

"One may dye their hair green and wear their grandma's coat all they want. Capital has the ability to subsume all critiques into itself. Even those who would *critique* capital end up *reinforcing* it instead..." - Joyce Messier, Disco Elysium (2019)

[@cbpd89]

The intelligence and soul of FilmJoy will always bring me back. Whether or not I liked the movie, whether or not I saw the movie, I always like to hear your take, Mikey!

[@BrotherMag]

Same

[@SecretFoxfire]

I still don't really like this film, but at least I have a better grasp now of what people got out of it that I missed. Thanks for working your magic and enjoy your well-earned vacation!

[@whazee]

I second this. I really didn't enjoy this movie and have been very confused until now why so many people love it! 😄

[@yash_kapoor]

People who can understand the other side while politely disagreeing is my kink thanks

[@pinballwitch5256]

One thing I personally loved about the movie that I have yet to even see anyone else mention is the fact that during the big climactic action sequence, once Neo and Trinity are finally reunited, they don't go on the offensive at all. Every action they take is about getting away, getting to safety, blocking, and getting away. Even blowing up the helicopter was entirely from deflecting the missile. As a pacifist who still enjoys action movies, it was a helluva thing to see action heroes who's priorities are my own in any kind of physical conflict. Also can I just ask, in a movie with a message about the weaponization of nostalgia, what level of meta baller was it to have that shot nostaligizing a literal weapon, with the raining shells shot? Also Mikey, have you watched Sophie from Mars and Sarah Zedig's video about the sequels? It's a great watch.

[@shadyguy23]

Jessie Gender also has a great video about Resurrections, if you have 2 hrs to kill.

[@googleleavemynamealone9145]

Thanks for sharing that. I get quick to anger but feel the shame in a nanosecond. But in a conflict my perspective would not align with yours in the slightest. But I never would have considered an action like that and know to watch out for people like you, as I never truly want to hurt anyone and have managed to mature about that.

[@ArthurCrane92]

I audibly gasped when Patrick showed up.

[@TalentedLMT]

I love the line from this movie, something like, “did you know that despair and happiness are nearly identical in code?”

[@Direfloof]

The one thing I took from this movie was how it didn’t take anything from its audience. I spent most of the final act waiting to see the free humans be picked off in some form or another (the death of Mouse, Switch and Epoch in the original will forever sting my memory. Not that Dozer didn’t hurt too, but the sense of ambush and fear in their betrayal in-Matrix felt more like abject horror than action violence). However, that traditional thinning of the team to evoke loss and sacrifice didn’t come. A couple of them are very badly hurt, but they make it out. Normally a criticism would be leveled at the “lack of stakes,” but it honestly told me that this movie was trying to say something else. Mikey’s point that “the system wants you to stay mad” really affirmed the idea that this movie’s self awareness wasn’t meant to come off as ironic or vapid. While I didn’t really come away from the movie feeling like anything was added regarding hashtag The Matrix(tm), I did get to watch the free humans survive and save each other. I’ll never be mad at it.

[@Mindseas]

This is an excellent take Max, thanks for sharing! I had a similar experience; not much gained, but not much lost either. An overall positive experience, at least as much as a "I have to make this film" kind of production can be, entertaining and pretty ok, with characters who respect each other throughout the film. I admit I wasn't really expecting anything going in either tho.

[@starflowy]

As soon as I saw Bugs and how cool and likeable she was I thought for SURE we were going to see her die later in the film so I refused to get attached and spent the whole time bracing myself. I was so surprised when she didn't and at the whole ending really, it was so refreshing and warmed my heart. I love the movie for this reason

[@BioshadowX]

I understand and respect the hell out of why Lana did and I'm glad people enjoyed that. Didn't work for me and others but that's okay (so long as we're not threatening people over it wtf guys).

[@darkwatershadow]

Yeah. I kinda hated the movie, it was so boring (to me) that I really struggled to make it through the second half. But I appreciate that she was put in an awkward situation and chose to make a wild shot that wasn't going to land with some people. It wasn't for me, but there are people who enjoyed it so good on them. I'm not going to rain on their parade

[@jessrl8025]

I feel like WB put Lana in the worst of positions. If she said fuck it and let them do what they wanted without her, then she would have been blamed when they ultimately made a shitty, by-the-numbers movie that would have been dull as fuck. But she stepped in and made a sequel that was about making sequels that also commented on the reboot culture of Hollywood. Of course it was going to be hated and misunderstood and she was going to be the person to blame. My hats off to Lana for doing it anyway and taking the hit. I didn't love the movie, but I 100% got what she was trying to do and I have an incredible amount of respect for her for it.

