The Matrix

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Ann Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, Gloria Foster, Marcus Chong, Julian Arahanga, Matt Doran
Directed by: Larry Wachowski, Andy Wachowski
Rating: R
Genre: Science Fiction, Action
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 9

Summary: The story is set in the not too distant future. Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves), a compute programmer by day, computer hacker by night, searches for answers about the mysterious Matrix. When he received a mysterious signal from Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss), Anderson meets the elusive Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), who tells Anderson the secret of the Matrix. The movie features state-of-the-art special effects, amazing martial arts scenes, and mind boggling action sequences.

Review:

Tim: I cannot say enough about this movie. It is one of my all time favorites. Every time I watch it, it blows me away. Keanu Reeves is excellent in the film, I don't care how many people make fun of the "I know Kung Fu" line, he is excellent. This movie relaunched his career as a serious actor. Laurence Fishburne is tremendous as Morpheus, and Carrie-Ann Moss delivers a stunning performance as Trinity. Hugo Weaving is terrific as well, as the delightfully evil Mr. Smith.

There's so much more to The Matrix than simply performances, however. The plot is brilliant and possesses that rare ability to make you question everything, yet keep you thoroughly entertained. If the amazing plot wasn't good enough, the film features state of the art, never before seen special effects. Using a new technology combining still frames with live action sequences, it creates an unbelievable sight that you simply have to see for yourself. The bullet-time special effects used here revolutionized the movie industry. Some scenes require viewing over and over, because it's unlike anything you've ever seen.

This movie is worth seeing if you enjoy action, adventure, science fiction, special effects, and good acting. This movie is one of my top five favorites, if not number one itself. I believe everyone should see this movie at least once. The Matrix is a blend of sci-fi, action, religion, and philosophy. The deeper meanings of the matrix requires several viewings, paying special attention to the role philosophy plays in the movie. It is so difficult for Hollywood to create a sci-fi action film that has some depth to it. The Matrix accomplishes that better than most films out there.

This movie is almost like a secret society. No one can really understand what the Matrix is until you've seen this movie. If you have no idea what the matrix is, if you are baffled when you hear the line, "There is no spoon," then you HAVE to go out and see this movie today. You have not lived until you've seen this movie. The following two sequels leave a lot to be desired, but it doesn't matter, because the original film is a movie gem.

*Update- I watched The Matrix for the 9th time in 2020. Interestingly, I'm fairly certain I have seen this movie more than any other in my life. That's not too surprising, and it's eminently rewatchable. I cringed a bit, reading my previous review. However, I suppose it does document how I've grown as a person, writer, and movie watcher. I didn't speak out of turn- although my style leaves much to be desired, I still agree with the sentiment behind those words.

It was fascinating watching this movie again after many years, now 20 years since its initial release. The visual effects have aged some, but not to the point where it hurts the viewing experience. The same thrills, the same surprises, the same awe I felt at the first viewing is still present. The film truly is remarkable. On this viewing, I was struck by how much is foreshadowed in the early scenes of the movie. Knowing the film well, I was blown away by what the Wachowskis did in those first scenes to hint and set up the events to follow.

This movie holds up after two decades because it's really a journey of self-discovery, of questioning the reality you see before your eyes, of believing in something deeper. Those themes will never go out of style. This film captures something essential about the human experience. What makes it amazing is that it's packaged into a thrilling science fiction action movie that makes you sit on the edge of your seat while conveying some deeply philosophical thoughts. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie for the 9th time. There's very few films that could hold up under such scrutiny. It's a testament to this film and this viewing reminded me again why The Matrix is one of my all-time favorite movies.
Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 10



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Mummy, X-Men, Gladiator, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, Bulletproof Monk