When so many films that try to capitalize on the virtual world fall flat, the Matrix exceeds expectations! The Matrix was a refreshingly good sci-fi film with excellent visual effects and great casting.

Rating: 10/10 (10 May 1999)

I'll admit... I'm not a big Keanu Reeves fan, so I kept my expectations a bit lower than usual when I went to see this movie. I was definitely surprised! I think this was his best performance ever. Neo is a likable character thrust into a world that he was neither aware of nor oriented to, and then expected to save. There is an innocence about the character that is touching when he discovers the Matrix and learns how to interact within it. As the movie progresses, you really hope that he is the One.
The rest of the cast was wonderful as well. I'm usually critical of the strong female image many movies try to project. But this movie surprised me there as well. Trinity, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, is also an interesting and compelling character. She initially appears to be Neo's watcher/bodyguard, but somewhere the relationship becomes more personal... and even more interesting.
The visual effects were the best part of the film. That's mostly because I can often clearly see the computer enhancements and can point them out. These visual effects flowed smoothly and were not obvious. It really was fantastic.
Lastly, I've got to say I loved the Oracle. She was great.