The Matrix

RATING: A+

Ever think that there's something not quite right with this world? Or your life? That you're perhaps not in control of it?

Essentially, the Matrix is the epitome of the feelings something's wrong with our world--or even that it's not real to a degree--and is one of those films that will have you asking a lot of questions--including questioning your own existence.

"Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself."

This line that the character Morpheus speaks to Neo early on in the film actually has an element of truth to it (much like a lot of other things in this film). Because the Matrix is something that is pretty darn hard to explain in the space of a normal-length review, but I'll try my best.

Simply: Guy finds out that his world is not real, joins the "real" world. Fights back against the guys who formerly imprisoned him--in part because he learned kung fu and ninjutsu in about five seconds, but also because he is the subject of an important "prophecy."

Sure, perhaps that's the gist of this film for one who's trying to look at it in simpleton terms. Even that probably won't prepare for you for what comes in The Matrix. Set in a future where mankind is under control by artificial intelligence, uses humans as batteries, and where they created "programs" to exterminate any belligerents.

Thomas Anderson, aka Neo, is our main subject and the guy who learns kung fu and ninjutsu in about five seconds. (Seriously.) Ultimately freed by other "hackers" like himself who are also free of the Matrix, he is joined mostly by Trinity--basically a love interest--and Morpheus, a guy who speaks most of the awesome lines in this film and is basically Neo's teacher and the guy who believes him in without question. And their main nemesis? Agent Smith, one of the most awesome villains ever, and one of the Matrix "programs."

It's hard to find a serious flaw about this movie. The characters are interesting. The action sequences and visual effects are spectacular, especially for 1999 (bullet time!), and the fight scenes are amazing (particularly the ones between Neo and Smith). The dialogue varies from mesmerizing to hilarious to head-scratching to philosophical. The questions that this movie proposes are quite creepy, since when you think about, much of this movie could very well be/one day be true.

The only flaw I can really think of is the fact that some may find it confusing/too much to take in. Course, that hasn't stopped most from enjoying the movie just for the ridiculous effects. So even then that's going to only apply to a few.

The Matrix is arguably one of the greatest action films of all time, especially considering how it revolutionized the genre back in its day. The effects still hold up and will probably still hold up even about 30 years from now, much the way Jurassic Park's have. But just that shouldn't be one reason to see this film. You should also see this film because of the questions it raises. Because of its complex yet creative plot. Heck, you should just see this film (if you haven't already).