[@Tetsuito]

The sad thing is that the general public love shitty by the numbers movies.

[@dema7193]

My very favorite part of the Matrix 4 is that it inadvertently caused you and Patrick to collab.

[@NonalignedVideos]

Great to see Patrick "Patty-O'Pat-Pat" Willems, but love seeing Mikey doing his Michael "Mikey" Neumann stuff.

[@Red_Orion]

This movie does so many things at once and though it is very literal (all of the text so explicit), it still has metaphorical elements. There is so much frustration, anger and sadness present, both as a biographical piece and a character arc. But it also contains joy, love, trust and respect. Even when the characters have differing views or they argue, they still have love for each other, see the whole part with Niobe. The people don't follow her orders blindly, some even disagree and act upon it, but they follow her, because they respect and trust her. I also love that the whole part about Neo being or not being The One is basically spelled out here: Neo is not The One - Trinity and Neo are One. Some people don't like the overt textuality of the movie or the pacing or the fights. There were things I also didn't enjoy or though were a bit messy (some fighting scenes were really hard to follow because the camera was too close and the distinction between the conflicting groups was visually hard to track), but I ultimately enjoyed it because it's a middle finger at current societal issues and against oppression, it's biographical and personal, it's deeply emotional. In my opinion, the movie is a love story with action elements. It's not about the punches, explosions and choreographed fights, it's about interpersonal relationships, love, perseverance, trust and respect. And to be honest, in the time's we're in, I enjoy a movie that goes "fuck it" and queers it the fuck up. It's a moment of respite.

[@wisemoon40]

The point of the cool action in the Trilogy was to emphasize the fact that they were performed inside a simulation. The lighting, the costumes, the action…all deliberate and underlining the themes. Did you think Lana would be any less deliberate in this? In-world it’s because the lines between machine and human are blurred. The simulation is more “realistic” and thus the action is messier. Because fights in the real world don’t work like action movies. And Neo is reawakening at an older age, so on the one hand it’s hard for him to overcome the idea that his body is limited, and on the other hand he is WAY more powerful when he finally lets go. It’s inconsistent, there are doubts, there is a heartbreaking awareness of mortality. It makes perfect sense to me…but I’m the same age as Lana, and Keanu, and Carrie. So maybe if you’re younger it’s harder to see.

[@music_YT2023]

I hate that Lana is being dragged through the mud after being forced to plaster over her previous work and still make thematic points and and societal criticisms. I realize that I probably didn't really *get* all aspects of the movie, but I appreciate what they were trying to get across and the no-win scenario at play. Also, more cross-overs with Patrick and/or Charl please.

[@jasonblalock4429]

I have such mixed feelings. Because on one hand, I agree with pretty much every single thing Lana was trying to say with Resurrections. On the other hand, I just didn't enjoy it as a *movie.* I was in this weird position of constantly nodding my head at the ideas, while rolling my eyes at the onscreen execution. Plus I feel like it had a few big missed opportunities. I wish the script had gotten another draft. It actually reminds me a lot of Brad Bird's Tomorrowland, which has many similar themes, and is also a deeply flawed but oh-so-heartfelt attempt to get people to look at the world in a new way.

[@Liam-rn1qb]

I'm with you. I really hated this movie, and it wasn't because I disagreed with her take on Hollywood. It reminded me of when mediocre stand up comedians and late night talk shows bring up Trump, or politics in general. Like I get it, I hate Trump too, but it's not funny or enjoyable and you can tell all they're trying to do get applause and make people think they're smart.

[@vintheguy]

Also the just remove all the shaky cam Like legit that makes this movie 0/10 eject it from orbit awful

[@boydstephensmithjr]

I enjoyed the movie, but I will agree that there's probably a slimmer, more impactful version, that could have come out of the process: either another draft at the script, or maybe more time in the "editing booth".

[@Triforcefilms]

Exactly. I feel like whatever your meta statement about hollywood or corporations, the movie needs to have solid construction for that statement to resonate. It felt... flaccid... Action, visuals, performances and new narrative ideas all really fell flat. Those qualities shouldn't get a pass because you winked at the camera first.

