"What is the matrix?"
THE MATRIX (R) 
Reviewed April 12, 1999 - Check out The Matrix Website.
Okay, I'll admit it...I wasn't planning on seeing The Matrix in theaters. From the previews I'd seen, it looked like another one of those dark, apocalyptic sci-fi flicks laden with special effects used simply for special effects' sake. Been there, done that, no thanks. However, good word of mouth and a couple of strong weekend box office showings compelled me to give The Matrix a try, and boy am I glad I did.
Written and directed by "the Wachowski brothers" (Larry and Andy), The Matrix introduces us to Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves), a mild-mannered software programmer whose quiet life is slowly turned upside down. Cryptic phone calls, unexpected packages, and clandestine instructions reveal to Thomas that his "world" is not what he had thought. Under the guidance of a mysterious hacker/rebel named Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), Thomas learns that his (and the rest of humanity's) existence is simply an elaborate computer program...a matrix designed to occupy imprisoned human minds while a race of Artificial Intelligence machines farms human bodies to use as an energy source on Earth. Thomas also learns that he is "the chosen one," the man handpicked to save humanity from its current fate.
Yes indeed, The Matrix is an apocalyptic fantasy, but it is a fantasy that somehow manages to draw you in, and for that this film deserves much credit. With creative and believable use of cutting-edge special effects techniques, The Matrix boasts some of the most stunning action sequences in recent memory. From a purely visual standpoint, this film is simply fun to watch. Mix in its intriguing cautionary tale about technology run amok, and an extremely strong final half hour (some people in the theater were cheering), and I think you've got yourself a winner. Don't get me wrong, The Matrix is definitely not for everyone, and its dark, violent nature will surely turn some moviegoers off. However, if you're up for a fast, entertaining rollercoaster ride of a sci-fi film, The Matrix is definitely well worth a look.
Responses from cyberspace--thanks for writing!
opss@europe.com gives
this movie stars: "it
was the best movie I have ever seen.I'm from turkey and this film was so
spectecular that nearly all Turkish people had seen it. thank you." (10/14/01)
emstar2nd@hotmail.com
gives this movie 
stars: "it`s
really great movie when we know how to explore it..the action looks real
.so..good luck for next movie!!:)" (9/15/01)
algorge@yahoo.com
gives this movie stars: "this
movie was so awesome!!!,esp.KR.Gosh,he so cool! i saw this movie twice
plus i brought the vcd and i wacth it almost every day,i am his biggest
fan of him,i adore him since i was in 6th grade.i love him!!!!!!!!!! " (9/10/01)
spider_88@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "This
novie is great, and so are the actors, and the special effects. So i think
that everyone sould se THE MATRIX Check out: www.whatisthematrix.com" (8/13/01)
dancin_syco_chick@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "The
movie was the bomb!! It had great special effects!! It was the best one
that people have made so far!! Just keep making good movies!!" (7/1/01)
Annie gives this movie stars: "This
is my fav. movie. I saw it over 1000000000000000 times. It was great!!!
If you didn't see it yet you really should!!!" (6/10/01)
autumn gives this movie stars: "
It is a kick a## movie and is totally cool. Keanu Revees is the hotest
actor yet.not only does he have the cutest everything he is a great actor.
And all you who think other wise can answer to me!I LOVE YOU KEANU REVEES!!!!!!!!" (5/28/01)
merci_corpuz@eudoramail.com
gives this movie stars: "well,
i think the movie was perfectly done especially the visual effects also
the actors that they played there role very well...especially keanu revees
who have played different roles..." (2/17/01)
Dennis gives this movie stars: "I
think "THE MATRIX" this movie very nice, because i'm "Keanu
Revees"'s fans!!!" (2/13/01)
Amarilis says: "There should be more photos for such a good looking guy." (1/25/01)
lmary_carmen@sgi27.netservers.net says: "Es lo maximo, me gustaria que hicieran una segunda parte, es espectacular" (8/10/00)
Hunny@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "This
movie was so thrilling that I'm now hooked on to all your movies.And I
think that your DAMN FINE.Give it to me BAY B. " (7/18/00)
vinkoo@id.eth.net
gives this movie stars: "This
movie is unbelievable. It was such a hard hitting topic. It would sure
be interesting to see how Neo fights the battle in the next two sequels.
