The Matrix is a 1999 sci fi, action film directed by the Wachowskis, starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, and Joe Pantoliano.  The film is the first in The Matrix film trilogy and follows a computer programmer named Neo who learns the truth that his reality is a simulation created by sentient machines who use the human population as an energy source.  Upon learning this truth he becomes drawn into a rebellion against the machines.

Positives:

• Great performances by a talented cast, both main and supporting.
• Well-written and well-paced premise
• Great use of practical and cgi effects
• Great use of cinematography
• Great characters
• Great overall score
• Good choreography

Negatives:

• n/a

Plot:  A computer hacker learns from mysterious rebels about the truth, that most of humanity is trapped inside a simulated reality called “the Matrix”, created by sentient machines who use the population as an energy source, and his role in the war against its controllers. The story introduction of Trinity being confronted and pursued by Agents was a great way of emphasizing the premise of the story.  It is not only interesting but well written and executed with some of the most memorable moments. (4 out of 5)

Characters: The characters are awesome and I like how Neo has to learn to fit in this new world while he trains.  He does develop as a person over the course of the film and the relationship that he has with both Trinity and Morpheus does get fleshed out.  Smith is a great antagonist, that does seem to parallel that of Neo, not only in motivation but also in personality. Cypher is probably the most important character next to Neo and Smith.  While Neo is learning of the system, Smith is wanting to “escape” the system.  Cypher wants to be reinserted back into the system because being in the system means he doesn’t have to fight, look over his shoulder, or live in the real world whereas the Matrix could give him everything he ever wanted.  It’s actually pretty understandable. There are more likable characters such as Tank (Chong), Dozer (Parker), Mouse (Doran), and Switch (McClory) although the movie doesn’t give them enough focus. (4 out of 5)

Cast:  Great performances from a talented cast.  Keanu Reeves (Neo), Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus), and Carrie-Anne Moss (Trinity) have great chemistry together and it’s good watching them interact together on screen. Moss is completely hot. Hugo Weaving does a terrific job as Agent Smith.  He gave the character such personality for a character who lacks personality; everything from the way he moved to his neutrally toned voice. The supporting cast are awesome, including Joe Pantoliano (Cypher), Gloria Foster (Oracle), Marcus Chong (Tank), Julian Arahanga (Apoc), Paul Goddard (Agent Brown), Robert Taylor (Agent Jones), Belinda McClory (Switch), Anthony Ray Parker (Dozer), Matt Doran (Mouse), and Ada Nicodemou (DuJour).  (4 out of 5)

Visuals:  The martial arts is well choreographed and gun fights highly entertaining but the film excels from the combined action and the terrific use slow motion.The green tint to the film does help to keep that computer generated feel to it. (4 out of 5)

Score: The soundtrack…is freaking fantastic and one of the most memorable action packed, well mixed scores in a science fiction movie.  I have to give credit to Don Davis for giving such an awesome and fantastic musical composition. Each fight is unique, each gun battle intense.  (5 out of 5)

Writing: But seriously The Matrix features some of the best action scenes in film.history.  The introduction is really good with Trinity running from the police and the Agents and showcasing her abilities with her signature Double Eagle.  This is definitely one of the most memorable films in history that has made a cultural impact.  It does touch on some pretty heavy themes such as  (4 out of 5)

The Verdict: In the end, not only is The Matrix amazing during its initial release but still amazing compared to today’s standards.  This is easily one of the best movies of 1999 and a ground breaking experience in cinema. The performances are good, the characters are great, the story is great, the action is great, the soundtrack is great.  There is no reason not to enjoy this film, because it covers so many genres and does it so well.  The Matrix gets 4 out of 5.