Visually stunning, but not very substantive, thriller

Rating: Null/10 (30 January 2000)

I actually thought this film was dull. There are some dazzling special effects, but the storyline lacks cohesion: we never really understand why these super-intelligent machines saw fit to create this mass deception/dream world; I mean, if the machines are simply harvesting humans for energy, why was it necessary to create this elaborate dream state? Ultimately, the film reverts to formula with shootouts, chases, kung fu. If you're looking for a more subtle & satisfying take on the whole reality question, I recommend Dark City, which is much better thought out & more provocative (unless you're a teenager who likes to see things blow up or listen to a techno soundtrack). I still don't think Keanu Reeves is much of an actor.