[@elif6908]

Maybe it’s me reaching but I thought the film was purposely bad? Like Wachowski sisters know how to make excellent films, Lana proved herself over and over again, at least for me, so I think the dragging and the camera choices were purposely emphasizing the message of the movie, “this is what you get with capitalism’s greed”. Medium itself is part of the message, however cliche the saying may be, and what you do within the medium itself counts too.

[@Site_42]

Fuck yeah Mikey video, fuck yeah Patrick cameo.

[@quattroCrazy]

I can kind of see both sides of the conversation surrounding this movie. I can’t think of a movie that I enjoyed more while also rolling my eyes so often. However, I see in the anti camp a distinct inability or unwillingness to see the world from a different perspective than one’s own, and I support Mikey’s never ending fight against that mindset. Sometimes the triumphs of the beleaguered contained within a piece of art just outweigh it’s faults, numerous as they may be.

[@alwaysardent1125]

There's something surreal and uneasy about the "take that warnerbrothers" meta-commentary that is ultimately allowed to persist into the finished product. As if, your enjoyment and rage against warnerbros, has already been commodified. "You can like us , love us, or hate us- whatever your brand of emotion you are putting out there doesn't matter because we sold it to you anyway, so we win."

[@TheSchaef47]

See also: Space Jam 2

[@MattHorton]

Enjoy your time off! Also I loved this. What I loved about this movie was the other side of the coin. Yes Lana looks at the camera and says "fuck warner bros" and that fucking rules. But also when tasked with finding an in-fiction reason for the movie to exist she chose her fanfiction fantasy and just DID THAT SHIT. It rules. Thanks for this video 🙏🏻

[@DJtheBlack-RibbonedRose]

This comment coincides perfectly with my own summed-up review of Resurrections: "This movie is one-part 'Eff you Warner Brothers' and one-part 'Forgive me Neo & Trinity.' And after sitting on it for a while, I've realized I'm okay with that." It even more so works for me because, growing up, one of my biggest takeaways of the trilogy was how much I disliked Neo and Trinity's ending. Sure, it was one of my first exposures to the concept of the main heroes dying, but considering they were each brought back by one another only for them to die again permanently shortly thereafter *really* pissed off my young self. So being able to watch them get the happy ending they deserve, *in canon* & by the filmmaker herself mind you, was so beyond satisfying. And through so many tropes I adore too! (Emphasis on hand holding, cinematic intimacy, having a powerful "two that are one" bond, symbolic dreams, etc.) Not to mention the chemistry between Keanu and Carrie-Anne is 🔥, they make Neo & Trinity's struggle with their gaslighting and their attempts to re-bond feel so real. So much so, that after buying the DVD last weekend, I've re-watched it several times and cried twice during the "My Dream Ended Here" rooftop scene for how beautiful and meaningful it continues to be. 😂

[@BrotherMag]

@@DJtheBlack-RibbonedRose same

[@badger297]

Just wanted to say I love your content dude. You kind of helped me thru a real hard time in my life. I was coming off drugs and shit was fucked up. It's a long story and I'm at work, but I just wanted to take a sec and say thanks man. I hope you're doing ok. Wish you well and thank you.

[@ericksalazar3644]

i used to watch your videos when i was younger and really really into movies and now im watching it again and i just heard the intro and it’s taking me back and i will absolutely be catching up on everything i missed

[@marchingham]

Another great episode! Patrick was a nice surprise. Deep breaths fellas. 😶

[@nkanyisoinnocentkhwane3752]

Looks like I have a "No one knows what they're doing" mug with my name on it

[@shoesfillupwithwater]

One of the shots I love the most is right at the beginning - a neon sign that reads H E A. HEA is a common romance novel acronym for Happily Ever After. From that moment, I knew I was in good hands with this story...and it gave me so much hope for real life too. I love this movie so much. It rules. And so does this video!

[@filmjoy]

!!! I didn't know that (and I haven't seen the movie yet--shh don't tell Mikey), but this makes me want to watch it even more! Ahh, what a relief. 💖 --Elisa

[@bentn13]

I literally watched this movie *yesterday*, and LOVED it.

[@krapincorporated]

What i loved about this Matrix was how much the previous trilogy resonated with me as a kid growing up nonbinary in an era where that wasnt a thing, and having this crazy film full of philosophical ideas about fate and choice and image that have really kind of made me who i am today. I didnt NEED this Matrix, but i definitely was inspired and validated in so many ways.

