Woah!!!!!!!

Rating: 9/10 (18 April 1999)

I was terrified of a let down as I walked into the stadium seating theater to see this film. I was disappointed in a few of the last movies that I went into with high anticipations for (Dragonheart, Spawn and a few others). I was not to be left wanting this time.
The Matrix is a ground breaking film with outstanding direction and cinematography, a sold story and good acting. Even Keeanu Reeves nay sayers shouldn't be able to really pick his performance apart that badly.
This movie will do for the cyber-punk genre what Star Wars did for Fantasy/Sci-Fi, especially with the rumors floating about that this is the first in a trilogy. From start to finish, I was on the edge of my seat, riveted and throughly entertained. The last two minutes of the film wasn't the strongest ending ever, but after hearing the trilogy rumors, I forgot my complaints about that. This wasn't your typical Hollywood, leave it open ended for a sequel, it was planned.
The Wachowski brothers are the new hot shot directors in the biz. Between the independent Bound and now The Matrix, I see an innovative genius in their work. They know how to blend classic themes and techniques keeping everything fresh and exciting. I rank them with the short list of directors that I will draw me to a movie by name alone (Ridley Scott, James Cameron, David Fincher, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppela among others on said list.)
Lawrence Fishburn is solid as usual. He looked like he was having fun during the filming which will always increase the quality of an actor's performance. New comers to big budget features Carrie-Ann Moss and Hugo Weaving were great. Moss was far more than just eye candy (though her patent leather costumes were to die for) and Weaving was truly sinister. Both should have a bright future in Hollywood.
The special effects are top notch. While I'm sure the Phantom Menace will amaze even more, the reported 60 million dollar budget makes what they did in The Matrix just that much more impressive.
The Kung-Fu..... Wow. The choreography was amazing. It was very apparent of the long hours of training that the actors spent during pre-production. They made Keanu, Lawrence and Hugo look like they had been doing martial arts for many years.
All in all, one of the best movies I have ever seen and easily the best movie of recent years. Not since Braveheart have I seen a film that has drawn me back for repeat viewings so many times in its first few weeks of release.
I give it a nine only because tens are ratings that I have only given out once or twice ever.
A MUST SEE for any fan of the genre.