Other than that, it's perfect entertainment that engages the mind while pleasuring the senses. Something must be said about Keanu Reeves, especially since he's been dumped upon by critics and labelled a hack. However, he's managed to make over thirty films, something a hack probably could never accomplish. But here, Reeves seems perfectly natural. Simply put, he could be one of the best action heroes to grace the screen since Bruce Willis.
Reeves is essential to the film's success.
If he performed poorly, the film would be a disaster. We grow to like him because of his flaws, and we cheer when he finally overcomes them. It's not an Oscar worthy performance, but it's the best Reeves you'll see. Laurence Fishburne is terrific in his first role since his performance in the vastly underrated Event Horizon . Fishburne talks in a rythmic and cryptic style, never saying enough about anything.