8. The Matrix Reloaded/The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
The Matrix blew audiences away when it was first released all the way back in 1999, and it still stands tall as one of the best movies of that era. Though the movie didn't really need a sequel, hearing that one was in development brought excitement to pretty much everyone on the planet, 'cause the thought of watching Neo - now imbued with superpowers - flying around and beating the crap out of everyone was plainly irresistible. And yet The Matrix Reloaded, with its video game-esque title, is the certified proof that sometimes, less is more. Which is to say, the movie went too far into the established mythology, showing us things - like the last human city, Zion - that were best left up to the imagination. There were some great action scenes, of course, but the plot also felt so convoluted that it was hard to care about the characters anymore. We just didn't need this movie. And then there's The Matrix Revolutions, which is plainly terrible with absolutely no redeeming qualities at all - at this point, the Wachowski siblings disappeared well and truly up their own arses, leaving fans feeling disillusioned and confused as to what had happened to the legacy of the The Matrix. With all its quasi-philosophical ramblings, the sense of fun that was even apparent in The Matrix Reloaded drained away and left everyone feeling bored.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
