Fantastic blend of thinking sci-fi and action

Rating: 9/10 (2 April 1999)

The usual formula: Cyberpunk thriller + Keanu Reeves = Slop
Somehow the directors and writers of The Matrix make it work, and incredible well. A strong plot and tight screenwriting benefit from believable character performances that are built up strongly.
One of the best things about this movie is that it doesn't throw you right in to the Matrix itself. Naturally you're given a slight tease at the start of the movie, but you're taken on the tour along with the characters as their realities begin to unravel and expand.
Initially I thought I might criticise the movie for too action that goes a little too far over the top; after a day's thought however it's understandable that should the Matrix itself actually exist, most anything would happen over the top.
Some incredible groundbreaking special effects and photography, pushing the new field of stop-motion rotophotography to limits that have never been seen before. While the Phantom Menace will surely walk away with this year's awards for FX, the Matrix deserves a spot in the hall of fame for pushing the field beyond any other movie -- even the subtle shots are brilliantly composited, lit, and animated.
The art direction in this movie is also extremely well done. Imagine mixing the look, feel and martial arts of The Crow with the futuristic vision of Metropolis and Dark City. Most every shot is filled with fantastic detail, from set direction to matte painting and cgi backgrounds.
There should be a lot of talk about this movie, and I'm sure many will detract it. There will surely be a lot of sci-fi fans that will choose to look for holes in the plot, inaccuracies and conflicting concepts. Of course, these are the same fans that can see none of the same in movies from Star Wars to Blade Runner.
I will admit I walked in with extremely low expectations, but I have since waited on writing this review and prolonged thought on the film has provided me with a great appreciation.
Besides, any sci-fi movie with such a strong plot and fantastic effects that manages to throw in a fantastic homage to Return Of The Dragon (the Bruce Lee - Chuck Norris fight, to be exact) will long sit in my memory.