What is The Matrix? Overblown eye-candy, nothing more.

Rating: 1/10 (21 February 2002)

I was first attracted to The Matrix by the slick trailers and TV spots. However, I did not choose to see it in theaters until after hearing many outstanding recommendations from friends. I heard such comments as "man, this movie will mess with your mind!", "I still don't understand it", "you have to watch it a few times to get it", and many variations on "the special effects are awesome!". I consider myself to be a fan of mind-benders, and the occasional sweet special effect is always welcome in my book. So I go and see The Matrix. In my first viewing, I literally fell asleep. Now, you must be wondering how a person could possibly fall asleep watching such an action packed film. It was easy. The action just doesn't do it for me. You might also wonder why I would write a review for a movie I didn't see in it's entirety. Actually, I rented it on DVD and sat through the whole thing months later. I have many large complaints with The Matrix. Let's start with the whole "mind-bender" thing. A psychological thriller this is not. In fact, the fairly unoriginal concepts behind the story are presented in the first 20 minutes or so, and then pretty much never mentioned again. This movie will not keep anyone thinking unless they are incredibly stupid and can't get past the first 20 minutes. The special effects and the visuals in general are indeed spectacular. Good for them. That doesn't do a whole lot for me when there is no substance to back them up. The Matrix, as a whole, is an exercise in style over substance. In all fairness, it is very stylish. Here's the main problem: the movie does about 20 minutes of posing as a psychological thriller (as the trailers would have you believe), and then drops you off into the realm of sci-fi and video game violence. The characters basically just start fighting, running, and shooting things. It feels every bit as stupid and pointless as the next action movie. The only saving grace is the fact that it is much prettier than the next action movie. Once again, eye candy is the key to this movie. Although it seems to easy, I will rail on Keanu Reeves performance in The Matrix. Well, actually, the only thing that can be said about it is that it was weak (like all Keanu's performances, I suppose). Fortunately, it won't distract most viewers from all the cool explosions, gun shots, and camera tricks.
In summation, don't go in expecting an intelligent movie, you'll be disappointed. However, if you enjoy action, special effects, or sci-fi stuff in general, then I find it hard not to recommend this movie to you. I guess when it comes down to it, special effects and action aren't my thing. I need a little more substance.