Slightly overrated, but still a good film

Rating: 9/10 (5 April 2005)

"The Matrix" is a hodgepodge of intriguing science fiction and comic-book violence, and although I feel it's overrated (I've heard 1998's "Dark City" is a similar yet better movie), I still had a good time.
The special effects in this movie are, without a doubt, some of the best I've ever seen. We get the now-famous "Bullet Time" where Neo (Keanu Reeves) dodges oncoming bullets; we get mechanical octopi taking on hovercrafts; we get the swirling fight choreography and slo-mo techniques. All very impressive.
The story is illogical, but it does introduce intriguing suggestions about the difference between reality and dreams; I think we have to take the "machines-rule-mankind" aspect on faith.
The acting: Keanu Reeves is good in an uncomplicated role and he looks right for the character, Laurence Fishburne successfully acts this material as if it was Shakespeare, Joe Pantoliano is perfectly slimy as a traitor, Hugo Weaving is one of the best movie villains ever as the sinister Agent Smith, and the sexy Carrie Ann-Moss is Trinity, Neo's (eventual) love interest.
Overall, while I don't think this is one of the best movies ever made, it's still a great movie. 9/10