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THE MATRIX (1999)Starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburn, Carrie-Ann Moss.
Directed by Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski.
MPAA rating: R
The Matrix, regardless of the fact that it features Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburn (two lifeless and uni-dimensional actors who deserve to be on Hollywood's B-list) and the visibly complacent Carrie-Ann Moss, has to rank as one of the coolest movies of all time.
I may be perpetuating the myth that all website types are drawn only to science fiction flicks to whom any reference to another dimension, cool laser guns or neat looking spaceships constitute a thumbs up (and endless hours of dissecting and freeze-framing the DVD), but who cares? Most of us are geeks around here and will freely admit it. The Matrix is a film that will warp your mind and cause you to question reality. The kicker, though—and this is an anomaly in a Hollywood film—is that it will make you think.
The Matrix is the story of Thomas Anderson (Reeves), a white-collar Silicon Valley type who moonlights as a hacker who under the alias "Neo," has broken virtually every computer-related crime in the book. Throughout his life, he is haunted by one question—"What is the Matrix?" One day he is given the opportunity to find out. He is clued in to the fact that the world, as he sees and experiences it, doesn't exist. Through the guidance of a select group of "enlightened" individuals, he is shown that all stimuli in life is actually directed by a network of artificially intelligent (and man-made) machines, who breed humans for the purpose of harvesting their energy. "Neo" is one of a select few who break free of their bondage as glorified D-cell batteries, and is believed to be a Christ-like character who can free his race by overcoming The Matrix and the machines who run it. As far as we know, however, he's not required to die in order for this to happen.
What makes this movie beautiful is not only the cerebral way the screenwriter approaches the script (many novels have been published with less substance and depth than this), or the stunning and revolutionary special effects that are used so artfully (tragically, some of the same techniques used here have been utilized in GAP ads and as an unfunny gag in Shrek). It's the fact that it demands you use your idiot box; it meets you where you are, but takes you to places you've likely never been. To borrow a phrase from Audio Adrenaline, "If this were a chemical, I don't think it would be allowed."
Viewers should beware, however. Regardless of the spin placed on it by some critics, this not a Christian movie. There are a few tidbits that will leave you drawing connections to Biblical truths. But the theology presented is equally as Buddhist, Hindu or New-Age as it is Christian. Don't be fooled.
The film is also rated R for good reason. There are at least two dozen profanities and the violence, though not graphic, borders on being gratuitous. This is definitely worth your while if you're mature enough to handle it (you should probably be at least 16), but shouldn't be seen by children.
- Ben Forrest
May 1, 2002
May 1, 2002
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