with many big - budget science fiction films , great ideas are often wasted by bad scripts , cheesy plot twists , and , terrible acting .
the fifth element , the abyss , and godzilla had great concepts squandered by bad acting , writing , or both .
at first glance , the matrix , larry & andy wachowski 's sci - fi / kung - fu / shoot - em - up spectacular , looks like a prime candidate to join the list of high - concept bad movies , especially with dopey keanu reeves in the leading role .
but despite high levels of cheese and gaudy dialogue , the matrix works .
it 's an uncanny blend of action and surreal fantasy that borrows from dozens of other films ( most obviously the terminator films , star wars , and total recall ) , but remains refreshingly original and interesting throughout
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reeves plays neo , a computer hacker who stumbles into an initially bewildering set of encounters with " trinity " ( carrie - anne moss ) , a rival hacker who has supernatural powers and stunning good looks , a unseen , omniscient cult figure known as " morpheus " ( lawrence fishburne ) , and a trio of creepy men in dark suits who act like irs agents from hell .
neo quickly learns that the world he has known all his life is not what it seems .
moreover , he discovers that the grim , bleak world he is introduced to has been waiting for him to save it .
neo is reluctant to assume the role of messiah , with grave doubts that he is actually " the one " prophesized to come and save the world .
reluctant or not , what follows is a mix of hong kong - style slow - motion shootouts , surreal dream sequences , high speed chases , and comic book kung - fu fights .
the film also raises interesting philosophical questions about reality .
how exactly do you know what is real and what is in your mind ?
and if the real world were much harsher and grim than a fantasy one you were living in , would you want to face the true world or continue to live in a more comfortable illusion ?
unfortunately , the matrix does n't provide many answers to the questions it raises , but at least it puts some ideas behind all the explosions , shoot - outs , and flying roundhouse kicks . perhaps stealing the entire show in the matrix is australian actor hugo weaving , who plays agent smith , the leader of the creepy agents in sunglasses and suits who seem capable of being anywhere and doing anything to stop neo and friends from destabilizing the matrix .
weaving 's stony appearance , deadpan voice , and chilling comments put a grim human face on the haunting , evil technological force that controls the matrix .
like robert patrick as the shapeshifting t-1000 terminator in terminator 2 : judgement day , weaving is more frightening than any monstrous alien or homicidal robot because , despite his power and seeming invincibility , he looks ordinary , even scrawny .
weaving embodies his role with a memorably chilling presence .
the film features some truly breathtaking special effects and stylish cinematography .
it seems to be deliberately kitchy , with stylized fight sequences directed by hong kong stunt specialist wo ping that reportedly required months of martial arts training by the actors .
in a few scenes , the posing and posturing is unintentionally funny .
just seeing keanu reeves engaging in serious kung fu is a bit jarring .
however , with the comic - book style and tone of the film , you can sustain willing disbelief long enough to enjoy the ride without losing patience .
the matrix is n't a classic .
its open - ended and confusing conclusion raises more questions than it answers .
it fails to resolve many of its own plot twists and philosophical questions .
it also relies on some conventional sentimentality to save the hero - the kind of shmaltzy feel - good goo that most of the film avoids .
reportedly , the producers have high hopes for the film being the first in a trilogy and have already begun work on the story for the sequel .
unfortunately , audiences deserve a little more than a vague sense that the story will continue in the future .
the matrix is an fun , enjoyable diversion , like a big puff of cotton candy at a carnival .
just do n't be surprised half an hour later when you still feel a little hungry .
perhaps stealing the entire show remains refreshingly original and interesting throughout some truly breathtaking special effects and stylish cinematography an fun , enjoyable diversion