I have seen Matrix already 8 times." (5/30/00)
tkr.tenra@nepal.com
gives this movie stars: "keanu
revees is so hot and cute. when i first saw the matrix movie, i thought
that i was only an action movie. then when i saw i saw the keanu reeves
in the movie, the movie was great. i love keanu reeves if any body know
his eamil, please eamil me. i know that i can't be with him but i just
want to know lot about him and want to make a friend.okay bye . love you
always,kartse" (5/30/00)
jaksara@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "The
act, special effects, story, etc are great. I love this movie so much.
I love Keanuu Revees." (4/30/00)
deekraziediva@aol.com
gives this movie stars: "The
movie was great but the best part was Keanu Reeves. He's the best looking
man that ever hit the planet. He is SEXY,HOTT,GORGOUS,TEMPTING, he's my
PAPI CHULO!!!!!!!!!!! If any other women wants him me and her are gonna
have to do some boxing. And he looks even better in SPEED." (4/20/00)
GreenEyeZ gives this movie stars: "I
wish there was a chance to give it 6,it's one of the best movies ever!!!" (4/11/00)
agwalton@juno.com
gives this movie stars: "It
was totaly awesome, the graphics were like none other i have ever seen.
The cast was perfect, any different and it wouldn't have been good. Keanue
looked rrrrreeeaaalllyyy good!!!!!! That is one movie i will never get
bored watching!" (4/8/00)
christiani_s@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "First,
I saw this movie I was so confused. Second, I saw this movie again &
I was still confused. But in my mind Keanu Revees is the best artist. Can
I meet him ?" (3/21/00)
Tasha gives this movie stars: "This
movie was really weird at first but when you get it it's just so cool,
i can't stop watching the video. the story line could just be the furture.!" (3/16/00)
weese1@aol.com gives
this movie stars: "I
am utterly in awe, this movie has the most complex plot / storyline ive
ever seen. I have seen it 14 times so far and it just keeps getting better,
I have never had that happen before. The movie would not have worked with
any other actors the casting was great, this is a masterpeice of genius.
P.S. If you dont like it, its just one of those things you either get it
or you probably never will. " (1/4/00)
Omv1@prodigy.net
gives this movie stars.
(12/11/99)
jan kristian gives this movie stars: "more
sex please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (12/4/99)
crazycatz@home.com
gives this movie stars: "This
movie kicks some serious a#@! I thought it was so cool! Keanue is sooooo
hot!" (11/24/99)
beezhead04@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "this
movie is so awesome!!!!" (11/14/99)
irishpride6933@aol.com
gives this movie stars: "the
movie is f-in awesome ..at first i was like i don't think this is going
to be any good but i gave it a chance and it rocked!!!! definatly kick
azz" (11/9/99)
jennyfish@usa.com
gives this movie star: "The
movie, aside from great effects, sucked! It made me wonder where these
people learned to act." (10/28/99)
Innovat101@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "I
thought this movie was very good. It had good effects and it makes you
wonder. Also thiers not any other movie like it. So i give it 5 STARS!!!" (10/21/99)
Rogue gives this movie stars: "This
movie was sooooo awsome!!!!! Not only was Keanue totaly HOT in this movie,
but the movie also had a great plot. A little bit of romance and alot of
action and suspence and Keanue Reeves adds up to one hell of a movie!!" (10/12/99)
bob_hope@email.com
gives this movie stars: "The
Matrix rocked, all the effects were cool and Carrie Anne-Moss is sooooo
hot" (10/4/99)
sunshine_sf@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "Oh
my gawd. That was a kick ass movie. The special effects were awesome..and
Keanu Reeves has sure slimmed down, and is looking hot. If you haven't
seen it, ush to blockbuster and rent that baby! now!!!!!!!" (10/4/99)
chu@seng.co.jp gives
this movie stars: "Favourite
movie. Wonderful effect that makes me crazy for watch it again and again.
