Somewhat unoriginal, but a visual achievement

Rating: 8/10 (20 March 2011)

Matrix was, in many ways, the minor "Star Wars" of the 90s: an unoriginal and arch-repeated story, but told and crafted in such a creative way, that it works!. The story of the "chosen one" in his path to discover his powers is older than graphite pencils, but, the visuals and the setting are impressive enough to makes us forget that and enjoy the ride. Keanu Reeves is a great choice for the role of "Neo", and the supporting cast is good enough also. The story is crafted as a mystery at the beginning, and then begins the classic "hero's journey". And, at the end (spoilers!), unsurprisingly, the character becomes a "superhuman", inside the Matrix and kills the bad dude: a nice closed loop, which doesn't leave much space for sequels, which is the main reason of why the following movies in the "saga" are just a shameful mess.
But, Matrix, as a stand-alone film, is very good. The only problems I can think of, are some issues with the acting (Carrie Ann Moss was somewhat dull), the over-pretentiousness of the plot: it took itself way too seriously, being as it was, just an unoriginal sci-fi collage, and the visual style grew old too fast, now a days the characters look dressed as a bunch of emo-kids. But, those are details and nitpicking. It's a good, intense and entertaining action flick. Check it out.
8/10