JUNE 1999

6/27/99

THE MATRIX
Rating: **

CAST:
Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Hugo Weaving, Julian Arahanga


The casting for "The Matrix" was on the mark. Keanu Reeves, not generally regarded as a serious actor was effective because his lead role as Neo/Thomas Anderson fit the criteria of a character that doesn't demand much emoting (his best role since "A Walk in the Clouds"). Laurence Fishburne portrays Morpheus, the captain of a small space ship who believes that Neo is "the chosen one". Laurence steps into this role with confidence and authority. Upon these two finally meeting, Morpheus explains to Neo that everything is not as it appears or seems. The reality Neo is used to is purely fabricated, the product of a sinister race of machines (Big Brother) that use human beings as power generators, to be destroyed and discarded at will. Morpheus' life ambition is to set out and show Neo ("the chosen one") the truth. Neo begins to learn how to manipulate the Matrix; a computer-generated fantasy-dream world built by machines for the sole purpose of controlling human minds.

The little interest I had in this film was in the roles portrayed by Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity) and Lead Agent of the Sentient Agents, Hugo Weavng (Agent Smith). Trinity was a strong female lead and standout. Agent Smith reminded me of a cross between a "Men in Black" agent and "The Twilight Zone's" Rod Serling with dry wit thrown in the mix.

The film's special effects were visually stunning, to say the least. The last film I found this to be the case with was "Terminator 2". It had very dark, sleek and stylish look setting it apart from other films currently out in theaters.

I think the film was too long and tried to cram in too many elements from other sci-fi flicks (martial arts, aliens, frenzied chases through an evil, sinister city, teleportation, etc.)

I rate this with 2 stars. One for the film's unique usage of special effects; the other for it's casting.


Copyright 1999, 2000 Stephanie Geter