The Matrix Review

Genre: Sci-fi/Action 
Directed by: Andy and Lana Wachowski 
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving 
Release Date: March 31, 1999


The Plot


Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) is a young office worker who suspects that something is wrong with his world.  In his free time, Anderson uses his skill at computer hacking to search for answers.  One night, he is contacted by a man named Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne).  Morpheus gives Anderson knowledge that will forever change how Anderson views his world.


What's Good

• The story is original, compelling, and disturbingly plausible.

• Many of the scenes in The Matrix utilize strange, greenish lighting, emphasizing the foreignness of Neo's world.

• The action sequences are intense.  For some reason, watching people burn through huge amounts of ammo in short spans of time is immensely entertaining.  The martial arts action adds variety to the fighting scenes.

• Hugo Weaving does a good job of playing the serious, tough agent-in-charge.

• The story features emotional themes like betrayal, loss, and self-sacrifice.

What's Not

• The scene at the climax of The Matrix is sappy and nonsensical.

• Keanu Reeves's acting is unimpressive.  Throughout the film, his face shows little emotion.

The Drum Roll Please . . .


The Matrix is sure to be remembered as a classic because of its superb plot.  But it's a shame that the film ends with a scene that would be more appropriate in a Disney movie.

8 out of 10