The Matrix
By: ZZ

The Matrix is Larry and Andy Wachowski's follow up to their kinky lesbian
caper sleeper hit Bound. It's a hyperkinetic science fiction/action thriller
overflowing with gunplay and fight scenes. While it's not exactly original,
the brothers borrow from other science fiction films with style. Here's the
basic plot:
    Neo (Keanu Reeves), a brilliant computer hacker, is one day contacted by a
mysteriouis group to join them. He is first met by Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss),
a sexy, black leather-clad girl who proves that the world Neo lives in is more
surreal than he at first suspects. She takes him to her leader, a mysterious
man named Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), who gives him the option of whether
or not he wants to see the real world. Needless to say, Neo opts to learn the
truth, and it's much more than he bargained for.
    To reveal any more would be criminal. What I will say is that the stunts are
amazing. People run across walls and ceilings and freeze time. It's
incredible. Keanu Reeves isn't the world's most expressive actor, but his
blank face serves him well here. Laurence Fishburne is always impressive. Hugo
Weaving is chilling as an omnipresent agent of evil. Joe Pantoliano is a
smarmy villain. And the enchantingly androgynous Carrie-Anne Moss is pretty cool.
    Overall, The Matrix is a fun ride. To be sure, they don't make movies like
they used to, and this film is, for the most part, superficial and empty. But
it's slick and thrilling nonetheless. Make sure you order a ton of popcorn
because with all the magic tricks and stunts, a lot of that popcorn will end
up on the floor.

Grade: B+