The Matrix - A True Classic

Over a decade old and the Wachowski brothers' sci-fi, action phenomenon is still relentlessly awesome.

When I was younger The Matrix was the pinnacle movie of the entire action genre. I must have watched it at least 20 times. My brothers and I were so fascinated by it we even started to choreograph and script out our own sci-fi action film. It also made me want to become a stuntman because I wanted to hang from wires and look cool like Keanu Reeves.

Re-watching it again after at least 5 years I was content to find that it hadn't really lost its charms. Sure there are a few parts where Keanu butchers his dialogue, but all in all it's still one of the greatest movies of my generation.

One thing that sets it apart from so many other action movies is its plot line - it has one, and a really damn good one at that. Not that I really think a movie has to suffer if its plot is hard to define, otherwise I wouldn't be a fan of the Rambo series, but it makes The Matrix that much better that it has an engaging story. Isn't it kinda scary to think that this may not be the real world, and that we're all just part of some computer program? Well, I think it's interesting.

The movie was in the right hands. In 1999 the Wachowski Brothers really were masterful directors. I was happily surprised to find out now that I've matured and become more sophisticated in my film-viewing that they really did make a great movie, with great cinematography. The final product is that dark look, de-saturated from all colors except green. It was very original at the time and has had its fair share of copycats since.

Enough of all the technical stuff, the movie is just ridiculously cool at parts. The kung-fu and shoot out scenes are really exceptionally put together. Plus, how cool was that part when the security guard tells the main character Neo to remove all metallic items such as keys and loose change and then he opens his trench coat and he happens to be carrying a full arsenal of firearms on his person.

One thing I happen to love about The Matrix is that it seems like it should have a cult following, but it doesn't (of course though it would be hard to be a cult classic if you have 2 unworthy box office smash sequels that came out after it.) Nonetheless it carries some qualities of other cult favorites, but instead of being unheard of by the majority of the public it actually got the recognition it deserves. I guess the people buying tickets that year were smart and didn't let a true gem get hidden.

To close I shall say, The Matrix is really a good movie, and I suggest if you haven't seen it in awhile to watch it, but just stop there. I feel like its mythology should've ended with the first movie, without creating a trilogy.