Complex to whole new level

Rating: 10/10 (24 February 2004)

It isn't very often that a good science fiction movie is conceived. There are those, eh it was okay, or those not bad types, but this definitely ranks among the greatest.
First off comes the very concept of it. Warning: Spoilers.
Neo is a man living in a world he doesn't believe in. He is soon awakened by Morpheus and the eventual love interest Trinity. This is the basis for the story, but it goes deeper than that. You have Agent Smith, a program within the Matrix, which by the way took me two viewings to figure out, that is out to restore order to the programming.
Tidbit number one, the story itself. Phenomenal is one of the best words to describe it. You have a classic idea of a society of the future trapped and blinded by that trap, just living a normal life. But it toys with the concept that not all of us would accept the world we are given, much like the Truman Show. There is only one other film I would compare this to, and would put above, and that is Dark City. Moving on, The Matrix houses an entity of disbelief and human emotion.
Each character has their own history that we somehow learn all about. First and foremost is Neo, played very well by Keanu Reeves. I must say that I have always liked the guy and his films; Chain Reaction, Speed, etc. Now, he flawlessly plays a character on edge and constantly learning how to defeat certain evil. Bringing us to the nemesis of Neo, Agent Smith. I had never seen Hugo Weaving's work prior to this, but absolutely loved his performance. Playing an entity who wants a level of freedom that humans have and take for granted.
Next comes Morpheus, played by a great film actor Laurence Fishburne. Whose work in Event Horizon gave me chills and thrills. He plays sort of the father figure in this sci-fi. Teaching Neo what he must know to help bring the human race out of near extinction. Last, but certainly not least comes Trinity, the love interest and major butt kicker. Carrie Anne-Moss is another actress I had not heard before this film, and I must say that I search for her name when thinking of movies to see. It's what brought me to Memento and Red Planet. But I was amazed that she could portray both an action hero and a serious individual, not! But this seems to be the trend in a lot of Hollywood films. The woman hero is either strong with no emotions, or too emotional with no strengths. Not so anymore, but I think Carrie helped to break the barrier.
Definitely a must see for not only all science fiction fans, but for a whole generation, for this represents a 'could happen' scenario. One way or another, I found myself leaving the theater, and still watching the credits, thinking about what it all means...
10 out of 10