The Matrix...20 years later

Rating: 8/10 (2 May 2019)

This year the Matrix turned 20 years old and it is making me feel old but what better time to give my thoughts on my favourite sci-fi action movie.
In terms of filmmaking, the Matrix is pretty good. The three things that drive this movie are the story and universe, characters and of course, the action but I'll mention that later. The universe and mythology of the Matrix is strange and intriguing, and this film establishes it perfectly. I've always loved the idea that the modern world has been a simulation and humans have now become a power supply for machines. It's just good science fiction writing and feels like a classic sci-fi novel and I love it. Though the world of the Matrix isn't explored as much as the sequels, this movie is a great introduction to the matrix itself and the dystopian "real world". The story and world of the Matrix is really engaging and surprisingly feels relevant and remotely realistic and possible in the world we live in today, which makes the idea more terrifying and enjoyable.
The characters of the Matrix are gold. The performances by a majority of the cast are still great to watch to this day and sell the universe. Now to be honest, Keanu Reeves isn't an amazing actor, technically he isn't that good, but god damn it makes him perfect. I love his portrayal of Neo, because in this movie he feels like a guy, just a regular person given a huge responsibility to become the "chosen one". Reeves is honestly the most enjoyable part of the story. Even though he slowly becomes more badass over the course of the story, Neo has this unseen vulnerability and human quality that makes him great and ties him in well to the story. Of course you also have Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus and we all know he is great. He feels like a mentor, a guide to Neo. He is wise and powerful but again is also human and vulnerable. Hugo Weaving as the villain Smith speaks for itself. Smith has become such and icon and it's easy to see why, because he is terrifying and menacing. Smith is like your classic maniacal villain like Vader that makes himself seem unstoppable and threatening, like a real menacing villain should. Surprisingly, the Oracle is one of my favourite characters. The are kind and feel like an actually sweet, human person, even though they aren't and she serves a crucial purpose in the story which is good. To be fair, I am not a fan of Trinity but she doesn't annoy me or ruin the movie, she's just there to fulfil her role in the film and that is fine. Overall, the characters are great and handled well in this movie.
The bread and butter of this movie is of course, the action. The fight choreography in this movie is phenomenal and just so fun, which is the main strength of this entire movie. The action sequences in this movie are so engaging and feel so natural within the film. The melee combat is strong, you really get to feel like the characters are trying to actually inflict damage. The use of the science bending movement and psychics-defying attacks in the matrix makes the action fresh and original with impressive stunt work, giving us cool stuff like dodging bullets. Doesn't hurt that the actual actors do some of the work too, making the investment and immersion in the conflict more meaningful. The action isn't just thrown in for gimmicks, though each fight has one, and feels like it has a place in the story. I can ramble about the fights, action and the awesome lobby scene for hours but you all know how good it is. It's what sells the movie.
Out of all the things that I love about the Matrix, the one thing that makes it my favourite sci-fi action movie is that is just so fun and re-watchable. You can show this to anyone and they will have a good time. If a movie is just a solid film and also an extremely fun one, I am 100% sold. I enjoy every second of this movie because everything is just so enjoyable. Even when it starts to be a little more serious or dial back the action, I still love watching this movie. I cannot illustrate how fun this movie is you just have to experience it yourself.
20 years on and this movie is still fun as hell. It has a interesting story, well defined and likeable characters, some of the best action in any movie and to top it off, it's still just so much fun to watch over and over. I highly recommend watching this if you somehow haven't living under a rock or revisiting it because it still deserves all the praise it receives.
8/10 the fun still holds up.