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
Retro and C. from CHICAGO, IL Reviewed on 12/4/2023...
"The Matrix, a 1999 masterpiece directed by the Wachowski brothers, seamlessly blends groundbreaking visual effects, a mind-bending narrative, and stellar performances from Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, and Carrie-Anne Moss, cementing its status as a timeless classic that redefined the science fiction genre."
"A cinematic triumph, The Matrix's innovative "bullet time" sequences, thought-provoking themes, and iconic performances create an exhilarating experience that continues to captivate audiences over two decades later."
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Mark H. (djmark) from MONTEREY PARK, CA Reviewed on 10/16/2020...
The best of the Matrix Series. You'll see the reality behind the illusion. Perfect for 2020 viewing
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
K. K. (GAMER) Reviewed on 1/20/2019...
One of my favorites with a very original sci-fi plotline and incredible CGI effects. A must see for sci-fi action movies!
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Katcha S. (Katcha) from FORT JONES, CA Reviewed on 1/25/2018...
Needs a new category - sci-ACTION.
DUD!!! Oh it had potential, but padding the story with clichés and mindless action scenes did NOT add to or expand on the idea that the title implies. Hollyweird has become 'formula' driven and this is more a feature for that than any intelligent sharing of a concept that everyone SEEMS to 'get'. Phooey - give me Blade Runner any day.
1 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jennifer D. (jennicat) from ST AUGUSTINE, FL Reviewed on 12/30/2014...
I liked this movie but I stopped at this one.
3 of 6 member(s) found this review helpful.
Steve T. from OAKLAND, TN Reviewed on 2/25/2014...
The movie was great. Best show ever!
2 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
3 of 5 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.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Roy S. from CAMBRIDGE, MA Reviewed on 8/12/2010...
A cult must-see.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
KAT O. Reviewed on 12/29/2009...
A MUST SEE! IF YOU HAVEN'T, GET IT, YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Retro and C. from CHICAGO, IL 
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