The Matrix Resurrections

You can run computer programs over and over again; it's their nature. So I suppose from that perspective, this sequel makes sense. From a viewers perspective, I'm not sure it's quite so sensible, as it doesn't seem to break any real, new ground. (I know, I know--what is real?) And, but for the two principle stars, most of the rest of those who made the original trilogy what it was--with one exception--are missing and presumed too expensive to buy back in. That's part of the problem here: suffering via comparison, and this outing actually shoots itself in the foot--presumably in slow motion--by making the comparisons itself explicitly. Still, it's not entirely bad; just overly familiar, no longer groundbreaking, and perhaps unnecessary. On the plus side, there's a cat, so hisses are not entirely in order. Fine for a brief diversion, but not exactly the best catnip available.

Collateral

An enjoyable thriller, made that much more watchable by Michael Mann's usual stylish vision. The intriguing set-up, and good interplay between Cruise and Foxx, combine with that stylishness to craft a movie that's better than it would be in lesser hands.

Madagascar

Another animated film suffering from Familiar Voice Syndrome. When will someone realize that when you get big names to voice-over these flicks, they're not creating characters--they're just doing their shtick? And, at this point, when we're well down the line of technical brilliance in computer animation, you've got to bring something more to the table than a nice look. This one has amusing moments, but a few laughs are not enough, and the overall story is weak. Mostly, this trip to the jungle is a very tame ride.

The Matrix Revolutions

Almost a PURR, but it's not quite that good. The story, particularly in the early part, is too muddled; it clears itself up in the end, but not much new is added to the tableau. On more positive notes, the visuals are phenomenal (naturally), the conclusion comes with some unexpected twists, and some of the philosophy is more clearly expressed (and actually fits in the movie, giving the story's thought-provoking dimensions). And the final confrontation even evokes something of Ragnarök--a nice touch for us mythology fans. Final analysis: not great, but nothing to be ashamed of.

The Matrix Reloaded

Hard to believe the hippest movie on the planet features a hero who spends most of his time wearing a dress. Sartorial disasters aside, this installment has its moments--some entertaining, some audacious--but not enough of them. As I said years ago, there was really not much more to say after the first movie; they probably should have quit while they were ahead. And don't bother spending brain cells on the philosophical ramblings, unless you get your jollies from tautologies.

Bamboozled

Brilliantly done work of satire. The biting, hilarious humor of the beginning gradually dissolves into deepening drama as the principals in the story--the stars and developers of a cynically created "new millennium minstrel show"--are swept toward a tragic ending. Excellent work from Damon Wayans, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Tommy Davidson, Savion Glover and Michael Rappaport (particularly Wayans, in a radical departure from his previous work). Probably Spike Lee's best movie, and just as probably should have been nominated for Best Picture.