[@TheSchaef47]

Not gonna lie, I'm not sure what movie I might have anticipated would be your next MwM, but one thing I can say, it was not this. 0:45 comparing this favorably to Sunshine is pretty bold. I think I'll stick around to see you pull that off. :edit: okay, another collab with Patrick. I am now here for this.

[@elvispressplay7735]

I could stand to hear you talk about this movie some more. I've honestly been waiting for your video on it since I watched it. Definitely in no way disappointed with this video though. I just feel like you definitely have more to say on it and I'm here for that. Enjoy the vacation!

[@npatricksmith]

" feel like you definitely have more to say on it" - That is the beauty of FilmJoy.

[@justinszabo5205]

Great film. I never really understood the hate, though the response to other good to great wachowski films probably should have made this obvious. The reason why i love this film is that it captures the feeling of alienation the modern society - not only does the world feel weird and aimless (like at the end of history in 1999) - it now feels like the world is actively trying to make you feel like shit. The architect becoming the analyst is brilliant in this regard.

[@CheezyTime]

This episode was great! Love the Patrick cameo and the hilarious back-and-forth

[@JohnAdamus]

So I shouldn't watch Space Jam 2 tonight? Love the movie. Love the video. Love you.

[@filmjoy]

We love you, too

[@wewoor]

I actually like that the movie failed with so many, knowing how WB basically forced it to be made it makes me happy if it ends up getting any further movies canceled. I get why fans are disappointed but if they blame anyone but WB i can't help but feel this is the movie they needed.

[@kevinbullock8837]

"This movie is a rocket ship with a baseball bat strapped to the front of it." Brilliant!

[@bettyreads222]

Patrick and Mikey collaborating brings all the joy. def gonna be thinking about this for a while, thanks for the points made; oh the matrix.

[@dominictemple]

This video was both deep meta and insight without being irritating and that's a high bar.

[@Medicinalmagic911]

Outstanding as usual! Thanks a ton!!

[@MsMaddieTheOdd]

Lovely thoughtful collab as always. So exciting for me "No one knows what they're doing" mug to arrive!

[@MrsJAHaas]

Thanks for the video!

[@Zeouterlimits]

I loved Resurrections and this is a nice (/awful and oh god I want to die to escape my feelings and dread) take on it, thanks Mikey (and team)! I do wish the fights were shot a bit better, but while watching it, I really didn't mind, I just loved it.

[@moondog548]

One of your best. Thanks for the love blast, again.

[@Curiosity_Engaged]

This was dope. Mikey doesn't miss.

[@mandyoquendo1875]

Total tangent, but I recently resigned from my current job and am now writing up an instruction manual for the person replacing me. I was writing instructions on adding videos to our site and went to youtube to get an example link, then saw you posted, so now this video is going in as the placeholder in our company documentation

[@filmjoy]

An honor.

[@paulschumacher4308]

This was an amazing analysis that doesn't ruin or spoil anything and I appreciate that.

[@katieraciborski4314]

god i love anything we get from you. so glad to see more coming out

[@pacmanshooter247]

Finally! I have been waiting for your review ever since I saw the movie! Yaay!

[@DadJokeCinema]

This has old school Mikey vibes and shows why you continue to be such a great inspiration.

[@latue87]

I always really love your insights! Another great video

[@pikeyMcBarkin]

Thanks for putting this out there.

[@filmjoy]

Thanks for watching!

[@albertoreyes1368]

Love your work!!!!

[@StalinBrosef]

I loved this video. The insightful parts were insightful, and the funny parts were funny and insightful! I liked Patrick's involvement, I liked the recurring shit sandwich joke. Pretty much all of it worked for me. This isn't really useful as feedback, because I'm a random account with a novelty name and no display picture, but still... I think you make some migh-tee-fine youtube videos that are refreshing and nurturing. Very large genitals energy going on all around.

[@BeepBoopFriendo]

Excellently put, as always.

[@ShelbyBaby27]

I really like the movie, there's just a cleaner plot within it. The central theme is how hard it is to unlock a mind of a certain age and once unlocked does it stay that way. This line is uttered by Morpheus and Trinity in the 1st Matrix as older minds have a hard time letting go. The fact that this movie is coming out at the time when a large chunk of its original audience are turning 40ish speaks to that. Reflecting on which pill you actually took.

[@BSouder]

Got excited to see a new video from MWM, always do. You rule, keep up the good work, you’ve improved my life for the best.

[@jrpstonecarver]

I have not yet seen Resurrections, but I will. I feel like I will be more attuned to it now. Thanks Mikey!

