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.
Voted
# 12
of the
Top 100 Sci-Fi
Movies
of all time
by:
