What is the Matrix? A terrific movie.

Rating: 10/10 (3 April 1999)

It may sound like cliche now, but you have to see the Matrix, you cannot be told. Partly, because of the obvious reason, if you're like me, you hate spoilers and you want to see it for yourself. Partly, because although it's in a way a simple enough concept, it has to be seen to be really understood.
That said, let's get to the meat. If for no other reason than to see some great visual effects, this movie is well worth seeing. The effects are wonderful and innovative without becoming a "look what we did with CGI" movie. The sound is also great, well worth looking for a Dolby Digital theatre to see it. This is one that will likely be snapped up quickly once it's out on DVD by people who want to showcase their 5.1 systems.
As for the story, as I said, it's a simple yet intriguing concept of the future. There were a couple minor plot holes, but nothing you can't overlook. I won't go into what it's all about since I'm sure you've either heard it all before or want to see it for yourself. Rest assured though, it's good.
Character wise, the movie holds its own. I've yet to be disappointed by anything Laurence Fishburne has done and he certainly doesn't disappoint here as the enigmatic resistance leader Morpheus.
Personally, I'm not one for Keanu Reaves bashing, he has become somewhat typecast as the brooding, strong-silent type and he pretty much sticks to that character here. I know, everyone's thinking about Johnny Mnemonic (Moronic), frankly, the suckage factor of that movie cannot be entirely laid on Keanu's lap. They could have put anyone in that role and the movie would have still out-sucked Electrolux.
The supporting cast supports well, even though the only characters you really get to know to any degree are Neo (Reaves), Morpheus, and Trinity (Carrie Ann Moss).
It's hard to really critique this movie further without lapsing into spoilers and cliche, so I'll leave it at this; The Matrix is an entertaining two hours and well worth the price of admission.