Whoa! I think I just entered the Matrix.

Rating: 9/10 (14 June 2009)

'The Matrix' should be seriously considered an absolute classic and milestone. Is it perfect, though? No. But neither was 'Star Wars' (1977) and it's considered the same. Both had mediocre at best acting (Mark Hamill and Keanu Reeves must've applied at the same strip-mall acting schools,) yet both were before their times and started a brand new trend in movie-making. Actually, 'Matrix' takes the cake in too many numerous rip-offs/copy-cats, too many to print. However, back in 1999, it was refreshing to see a movie where the action leads the hero into running alongside a wall while shooting and actually gives a reason they can physically do that. Neo (Reeves) is a computer hacker who's being courted by digital heroes he worships while being investigated for cyber-crimes. After being convinced to follow his soon-to-be mentors into the "rabbit hole" he learns (or more accurately, takes the rest of the film to learn) that the world he was accustomed to is just a computer program, a la 'The Matrix' and the mainframe's using humans as batteries. Bring on the 'Terminator'-type save all humans from technology storyline. However, with strong performances from Fishburne, Moss, Foster and Weaving, incredible action/chases and state-of-the-art special effects (that still hold up today, 10 years later) we have a fresh, exciting, action packed adventure with smart dialogue even with the same ole "Savior" or "The One" storyline. The film's biggest weakness, or really only blemish, is Reeves, who once again proves he's the absolutely luckiest actor in history. Most of his big-budgeted movies are really good, aside from him. For example, 'Speed,' 'Bram Stoker's Dracula,' and 'The Devil's Advocate,' were all wonderful films and were all nearly brought down on the horrid (lack of) acting Reeves gives. Despite that, 'Matrix' is an absolute must watch.