4. The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
There is perhaps no film sequel in history - save for perhaps The Dark Knight Rises - that I was as excited for as The Matrix Revolutions. While Reloaded had its share of issues, above all else it delivered several stunning action sequences, and left plenty to be resolved, namely the eternal struggle between Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), as well as the fate of the Matrix and everyone who inhabited Zion. Still, it turned out to be a let-down, for the final fight, dubbed a "Superbrawl", resembled a Dragonball Z episode more than anything from the previous films; The Wachowskis exaggerated everything to such a mind-numbing extent that it wasn't fun to watch anymore. In the end, Neo goes to Deus Ex Machina (who turns out to be just that), and strikes a deal that ends with Smith being destroyed, while Neo's code is returned to the source for dissemination. In the end, Neo is nowhere to be found, anyone who wants to get out of the Matrix can, the Matrix begins its next cycle on a wave of optimism, and everyone seems content that they'll probably see Neo again someday. It was so vague and unsatisfying for the climax of a hugely popular series that it really seemed like the Wachowskis didn't have much of an idea what they wanted to do with these films once they signed on for two sequels. The frontal idea should always have been to shut down The Matrix, yet we're supposed to feel catharsis at simply its repositioning; a more sombre, pragmatic tone might have made this work, but the jubilant, melodramatic music combined with a sunrise suggests we're supposed to be elated by what at most feels like a half-measure for everyone in humanity.