Philosophical and artistic sci-fi!

Rating: 8/10 (24 August 2014)

This is an iconic sci-fi movie starring Keanu Reeves as computer hacker Thomas Anderson/Neo, who is on a mission with the mysterious Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Lawrence Fishbourne) to confront an artificial cyber-world on Earth called the Matrix, whose malevolent cyber creators want to conquer the human race and take over the real world.
The movie starts off a little slow, but steadily gains momentum as Keanu Reeves' character goes on his mission to confront the cyber-machines, show off his martial arts moves, elude the pursuing evil agents and take down the Matrix. There are plenty of sophisticated visual and special effects that really enhance the sci-fi elements of the film, and some plot twists that made the film more intriguing. In addition to the sci-fi action, there are also a lot of philosophical elements and themes in the story, particularly the "free your mind" and "realize the truth" statements.
The artistry of the action, especially the slow-motion scenes showing Carrie-Anne Moss jumping up in the air and Keanu Reeves dodging bullets became some of the most iconic cinema moments in history and have been spoofed or referenced in other films.
Some downsides to the movie, though, was that I thought all the action was a little on the short side (a lot of all-talk) and some of the acting, particularly that for Reeves, was too wooden and emotionless. I also thought the incognito-like and stoic performance of Hugo Weaving's Agent Smith character was overacted.
Overall, though, this is a pretty good sci-fi movie and is worth a watch.
Grade B