A year later, I heard about how there was a new science-fiction movie in the works called "The Matrix" starring Keanu Reeves. Ick. No thanks. I'm not a fan of Keanu Reeves. I never liked his acting (though I DO admire him for having integrity and turning down millions to star in "Speed II," thus risking his career), and he always seems to be the weakest link in a great movie ("Devil's Advocate," "Much Ado About Nothing," "Bram Stoker's Dracula"). About a year after that, I saw the teaser for "The Matrix" during the Super Bowl. I was blown away. "The Matrix" looked phenomenal. When I found out who the director was, my excitement tripled. It was written and directed by those wacky brothers who did "Bound." Keanu Reeves or not, I HAD to see "The Matrix"!
Wow. It was amazing... spectacular... incredible... breathtaking... Was it a perfect movie? No. There were lotsa unanswered questions, plot holes, and there was a really cheesy part towards the end, but you won't care. I didn't. As for Keanu Reeves, believe it or not, he was perfectly cast as "Neo." The role didn't require a lotta range, he already has the cold demeanor required for the role, and he certainly has the look. For once, he was really good in a movie. I have a lotta respect for Keanu now because in addition to not ruining the movie, he did some serious martial arts training for the role. He looks a little stiff doing it, but I give him credit anyway. Way to go, Keanu.
As far as the rest of the cast, Laurence Fishburne is great as "Morpheus" (no, not the "Sandman" comic book character from writer Neil Gaiman, though I wouldn't be surprised if the Wachowski Brothers were paying homage to him). He brings a certain presence to the character, and he does so effortlessly. By the way, he also had a hell of a lotta training. You have GOT to see that scene where... nope, not telling. My absolute favorite person in the movie is Carrie-Anne Moss (who I've never seen before... she's been in lotsa cheesy movies and cheesier TV shows like "Silk Stalkings," "Baywatch," and "Models, Inc."... interestingly enough, she co-starred in a failed, unrelated TV series in 1993 called "Matrix") as "Trinity." She was so freakin' cool! She really added a lot to the movie. A certain innocence, a certain thoughtfulness... it's kinda hard to explain. Also, she's probably the most badass chick I've ever seen in a movie. Picture "Sarah Connor" (as played by Linda Hamilton) in "Terminator 2," but with kung-fu training and a calmer demeanor. Joe Pantoliano (who was also in "Bound") is also in the movie, and he's really good, too. I'm undecided about my feelings toward Hugh Weaving (he was the voice of "Rex" in the two "Babe" movies), as "Agent Smith," the main villain guy. I guess he was good, but the way he spoke was kinda annoying. I dunno, maybe I liked it. Hey, I don't get paid to do this, alright?!?!
Despite the great cast, the real stars of this movie are the Wachowski Brothers. They do things with the camera that have never, I mean have NEVER, been done before. The special effects are mind-blowing, the fight scenes and action sequences are directed with exceptional skill, and the visuals will make your jaw drop. They didn't skimp on sound, either. They play just as big a role as the visuals do.
This is the first movie that I've seen twice (in a 24-hour period, no less) before reviewing it, and I may see it again tomorrow. The Wachowski Brothers are gonna be HUGE, people. I guarantee it.
One final note: Sony has secured the rights to a "Spider-Man" movie, but now that James Cameron is "King of the World," it seems as though he's no longer interested in doing the project he once considered to be his baby. Ya know what? James Cameron is a bitch. Success has gone too his head, and now he's "above" doing a comic book movie. Fine, I'd rather see the Wachowski Brothers do "Spider-Man" anyway!!!!!
Scale of 1-10: 9