impeccable and satisfyingly complex!

Rating: 9/10 (11 April 1999)

I went into this movie expecting "good," and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was excellent! Invigorating scenes left me breathless with the sleek set and costume design, flawless choreography, and deliciously bad-a** feel to the whole film.
The story itself is wonderfully complex and there are very few loose ends in the background and plot, which are usually a big problem in sci-fi/action movies. The philosophy behind the story is well-expressed by Morpheus and Trinity, and indeed fits nicely with the big picture. In fact, there are several parallels between the story and religious faith, but that is a whole other can of worms.
Keanu Reeves is a stroke of casting genius as the rumpled, fly-by-the-seat-of his-pants Neo, whose true purpose, identity, and talents are yet undiscovered until he is tapped by the Resistance. He has only recently begun to earn some of my respect with an excellent performance in Devil's Advocate, and now the Matrix. However, I am still rather scarred from his "Dracula" farce. Carrie-Anne Moss does quite well in this role; a nice change from her "Models, Inc" days, and a terrific showcase of her chiseled features. Laurence Fishburne is perfect as the omniscient, eloquent and always-composed leader, Morpheus.
Several instances of subtle comic relief were appreciated--the activated sprinklers that drenched the agents as well as Keanu's Bruce Lee tribute in his fight with eerily articulate, 10-words-per-minute agent.
Storyboards were put to good use, and the action was easy to follow throughout the movie, even with all the trans-dimensional activity going on. Lighting in every shot was exceptional, conveying a sterile feel about the whole environment. Sound design was also exceptional; it put the audience amid all the action on camera. The soundtrack fits perfectly with the film--the silver bow on a beautiful package.
Highly recommended, but not for the faint of heart. A terrific show with an intriguing and insightful plot. This film gives you a lot to chew on well after you've seen it.