By following up their debut thriller Bound with the 1999 box-office smash The Matrix, the codirecting Wachowski brothers--Andy and Larry--annihilated any suggestion of a sophomore jinx, crafting one of the most exhilaratin... more »g sci-fi/action movies of the 1990s. Set in the not too distant future in an insipid, characterless city, we find a young man named Neo (Keanu Reeves). A software techie by day and a computer hacker by night, he sits alone at home by his monitor, waiting for a sign, a signal--from what or whom he doesn't know--until one night, a mysterious woman named Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) seeks him out and introduces him to that faceless character he has been waiting for: Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). A messiah of sorts, Morpheus presents Neo with the truth about his world by shedding light on the dark secrets that have troubled him for so long: "You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad." Ultimately, Morpheus illustrates to Neo what the Matrix is--a reality beyond reality that controls all of their lives, in a way that Neo can barely comprehend. Neo thus embarks on an adventure that is both terrifying and enthralling. Pitted against an enemy that transcends human concepts of evil, Morpheus and his team must train Neo to believe that he is the chosen champion of their fight. With mind-boggling, technically innovative special effects and a thought-provoking script that owes a debt of inspiration to the legacy of cyberpunk fiction, this is much more than an out-and-out action yarn; it's a thinking man's journey into the realm of futuristic fantasy, a dreamscape full of eye candy that will satisfy sci-fi, kung fu, action, and adventure fans alike. Although the film is headlined by Reeves and Fishburne--who both turn in fine performances--much of the fun and excitement should be attributed to Moss, who flawlessly mixes vulnerability with immense strength, making other contemporary female heroines look timid by comparison. And if we were going to cast a vote for most dastardly movie villain of 1999, it would have to go to Hugo Weaving, who plays the feckless, semipsychotic Agent Smith with panache and edginess. As the film's box-office profits soared, the Wachowski brothers announced that The Matrix is merely the first chapter in a cinematically dazzling franchise--a chapter that is arguably superior to the other sci-fi smash of 1999 (you know... the one starring Jar Jar Binks). --Jeremy Storey« less
Chad B. (abrnt1) from CABERY, IL Reviewed on 2/29/2012...
Ignore the hideous pretensious sequels and watch the original. This is a well done and very entertaining sci-fi/action film that has had a huge influence upon films in general. Too bad the filmmakers quickly allowed the success of this film to go to their head and became over-rated hacks (the two Matrix sequels & Speed racer show exactly how over rated they have become).
It's interesting to note that at the time of it's release the filmmakers made a huge deal of their "Bullet Time" effect, but Blade had already done the exact same thing.
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Buck L. (Suntydt) from TAZEWELL, TN Reviewed on 11/15/2010...
The first of the Matrix movies and very well done. A good fantasy action movie.
Roy S. from CAMBRIDGE, MA Reviewed on 8/12/2010...
A cult must-see.
KAT O. Reviewed on 12/29/2009...
A MUST SEE! IF YOU HAVEN'T, GET IT, YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Heather R. from SAINT LOUIS, MO Reviewed on 12/4/2009...
The movie is great and I received it in perfect condition
Jennifer M. from RUSTBURG, VA Reviewed on 11/12/2009...
I love this movie.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Brian M. from LOS ANGELES, CA Reviewed on 10/20/2009...
One of the best Sci-fi action movies ever. The actions is awesome, the effects are amazing and the story is fantastic. I recommend only seeing this one, though, the sequels don't do it justice.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
David W. (dpww13) from YORKTOWN HTS, NY Reviewed on 8/9/2009...
What is real? What is the nature of reality? This is a film that is really about our world, as all sci-fi films are. It is awesome. Almost a perfect film. A few weak lines and a couple of misfit songs aside, it is perfect.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Sarah F. (keanupattinson) from INDIANAPOLIS, IN Reviewed on 5/22/2009...
I loved Keanu Reeves in this movie, his performance truly captivated me and got me obsessed with what the matrix really is.
I must say that I truly enjoyed Hugo Weaving in this, he was really good.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Carol D. from DAPHNE, AL Reviewed on 1/30/2009...
Very well done. Loved it. Great action scenes, twists and turns, not predicatable. Outstanding performance by Reeves.
Chad B. (abrnt1) from CABERY, IL 
Buck L. (Suntydt) from TAZEWELL, TN 
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