The Matrix has you and there is no escape.

Rating: 10/10 (14 August 2002)

After success with the low budget movie Bound, the Wachowski brothers followed up with this behemoth of a movie. Starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss, The Matrix is a sci-fi blockbuster of monstrous proportions.
What if you wasn't in control of your life and that fate has things planned out for you? But what if you didn't believe in fate and that you don't like the idea that you are not in control of your life? This is the dilemma for computer programmer and hacker Thomas A. Anderson/Neo (Reeves). It seems that there is more going on than it seems as Neo has been looking for answers to a question that has been rattling around inside his noggin for quite some time. He is contacted by a man calling himself Morpheus (Fishburne) who claims to have the answers. Why are mysterious government type men in shades and suits chasing him? Does he know things that these men don't? And what the hell is the Matrix?

As the film boasted a 'What is the Matrix?' tagline, it would be all too easy to give away the big revelation as there are still people out there who have still yet to see the film. However, it can be said that that this movie does make you question a lot of things about reality, our future as to where we really are going in terms of the advancing wonders (if you can call it a wonder) of technology.
Obviously filmed with a mega sized budget, Andy and Larry (Wachowski) have used every last penny to great effect using (at the time) up to date special effects that had never been seen before. They've also got their heads screwed on by not letting the effects overshadow the narrative which can so obviously ruin a film.
Another thing that makes The Matrix such an amazing film is the action and fight sequences. In this day and age, musclebound heroics of the '80's are out of the window and a new slimline look is needed. It has set the benchmark for the new millenium for sci-fi/action, as what Die Hard did for the action movie in the late '80's. The martial arts sequences are given an eastern style and gun battles are brought to us in superb slow motion making it more in-your-face.
One thing that also helps the movie along is the actors ability to pull off such an elaborate script. Okay, so Keanu Reeves maybe not be the best actor in the world but give credit where credit's due, he pulls his character off enough to make it believable. Laurence Fishburne is superb as Morpheus and the rest of the cast carry off their characters with style.

Unfortunately there is a down side to all of this and that it has to end at some point but that doesn't stop a repeat viewing or ten. Some people might find that the movie is a bit too intelligent at times for their liking but hell, beggars can't be choosers. The Matrix has to be seen at least twice to get the general plot as there is a lot to take in. Some might even get it it after just the initial viewing but there is so much going on that more than one viewing is essential.
Overall, The Matrix is a superb movie that taxes the grey matter to its' limits without overloading it and assaults the senses with style.