So, is the biggest action films of the summer really that good?

Rating: 9/10 (12 July 1999)

"What is the Matrix? You have to see it for yourself." And he's quite right, you do. These words spoken by Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) were what convinced me to see the film, unsure of what to expect from it. Braindead summer blockbuster it is not - far from it. It is one of the most thought-provoking films of it's kind that I have seen - well written and directed by the Wachowski Brothers with some really impressive visuals. Thomas Anderson, nicknamed Neo (Keanu Reeves), a computer hacker, is tracked down by Morpheus, a well-known terrorist and is offered a chance to discover the greatest conspiracy ever imaginable. But, he is told, he can never return to his normal life and must help to save the world against the agents who are concealing the secret. That's all I'll say about the intriguing, if somewhat far-fetched plot, because to say too much would ruin the experience. This is one incredibly fast-paced film, boasting so much action it'll blow you away. At its heart, it is a science-fiction thriller, but The Matrix is much more chic than you might expect. Complete with black leather outfits and dark sunglasses, Neo and fellow world-saver Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) fight their way through many an action sequence, some unbelievably over-the-top, and manage to look so calm at the end of it. Although quite a dark and violent film, the script allows for some humour to lighten the mood every once in a while, and with a climax with more guns, bullets and explosions than any war film, this has got to be the best action film of the year.