The Matrix

Directors: The Wachowski Brothers
Star(s): Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne Moss
Date: 1999
Themes: Science-fiction and existence

Review:

With the explosion of big-budget special effect films this summer one film stands out above the rest. Instead of dragging us back into the 70s (not mentioning any names of course) The Matrix shoots us proudly into the 21st century.

The plot is about a group of computer hackers who have discovered that the world we live in is really a virtual reality simulation (The Matrix). Neo (Reeves) is "the one" who can remake the matrix as he sees fit so that he can destroy the agents (a type of virus checker).

If it's an action film you're looking for then look no further. The tight-leather wearing charcters spend their time encountering guns and kung-fu that would make even the legendary Jackie Chan raise an eyebrow.

It sems that Reeves was also looking for an answer, not the virtual reality type but the kind that would save his deteriorating film career and like Neo, he seems to have found what he was looking for.

But The Matrix will not be remebered for its superb action, high enertaining factor or series of terrific oneliners but its fantastic special effects which will make your eyes glue so much to the screen that you will need help peeling them off. The Wachowski Brothers have used some of the latest special effects such as flo-mo, bullet-time photography and image interpolation but never mind the science behind it, in the end is that it is all extremely fascinating yet in-keeping with the film's plot.

Although a complete film in itself the directors claim it is the first of a trilogy. My only advice for anyone who is going to see it is don't bother buying popcorn-you just won't have time to eat it and Idoubt you'd be able to close your mouth anyway.