Review of The Matrix (1999) by Michelle H — 28 Jul 2014

A truly great and epic Science fiction masterpiece with lots of Martial arts, gun play, and mind-blowing special effects. That moment when Neo realizes his whole life is just a dream is one of the most shocking and surprising in cinematic history! The film does get a little slow and self worshiping at times, but the good far outweighs the bad in this movie. The sci-fi future that the movie is set in is totally convincing, and the special effects raised the bar. The Bullet time effects are very cool, especially when Neo is literally dodging bullets! I will admit, Keanu Reeves does not emote much as an actor, but he does look good in this film and does an amazing job with the action scenes. The big standout in this was the villain, played by a very creepy and scary Hugo Weaving. He is Agent Smith, the head of the agent program in the matrix designed to put a stop to rebellion within the system. He speaks with a slow tenseness and radiates a controlled psychotic glee in his performance. He is my favorite character in the film.

The movie is stylish almost to a fault, and sometimes too over the top, but it is hugely entertaining and technically brilliant.