Bought a lot of stuffs related to the Matrix. A good comeback for Keanu
Reeves." (9/28/99)
inlove46@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "Hello
my name is Gro! and i think Kaenue Reeves is Hoooooooot!!!!!!!!! Vel,vel
i love the movi and i love him !!!!!! hugs and kisses from Gro" (9/27/99)
oguzhan gives this movie star: "i
just want people to think about what "the whatever brothers"
say.stop comments , "oohhh the blubluism in the movie is so.."
, "whoo i gave them 2,5 stars no no 3 stars" , what do you think
you're doing.youre not commenting on "look who'is talking". YOU
CANT GIVE ANY STARS TO THE MATRIX IDEA. at last,the movie is somewhat successfull
in making us think about it.i m sure some understood what it is." (9/25/99)
dmi kifer gives this movie stars: "I
love keanu reeves i the he is the bomb. The movis would have been stupid
if has wasn't in there. I love him in every movie he has ever been in.
I'm his number one fan" (9/21/99)
cottongirl@chickmail.com
gives this movie stars: "I
think this movie was good because it featured Keanu Reeves. I have never
seen him look so gorgeous in my life. But suprisingly the story line was
pretty good to and i enjoyed it alot. Even though it was about computers
and stuff, which i so do not get, i still got what the Movie was about
and i love Keanu Reeves forever." (9/15/99)
blueaura74@yahoo.com
gives this movie stars: "I
hate cheese. I dislike cheesy movies (Lost in Space anyone?), but this
movie has moved Terminator 2 from 1st to 2nd place on my list. There's
no cheese in this one. My only complaint is the lack of signature moves
during the "spybreak" scene. It'll open your mind." (9/14/99)
orca@pobox.sk gives
this movie stars: "Great
movie with everything getting to it. If someone didn't like the film at
least the music! ... It was really made perfectly....WOW!" (9/11/99)
Fuzzball gives this movie stars: "I
am fanatical about this flick.It's amazing,you come out of the theatre
and your like 'Is this really happening to me?Am I really here?' Laurence
Fishbourne was great as Morpheous (however it's spelt),really convincing.
The special effects were believable unlike in some films. GO AND SEE THIS
FILM!!!!!" (9/7/99)
steven@uchida.suita.osaka.jp
gives this movie stars: "It
was a well structured movie. I liked everything but the ending was bad
considering to me, the first time I saw the Matrix. I don't know alot about
effects, but I know that the story... the way they made a nother world
that you will have to watch more than once to find out... or mabe becouse
I'm not that smart but... the reason I didn't like the ending is becouse
Neo came back to life. I didn't realise that that was just becouse he noticed
that he was in the Matrix... it was intresting thinking about that later." (9/2/99)
Lukasos@mars.com
gives this movie stars: "This
is my favourite film. Very good. " (8/31/99)
gitsgr@compulink.gr
gives this movie stars: "Great
entertainment . The story is hardly new but the approach no doubt is. Fast
paced , loaded with action and suspence , likable heroes and some pretty
interesting mythical and religious references. They did their homework
and the result was stunning . I can't wait for the next one ." (8/24/99)
Valerie gives this movie stars: "this
movie was so deep it had cool effects and keanue reeves is a very good
actor including the others (i would have given it 10 stars but that doesnt
exist)" (7/15/99)
nickblaskowski@limpbizkit.com
gives this movie stars: "The
Matrix was awesome!The sound was incredible!and it makes me wonder if I
am really here or not.The soundtrack is really great too!Marilyn Manson,Rob
Zombie,and The Deftones rock!" (7/13/99)
henley111@aol.com
gives this movie stars: "THE
MATRIX is a fast-paced action thriller that will definetly keep you on
the edge of your seat! You may find yourself wanting to leave the theater
during the fist halfhour but after that you'll never want it to be over!
