Movie Classic: The Matrix (Edited Version)

-Directed by: Andy and Larry Wachowski

Starring:
-Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne

To celebrate movies that are edited for content and the like, I thought I'd review one of my favorites in the action/sci-fi genre because it helped lay the groundwork for movies that are being put out right now. In terms of special effects, the Wachowski brothers have this habit of making technology to fit their ideas and the viewer benefits 110 percent. But let's get to the actual movie, shall we?

The movie offers an alternate spin on reality. It asks you to wonder what if the world was merely an illusion and all you know had been programmed by machines. A scary thought to be sure. But now, imagine waking up in the illusion. That is what faces a hacker named Neo when he goes looking for an urban legend, and finds far more than he bargained for. He's thrown out of the illusion and into a dark world where machines control everything and mankind is either living in fear or living in cocoons. Let's just say that when Alice fell down the rabbit hole, at least she got tea.

The movie itself is unique for an action film because there is an actual plot to it. While it does rely on special effects, there is an actual movement of the characters through the story that you can keep up with. That being said though, this is not a tame movie. There are many gun battles and martial arts duels but they are choreographed so well that you know people are getting hurt without the gore of seeing it. Past that though, thanks to the editing, you're able to enter the Matrix and enjoy it without wincing at the language.

Overall, this is a groundbreaking movie for sci-fi fans and it's one everyone can enjoy thanks to the presence of strong male and female leads. Reeves isn't ever going to earn any awards for his acting, but he leads a film like this admirably. Fishburne is darkly enigmatic as Morpheus and Moss as Trinity is one of my favorite female characters of the genre as a whole. It's nice to see a girl helping save the day instead of needing saving. However, in the immortal words of Morpheus...no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.

Picture of Keanu Reeves and Carrie Anne Moss courtesy Warner Bros.
What is the Matrix-Official Website



-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!