THE MATRIX

The Matrix is an exercise in sheer and unadulterated coolness. From the dark shades and high-tech black leather Western jackets worn by the principal cast to the Hong Kong/John Woo-inspired action sequences, there is simply no other phrase that best describes The Matrix except "cool."

Thanks to brilliant special effects and top-notch cinematography, it is a larger-than-life comic book come to life like no other comic movie adaptation has ever managed before. Take the coolness factor of a vampire-killing Wesley Snipes in Blade and cross it with the Travolta/Cage actioner Face/Off and multiply it by ten and you'll have an idea of what to expect from The Matrix . . .

As an action movie it'll simply blow you away: there's no point in waiting for this one to surface on video one day. It should be enjoyed on the big big screen with a loud sound system while clutching a big Coke in one hand and an even bigger tub of popcorn in the other hand. This way you'll guaranteed an excellent time at the cinema.

However, all this doesn't mean that Matrix is yet another style over substance action flick. It also works well as science fiction - even though if you've seen Dark City the plot may seem vaguely familiar. Without wanting to give away too much about the plot, the movie concerns a computer hacker played by Keanu Reeves being contacted by mysterious figures led by a character called Morpheus (excellently played by a Laurence Fishburne fresh from the disastrous Event Horizon). More than this I'm not really willing to divulge - except that the plot will require you to use more brain cells than you did while watching Con Air.

"What is the Matrix?" as the advertising slogan asks. "Well," as the Fishburne character also states in the advertising, "we can't tell you what it is, you'd have to see it for yourself." And I really do recommend that you do this since The Matrix is definitely the best action sci-fi action flick since Terminator 2 - Judgment Day and after the recent disappointments of the likes of Alien Resurrection and Soldier it gives the genre a much-needed swift kick up the butt. If you're put off by the presence of "Mr Wooden Acting himself" Keanu Reeves, don't be. He is adequate in his role and the movie is good in spite of him. The Matrix makes up for the disappointments of Johnny Mnemonic and Chain Reaction. Go see it now and simply bask in the coolness of The Matrix . . .

Followed by two disappointing sequels in 2003, namely Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions.
 

• Read the script.
• Site regular Lawrence Ryan saw The Matrix three times on the big screen and maintains that it's the best science fiction movie since Blade Runner. Read why he thinks so in his special guest review.

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