The first part of the movie is very dark and grim but this movie is worth
the ticket price! The special effects are top class and the acting unbelievingly
believable! Once this movie gets going it sucks you in and you can't turn
away!" (7/11/99)
jeremy_net@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "Wow!!!!
A real comeback for Keanu Reeves. If you don't see this movie, you're crazy
in your head I'm sure. DO NOT...miss this movie." (7/1/99)
ShadowRaider_98@yahoo.com
gives this movie stars: "This
is not TekWar --- a flawless sci-fi film that's one of the decade's most
innovative. Easily the most stylish, intelligent and enjoyable Sci-Fi film
since Blade Runner. Better than Thirteenth Floor. Reeves blows yet another
other-wise-incredible movie!" (6/26/99)
gillianlover@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "Sorry
to upset the balance of "5 star" ratings, guys, but it just didn't
work that well. Where the plot attempted to be "intellectual"
with its questions, the problem was that it never answered them well enough
-- it was all talk and no solutions. The effects were good, but the acting
and character development, as well as plenty of convolution, made it annoying
to watch for its length. I think that its predecessor, Blade Runner, was
a far better film. " (6/22/99)
anonymous entry gives this movie stars:
"The most amazing special effects movie since the Star Wars Trilogy.
Brilliant!!!" (6/19/99)
juliet_cec@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "This
movie was so clever and interesting. Keanu was great and he hadn't been
put in his stereo-typical "bill and ted" role which was good
. Loved it all except it was a bit violent in a twisted cool way so probably
not good fro the kiddies. Very freaky concept." (6/13/99)
thetonic@aol.com
gives this movie stars: "I
believe it was all summed up by the lad in the chair next to me when the
credits began to roll and the dark cozy theatre began to writhe the young
man simply staired ahead and said most seriously, "Phat." All
except for Reeves atrocious acting style it was indeed Phat." (6/8/99)
hoss@tyler.net gives
this movie stars: "Forget
about The Phantom Menace, this is the best film of the summer." (6/4/99)
mpuertov@correoweb.com
gives this movie stars: "i
love keanue revees so the movie was so ecxiting and was the best movie
that i saw." (6/1/99)
asteroids_lu@yahoo.com
gives this movie stars: "WHOOOAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
Just Unbelievable!" (6/1/99)
melissa@everythingchanges.com
gives this movie stars: "This
is probably the best movie in the world. The special effects were great
and the story left me in a state of "whoa!" throughout the entire
movie! I've seen it twice. I'm going to see it again... and again.. and
again..." (5/23/99)
shymnal@yahoo.com
gives this movie stars: "This
is the best movie I've seen in ages. not only did the theme delve into
depths not commonly touched by Hollywood, but it had great effects and
wardrobe. I think that without the effect, and big budget, this film would
have gone done in history as a great cult flick. I even like Keanu Reeves,
and I've always had a lousy opinion of him." (5/20/99)
David gives this movie
stars: "I was disappointed. Okay, the special effects and action was
good, but a movie can't be solely based on that. It was interesting, but
vrery strange and the scenes did not link well and the karate scene was
stupid as Keanu Reeves and Fishburne alike, were easily-seen laughing throughout
it. It was very good, I can't not say that, with mind blowing effects and
a stunning last twenty minutes action sequence but it is a highly overrated
film, and it just didn't appeal to me as such. But I usually like Sci/Fi,
but this was only adequate to what it could have done. It was good ; but
not excellent." (4/22/99)
hmccorvey@tyler.net
gives this movie
stars: "The Matrix is a mind boggling, cyberspace thriller for the
ages. In the spirit of The Terminator and Twelve Monkeys, Matrix makes
you think about the realities and possiblities of human existence. But
this is not just a thinking man's (woman's) movie, its an action thriller
with some of the best special effects and action sequences around. If you
see this movie, sit down and pay attention to every detail. When you figure
out what's going on, you're hooked! I didn't know that Laurence Fishburne
could fight like that! If I had to sum this movie up in a word, the word
would be, "whoah."" (4/16/99)
