Beyond the flash, not too much substance

Rating: 6/10 (20 April 2000)

The Matrix is the typical hyperactive action movie that once you look past its flash there is not too much substance. With a really good movie of this type, the questions will not arise until after you've been on the rollercoaster ride. However, the Matrix doesn't live up to that standard, which is why it deserves only a 6.
Some questions I had while watching the Matrix: 1. Why do the machines need humans as a source of energy? Fossil, nuclear, thermal even cows, wouldn't be better source? 2. If the entire Matrix is computer generated by the machines, why do they run around shooting bullets instead of just bending the situation to their needs? 3. How are the "warriors" fueling/repairing their ship? 4. What sort of power has made Neo the One? God? The Force?
Overall, the typical one man fight against "them" and all the evil "they" personify yet in no way exploring what the alternative is once everyone is freed from their pod. I would guess The One enslaves them all and has them erect a temple to his glory. I'd rather stay in my pod.