A good film that works on many levels

Rating: 10/10 (21 June 1999)

After having seen this film for the second time around, I think that although perhaps not as forceful, it was worth seeing again. As some other reviewers have mentioned, the "reality" idea that the film is based on is not particularly new. However, I feel that this film should be given credit as - for what is at face value just another Hollywood action movie - it has brought many interesting ideas to a new audience. The film starts off very nicely - it doesn't assume the audience is completely stupid and the full backdrop to the story is only revealed after you have already been hooked and reeled in by the intriguing events. Although the films justification for the central premise is somewhat tenuous to say the least. There are also a few cheesier moments in some of the action sequences which I think would have been better left out as at some points you are uncertain as to whether or not you should be laughing at them. Apart from these admittedly minor grievances, I think the film is extremely well directed. The camerawork is excellent and the chases and gunfights are the best I have seen for a long time. The acting from Keanu Reeves is competent, but not outstanding. What makes this film so good is that the filler scenes are also extremely good - Hugo Weaving is brilliant as the intimidating agent, and Laurence Fishburne puts in a good effort as Morpheus. The script is good although a little cliched at times, but then that's par for the Hollywood course. The film is in a similar vein to Twelve Monkeys, only with a more Blade Runnery feel, and although I think that both of these films are ahead of The Matrix, anyone thinking of seeing an action or scifi film should definitely watch it - there hasn't been anything this good on in ages. It definitely beats Existenz into a smoking pulp.