Movie Review # 470: The Matrix (1999)

Ladies and gentlemen, today, we are going to be diving into the sci-fi/fantasy/thriller adult movie franchise that has been really popular among the general public. Not only that, but, after several years of this franchise initially concluding, Warner Bros. decided to make a fourth installment eighteen years after this franchise had officially ended. Well, for some reason, there’s a fourth film coming in December of this year. With that said, let’s start with The Matrix Number 1, starting Keanu Reeves, Lawrence Fishburne, Carrie-Ann Moss, Hugo Weaving, and some other people.

Plot: When a computer hacker named Thomas Anderson, aka Neo (Keanu Reeves) is drawn into a world, known as The Matrix, he must fight besides people like Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss), and Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne) as part of a rebellion against machines, and humans that are trying to take over the Matrix, and maybe even the world. Will Neo, and the gang be able to make the right decisions, and do whatever is necessary to conquer the evil in their midst?

HOLY COW!!!! I can definitely see why so many people live these films thus far. First of all, this film is over two hours long. And man, does that running time for The Matrix make it all the more worthwhile. First of all, the characters are all well thought out. They are all likable. Even villains like Agent Smith are really well written. And of course, need I mention how well developed characters like Neo, Morpheus, Trinity are, all with nearly every other character? I mean, as this film continues to progress, it’s almost as if you could find yourself really understanding their motives, and wanting to spend more time with them. In addition to this, the story is surprisingly really thought-provoking. You can easily see things from a Christian perspective, and maybe even other religious perspectives as well. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if say a young adult Bible study, or a church youth group, or even other groups in church were to watch either this entire film, or at least bits, and pieces from this film, and draw from this film certain subjects, like learning to make the right decisions, what doors to take in life, and other subjects along those lines. One could also see some really cool symbolisms in this film, like with there being an Oracle character, and other elements that are scattered throughout this film too. Oh, and how could one not like there being Biblical names in this film, like Zion, for instance? And another quick thing to mention! The way that certain symbolisms, and elements are presented is just genius. Another thing to enjoy about this film. Oh man, it is astounding how some of the action is handled. One thing especially to mention is a scene that goes into slow motion, and, well, let’s just say that it is considered memorable by many people when they talk about this film, and maybe even the franchise in general. Honestly, I can see why this scene, which I won’t say how it goes down, is considered a great scene. Don Davis’ score is also brilliantly orchestrated. He knows how to put a score in the right film, and at the right moments. Next, there is the world building in The Matrix. I mean from the ships, the creatures, and of course the streets, and buildings. For a movie that was released around the end of the 1990s, it is impressive how well done the real world, and The Matrix were. Geez! No wonder this film was so successful, as well as spawned a couple sequels, soon to be three sequels. One other thing to mention is that the script seems to be more memorable, and timeless than your typical R-rated film. In fact, even if there are a few F-bombs in this film, those aren’t as constant as many other R-rated films. Besides movies that have been based on actual events in history, like Braveheart, how often have we heard of cuss words, especially the F-bomb, not being used that much in an R-rated movie. Well, all the more reason to appreciate this film. The only thing that could’ve maybe made this film a little better was that there were one, or two plot holes in this film, most notably in regards to one thing that happened around the beginning of this film, as well as something that occurred around the end that may leave the viewer a little confused. Oh well!

And that’s my review for The Matrix. It is a story that is given room to breathe, has great characters, has impressive messages, and has some really good symbolism scattered throughout. And of course, let’s not forget how creative certain elements are presented in this film. Not only that, but you’d be surprised by how well, and thought-provoking The Matrix is. All in all to say, definitely see The Matrix if you haven’t! That is especially if you want to be caught up before December of this year, when the fourth film is released.

Final Grade: A