Getting beyond The Hype

Rating: 8/10 (15 June 2003)

Before the movie came out, the What-Is-The-Matrix hype was everywhere, permeating everything. I went in to the film expecting some great revelatory experience and I was very disappointed with what The Matrix turned out to be (the idea of the world we think is real being actually a computer simulation wasn't that original or earthshaking to me). But in re-watching it on dvd (after having seen the sequel as well), I now appreciate the movie for what it is rather than for what I expected it to be, based on the over-powering hype.
Andy and Larry W. are brilliant, no question about it, and the inspired purity of their vision is definitely evident on the screen. The three leads are fantastic - Keanu Reeves' particular quirkiness has never been better utilized, Laurence Fishburne is stunning as Morpheus, and nobody could have brought Trinity to life with any more clarity and controlled passion than Carrie-Anne Moss. Hugo Weaving looms large as well, as the contemptuous, non-human Agent Smith. The script still leaves a lot to be desired, especially at the end, which wasn't really satisfying at all, but the film is a splendidly creative and heartfelt achievement nonetheless.