It just kicks

Rating: Null/10 (30 May 1999)

The Matrix is far different than any other Keanu Reeves movie. It is a tantalizing flood of new age science fiction wrapped in unbelievable computer graphics. Directed by the little known Wachowski Brothers, The Matrix brings back the love of sci-fi to the silver screen. You might be scared off by the idea that this film may be a cop off of recent Reeves bust Johnny Neumonic. But the movie is far from what should be expected.
Set in the present, in a big city, a computer hacker named Neo(Keanu Reeves) is approached by rebels who offer to answer Neo's most prized question: What is the matrix? The leader of the rebel cause is Morpheus(Laurence Fishburne) who is an outstanding criminal of society. Neo finds himself in danger when Morpheus sends fellow rebel Trinity(Carrie-Anne Moss) to collect Neo and bring him to Morpheus. They think Neo is the savior of their rebel cause, which is to destroy the matrix. In this world of reality Neo is thrust into the world of the rebels, one of mind-boggling truth and discount of all natural laws known to man. If you thought computer programs were just for computers, this film believes otherwise. The Matrix strives to be more than a plain movie with great special effects. It coherently meshes the story with the computer graphics so everything undoubtedly seems fluid-like and flawless. It has such deep meaning that the film makes you think about how far our society can go into the future at its present course. The idea of a savior for the 21st Century from what man has created is heavy. For example, in the film Agents Smith(Hugo Weaving), Brown(Paul Goddard I), and Jones(Robert Taylor II) shoot to kill Neo who uses his powers to stop the bullets in mid-air. This idea would look silly if for not the concrete plot to back up the superb graphics. Keanu Reeves actually puts in a great performace for this film. As Neo, Keanu is not any recognizable character portrayed in past movies, i.e. Speed.
The Matrix is right on as a new age sci-fi film. I can not emphasize enough to go see this movie for special effects as well as the plot. The whole idea of having the viewers' perception of reality changed and put in loco to achieve a place where those superb graphics feel real makes the film work. Other than one weak plot scene where Neo is brought back by a kiss, The Matrix was the best.