First decent look at a potential future?

Rating: Null/10 (20 June 1999)

What can be said? Keanu Reeves in a decent film, as actually a rather good lead?
This is all true. Many will here draw comparisons with the rather mediocre Johnny Mnemonic, but by far 'The Matrix' is a vastly superior film.
Without the need to go into the storyline, what is so refreshing about TM, is the amazing special effects, and the absolutely superb photography...all influences apparent...rather than copying, the directors have removed all their favourite parts from Blade Runner, The Lawnmower Man, Blade...whatever, and created a molotav cocktail of shere visual delight.
This film goes against all the traditions, strong female leads, a black man is wise and powerful, an 'oracle' is a woman. However, there is the odd slippage(love brings you back from the dead)...but you can forgive them for this.
Anyone who enjoyed Blade, will love this...if not more. The film is stylish, intelligent and is really the first film that has intelligently 'looked' at a possible future. Aside the actual storyline, the metaphor of being plugged into a vast network(matrix) that is projecting you into a very, very real world is not that far from a reality that is about to hit us. We are advancing on Artificial Intelligence, as well as genetics, which makes The Matrix all that more believable. The film builds and builds, to an excellent ending that leaves you wanting much, much more.
Excellent performances all round, I think Keanu has really moved on from Bill and Ted at last...well deserved. Go see this one, you'll like it.