[@jrpstonecarver]

So I watched it last night. (Bluray finally arrived.) I love this flick. Well done. Great stab at WB, and a lot of interesting things to think about. I'll have to watch it several times to catch more of what is even happening in it, but at first blush this is a very good film. Also, "Are we gonna be OK?" is the question of the month, Mikey, and I am glad Patrick gave you the answer he did. Thanks to you both.

[@zacegan1]

Great vid! Two of my fav YT film people 🤩

[@tiznip]

Thank Mike, love your perspective

[@phimuskapsi]

Great deep dive as always Mikey. Also, it looks like your health has improved, and that's the best thing to see.

[@cr6458]

I cannot stop watching this movie. I love it so much. I feel like people who hate it are totally welcome to do so but it's a movie that demands actual thought and deep engagement. I love this movie so much

[@Triforcefilms]

Does it though? Respectfully, even Mikey says "the subtext is just text now." Theres nothing deep or hidden about this films themes... My eyes were almost permanently rolled back as the script laid it's Themes SO ham-fistedly thick on the screen.... I engaged with this film as deeply and thoughtfully as it would go.. but the meta statement just doesn't resonate for most when the rest of the films construction seems purposely phoned in. Being Meta for half the run time, in the framework of a middling and flaccid sci-fi built on the popularity of your past work... basically contradicts any statement they were trying to make. Your opinion is valid, but the presumption that "haters just weren't engaging thoughtfully or deeply with the material" is nonsense

[@cr6458]

@@Triforcefilms the criticisms of the film suggest that they aren't haha. I highly recommend jessiegender's video about it. Mikey has done an okay job here as usual I love his delivery, but there is more to say for sure

[@Triforcefilms]

@@cr6458I've seen and read the positive rhetoric along with the negative. I've analysed this picture as a filmmaker and screenwriter, there's nothing further for me to learn. Film is good or bad based on the quality of their content, not the conversation surrounding their creation... composition, compelling narrative and performances. the crafting of impactful action or striking visuals and how well these components are packaged for viewing. Matrix resurrections failed at this Critically and financially, and for most viewers personally. It gained only moderate acclaim based on extraneous meta narrative and subtext analysis alone. Any conversation surrounding the film that doesn't discuss the craft of film, is noise to me. It won't be elevated from mediocre by winking at the camera first. Especially when the meta narrative direct from the creator says straight to the camera "this film was born from corporate greed, and not from any creative spark".

[@cr6458]

@@Triforcefilms I'm sorry to hear you think there's nothing else to learn about it. It does beg the question of why youre here though. Also, you cant just say "these are the things which make a film good, not meta-text or subtext" after saying there is no subtext because the film lacks subtlety. The film failing financially and critically in no way represents its artistic quality, unless you think a soulless industry has a monopoly on soul. I think the obvious textual stuff is here because of how much people missed the subtext in the original. Whether or not that's a good choice is debatable, but there's a lot more than the text here. Io as commentary on modern radical leftist movements, Agent Smith as fascistic elements which have been absorbed by the capitalist system, the use of nostalgia as a meta element by the film to say something new about where we are ("why use something old to say something new") while also also coating the whole story in a trans experience which is approachable for a cis audience. It's not the best action movie out there, and there are some odd choices, but the film has genuinely a lot to say and it's unfortunate people looked at the obvious surface stuff and just went "I guess it's so obvious there's nothing else to see"

[@cr6458]

@@Triforcefilms also,to say that film is good or bad based on the content and not the conversation is utterly absurd. A lot of film exists to be discussed and the text changes with discussion. That statement is just a bland licence to think that your opinion on a film is unassailable because conversation about art doesn't matter.

[@KeithGrant]

I've had this video sitting in my queue waiting until I could finally watch Resurrections. I expected the usual FilmJoy analysis and deep insights... but in the end, this video game me exactly what Resurrections did: a film that didn't take itself too seriously, just kind of had fun, and was a real joy to watch.

[@PogieJoe]

Another banger, laddie.

[@JeremyWilliams007]

20 seconds in and Mikey giving me goosebumps!

[@pyrobryan]

I didn't think Afterlife was that bad. It wasn't great, but I think for a kid-friendly reboot it was did a good job of mixing in enough nostalgia for the parents to have fun while watching it with their kids.

[@overlookers]

The fact it treated, what was always, a blue collar spoof like Star Wars was pretty obnoxious though. Also Impossible Wal-Mart.

