What else can one say about the film besides that it's the best action/sci-fi film that has come out in ages. It's smart and a lot of fun at the same time. The Wachowski Brothers, who first made the highly stylish and highly recommended crime thriller BOUND, brought an anime aesthetic to live-action for this film. The bullet time effect has become a landmark in visual effects history, but it's how the visuals are used in service of the story that truly makes this film awesome.
The film follows Neo (Keanu Reeves, SPEED) as he stumbles upon a band of rebels led by Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne, WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?) and discovers that the world he lives in is not what it seems. Morpheus believes that Neo is the Chosen One, a prophesized leader whose superhuman skills will free all humans from the oppression of the mysterious Matrix and their powerful agents, lead by Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING). Neo doesn't believe he's special and Morpheus's crew is divided. Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss, MEMENTO), Morpheus's second in command, wants to believe with her whole heart, while Cypher (Joe Pantoliano, BOUND) is tired of the rough life of a rebel and has lost faith.
The film has one of the most original and thought-provoking premises that have come along in quite some time. The way the film slowly unveils its secrets also elevates the film over other sci-fi films that have good ideas, but unload them in the beginning and turn into tired action flicks for the rest of the way. There are a lot of cool, exciting action sequences. But the Wachowskis work them into the story. Neo doesn't have the skills of the Chosen One right from the start for sure, but as we see his skills increasing, we start to believe. This build makes the final showdown so thrilling and powerful.
Reeves handles the part fairly well. But then again pretty much anyone can look cool in black leather jackets and dark sunglasses. Fishburne turns out to be more crucial acting-wise. In his hands, Morpheus becomes one of the great screen mentors. His faith in the Chosen One is unflappable, which creates tension of its own when events put his faith in doubt. Is he leading his crew on a suicide mission, driven by false hopes? Weaving is a classic villain, filling his lines with contempt for his enemies. His vast arrogance is only matched by his vast skill.
The level of cool in this film is beyond reach. Only Harrison Ford in the INDIANA JONES films gets to be as cool as these characters and not look cheesy. This is a perfect thrill ride that doesn't play dumb with its audience.
Buy "The Matrix" on Blu-ray Here!
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
