This Movie Rocks!

Rating: 10/10 (7 July 1999)

The bottom line is that I give this movie "two thumbs up" and a solid 10. It rocks! In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I've already been to see it twice and -- yeah, I'm a square -- I've never done that before. Unless you're old and crusty, and/or terminally unhip, you'll love this movie.
The central theme revolves around the state of human existence: reality, dream or -- for today's technologically fearless audiences -- virtual reality? A dream within a dream? And, if so, how do we break out? Is this deeply philosophical, hugely meaningful, or merely trite? We're in plot cliche territory. Now add a heavy "good vs evil" line and a biblical allegory on death and redemption -- not to mention "the one" -- and some love interest and... danger, danger Will Robinson. Sounds way hokey, right?
Well, it ain't. I don't know how they pulled it off, but these Wachowski brothers have taken this basic concept and produced a stunning movie: a plot that is coherent, involving, and emotionally moving; a cool script; LOUD soundtrack; loads of great fight scenes; supercool special effects; and good acting (especially Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith, Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus, and -- surprise, surprise -- Keanu Reeves as Neo).
This film is LONG, nearly 2 and a quarter hours, but I sat there and enjoyed every minute. This was as close to cinematic perfection as I think I'll ever get.