Phenomenal

Rating: Null/10 (14 July 1999)

Well, I wasn't going to say anything, but after reading some of these reviews... people who like The Matrix have little education and an underdeveloped personal philosophy?!?! Because I like The Matrix, I don't know what movies really are? Well, I could say something about arrogant elitist views here, but how about this instead: Its a freakin' movie! And an absolutely stunning one at that too. The negative reviews this movie has received are curiously similar to what some have said about the new Star Wars. My question is, has everyone forgotten how to enjoy entertainment for what it is, entertainment? As in escapism? Somehow thats become a bad word recently, yet escapism is a vital and incredibly important part of our culture. From time to time we all need to enjoy something that just plain rocks, and this movie is it.
But it "steals" everything from other movies. SO!?! Show me one single piece of successful art or entertainment in the last 20 years that "didn't" borrow heavily from earlier works. Thats the way it works people! Do you think every good movie or other work of art exists in a hermetically-sealed universe, free from all outside influences? Please! If you're so concerned with your "art," please just go home and watch your pretentious, overblown art-house movies and leave the entertainment to those of us who still know how to enjoy it.

Now, onto the movie itself: well, I can't add much to what has already been said. The best effects EVER, awesome action, and a "gasp!" plot! That's right, this movie has a very good central concept, the acting is fine and the effects carry the movie, just like they're SUPPOSED to! Imagine, the acting isn't up to the standards of Lawrence of Arabia or Citizen Kane! And the story isn't as good as that of Pulp Fiction or Fargo! No! Yet somehow the movie still works, on its own strengths. And these are many. The violence is artfully done and is a sheer pleasure to watch, and the characters all emanate pure cool with their long black trenchcoats and automatic weapons. The shootout at the bottom of the office tower was so good I saw the movie twice just to see it again. For those of you who think you're auteurs, better than the rest of us, stay away from this movie. It might offend your delicate sensibilities. The fact that the movie is so popular must just herald the downfall of society for you. But for those of you who can still enjoy a rockin' good movie that actually asks you to think, I absolutely recommend The Matrix. Its definitely in my all-time top 10.
Rating: 9/10
BTW, product placement is a fact of life everyone. I didn't even notice the Nokia phone. I was too busy actually watching the movie.