[@jasonblalock4429]

Honestly, it would have been better if they'd just gone all-in on the kiddie reboot and not had all the neverending callbacks to the original movie. Couldn't they have even come up with a new baddie? At least GB16 tried to do something new, even if it didn't do it particularly well. Afterlife felt like 2 hours of leftover reheated meatloaf.

[@pyrobryan]

@@jasonblalock4429 like I said, it wasn't great, but they put in a bunch of fan service to keep the parents entertained during a kids movie. If you went in to expecting the next great Ghostbusters movie, then yeah, I understand why you would be disappointed. It was basically exactly what I expected it to be.

[@benbouffard1793]

The best Matrix sequel. Glad to have you back Mikey! Excellent video as always!

[@CHIIIEEEEEEEEFFFFSSS]

I've been waiting for a crossover between you two forever. The two film youtubers who go out of their way to make sure everyone knows that it's a miracle anything gets made, and that there are things to love about even the most forgettable films.

[@sewingroses]

Excellent video! Also, your merch intro reminded me so much of movie theater ads. Well done 🤩

[@lanagievski1540]

I absolutely loved the movie and I felt the movie was something I really needed in my life. Everything it was saying and stood for resonated with me heavily.

[@ampersand2001]

My day was shit and then I saw this. Thank you for making my day better with your talents. I always look forward to your work.

[@PeteRench]

So good, Mikey. Thank you. I really like Ressurections

[@DaniTani]

Welcome back, Mr. Filmjoy. We’ve been expecting you

[@Jykinturah]

“The system wants you mad, you’re the batteries”

[@elvisoneil]

Adding to favorites

[@Trilingualeks]

Mikey, you are a chaotic genius 🤣 just wanted to put that out there...

[@ChipMunky]

As always, just brilliant.

[@TalentedLMT]

I’ve missed Movies with Mikey!!! I clicked on this video so damn fast!

[@MediaCastleX]

You’re just getting too good for this, Mikey!!! 😎💖🗽

[@Mindseas]

Interesting piece this, I guess something must've flown past me as I'm a little confused about the fillers ;D Anyway, I love your takes on this Mikey, I thought the film was fine, just nothing spectacular. Totally makes sense to me now that they just weren't pouring their heart out into a project they didn't want to do. Thank you for being awesome and kind and the friend we all deserve and need right now! Take care

[@belwa42]

Can you ask Patrick when his movie is coming? :P In all seriousness, loved the sketch and essay. Great stuff.

[@patreese4346]

did i just cry because @filmjoy edited the ending of The Matrix to say 'The Wachowski Sisters'

[@patreese4346]

yes

[@ileutur6863]

@@patreese4346 cringe

[@elise4026]

I'm really worried about Patrick's bookshelves.

[@jamescartel9448]

Hello 👋 how are you?

[@RhysClark97]

I geniunely like this film and im glad theirs a video essay explaining to people why.

[@TotesMcGotes90]

Movies With Mikey can give even the most stressful Monday's better!!!

[@keepperspective]

This crossover makes me so happy.

[@kylesanders8276]

They now just say the quiet part out loud, totally rekt'ing the 4th wall. Having someone familiar and comfortable like NPH tell you to your literal face that 'we own all', and asserting for you on your behalf that you 'enjoy being enslaved and rather prefer it'.

[@SchizophrenicRuneterran]

Mikey, you rock.

[@KOLN555]

The title card is so close to perfection, but in cyberland we only drink Diet Coke.

[@darkecofreak23]

Oh, yes! I love a new MWM and on one of my favorite movies ever!

[@Legonater]

We love a Patrick cameo. We love a Charl cameo even more.

[@promiscuous5761]

Thank you.

[@notelliot70]

Patrick! Woohoo! My favs meet again!

[@ShardReaper]

Okay that two movies at once gag with Patrick is good, but I can also imagine him doing that just to kill time

[@Poop_Deck_Pappy]

This channel is so satisfying.

[@colinbooth531]

Missed you. So, so much.

[@wisemoon40]

Thanks again, for artfully stating all the things I thought and felt after see Matrix Resurrections. So many people I follow and people I know personally did not get this movie and thought it was terrible. Thank god for you and Jessie Gender. The only two people I follow who understood and appreciated this film.

[@ThePizzaGoblin]

You know, I was gonna skip this one, but with this context, I might check it out

[@GeekMasterGames]

Is there a podcast with these two because I'd listen to that.