The Matrix Trilogy

[Saintree River]

Just had a little Matrix marathon. I remember when I saw the first one back in 1999. It was so unexpectedly great as Keanu had done some sci-fi flops prior to that (Johnny Mnemonic). And then I remember really anticipating the sequels and then being pretty disappointed. I chalked it up to overhyped expectations. So 8 year later I decided to watch all 3 again. Just like before the original was great. The sequels were tough to watch, even with lower expectations. Can anyone think of another movie where the sequel(s) were so much worse than the original?

[guidomerkinsrules]

Originally Posted by Saintree River

Just had a little Matrix marathon. I remember when I saw the first one back in 1999. It was so unexpectedly great as Keanu had done some sci-fi flops prior to that (Johnny Mnemonic). And then I remember really anticipating the sequels and then being pretty disappointed. I chalked it up to overhyped expectations. So 8 year later I decided to watch all 3 again. Just like before the original was great. The sequels were tough to watch, even with lower expectations. Can anyone think of another movie where the sequel(s) were so much worse than the original?

all of them except godfather 2
oh and empire strikes back - if you consider them a trilogy

[Twenty]

Rocky 3 and 4 were great

[superlaser]

Originally Posted by guidomerkinsrules

all of them except godfather 2

The Dark Knight, Aliens, Spider-Man 2, The Empire Strikes Back, and X-Men 2 would like a word with you, just off the top of my head.

[THENZA]

Originally Posted by superlaser

The Dark Knight, Aliens, Spider-Man 2, The Empire Strikes Back, and X-Men 2 would like a word with you, just off the top of my head.

What that guy said.

[Twenty]

But yeah, everything besides that.

[Saint by the Bay]

The Men in Black sequels have been pretty awful.

[Saint by the Bay]

I just thought of another. The Exorcist sequels/prequel made me want to quit watching movies forever.

[superlaser]

Also, Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan

Back on the original topic, I don't seem to hate the Matrix sequels the way most people do. The Zion attack sequence, the freeway chase, and the final Neo/Smith fight are all pretty good set pieces, and Hugo Weaving is just a blast to watch as Smith. I've also always found the "is Zion the real world or a second Matrix" debates intriguing.

[Sun Wukong]

I only saw the sequels once each. All I really remember from them is the stupidity of the combat mechs in Zion having totally open cockpits (let's create an armored weapon and leave the pilot totally open to attack!) and that damn rave scene that seemed to stretch on for thirty years.

I think part of my problem was also that I watched "The Animatrix" anime spinoff, and one of the stories in there called "The Second Renaissance" basically gives the history of what led to the machines taking over. Essentially, humanity built these robots and then proceeded to be tremendous *******s to them. By the time I was finished watching it, I was pretty completely on the side of the machines.

[bornnraisedwhodat]

I'll rate like this (scale from 1 to 10)

The Matrix - 9
Reloaded - 6
Revolution - 4


The first one was probably impossible to live up to. When I saw it, I knew absoultey nothing about it. All I remember from the trailer is "what is the Matrix" and some cool fighting sequences. When I saw it, It was sooooooooooooo ahead of what I expected. Obviously, with the second one expectations were through the roof. But I thought it was pretty good, I just didn't like the cheap "to be continued" ending with the teaser post-credits. But overall I thought the story was great and fighting scenes were awesome.

Revolutions on the other hand was very forgettable.

[guidomerkinsrules]

Originally Posted by superlaser

The Dark Knight, Aliens, Spider-Man 2, The Empire Strikes Back, and X-Men 2 would like a word with you, just off the top of my head.

alright i'll give you Aliens - and this quibbling will cause lots of eye rolling, but i didn't feel like one in a series were the same as sequels - thus star trek and indiana jones not included either (and the ambiguity of ESB) none of the Harry Potters which got better with each new movie

[Brennan77]

Originally Posted by Saint by the Bay

I just thought of another. The Exorcist sequels/prequel made me want to quit watching movies forever.

Agreed.

[BoxerJoe]

Originally Posted by Saintree River

Can anyone think of another movie where the sequel(s) were so much worse than the original?

Highlander

[Madhattr]

Beast master. First one was ok. The 2nd one beast master through the portal of time was so bad i walked out Of the theater.