The Matrix

December 11, 2004

Rated: R Runtime: 145 min Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

DVD Quick Take

This is one of the best movies ever made, and they really hit a homerun with the DVD as well. The movie is reproduced quite faithfully and perhaps even more enjoyable to watch at home due to the quality of the Dolby Digital 5.1 track. Combine that with some really nifty extras and this is a DVD that belongs in every collection.

Original Review of the Theatrical Release

The Matrix is simply one of the best action, sci-fi flicks ever produced. Go see it. I could stop the review right here, and after you saw it, I’m sure most of you would agree. Those that don’t should get your testosterone levels checked because I think you’re on the wrong site!

This is one of those movies where the first time you see it, you should know as little about it in advance as possible. And in keeping with the strict Movies For Guys “no spoiler” policy, I’ll tip toe around anything relating to the story as best I can.

Do not go into this movie expecting another lame cyberpunk movie like Keanu’s earlier effort, Johnny Mnemonic. Instead what you’re going to get is a very intense action sci-fi movie like you’ve never seen before. The story itself is great and unfolds nice and slow and keeps you guessing right up to the end. And the movie does a beautiful job of the slow build. The last quarter of the movie contains some of the best action scenes ever put on film.

Everything about the movie is near perfect. Great story and great action with some good special effects thrown in of course. But it goes further than that, I already mentioned the good slow build, but the movie also does a very good job of setting the mood with the cinematography and sound track. The dark look of the movie sets just the right mood.

The success of this movie has surprised many people, afterall the Wachowski Brothers wrote and directed it, and their only previous credits are two flicks that didn’t exactly do blockbuster business. They have a writing credit on Assassins and a writing/directing credit on Bound. However, they did meet Joel Silver on Assassins, who co-produced The Matrix, and the combination hit a home run this time. The action sequences alone would make you suspect a much more experience director at the helm.

What would’ve made this movie perfect? Well, I would’ve really liked to have seen Carrie-Anne Moss’ hooters. Regardless though, quite simply, see this movie. After you experience it for the first time, then see it again just to catch everything you missed the first time and truly take in the action sequences.

Posted by Billy Bob | Filed Under 5 Stars, Action, Carrie-Anne Moss, DVD, Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, R, SciFi