MATRIX 1998
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1999 Timothy Voon
3 out of 4 for bullets and leather
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano. Screenplay: Larry Wachowski and Andy Wachowski. Producer: Joel Silver. Directors: Larry Wachowski and Andy Wachowski.
In one of the slickest movies to arrive in our cinema this year, we have Keanu Reeves and ensemble gang members donning leathers gunning down computer generated anti-virus programmes, and anyone standing in between.
Issues: 1. Can a movie such as Matrix tip hormonally-charged, acne-ridden adolescent teenagers into gunning down their schoolmates? Possible in theory, but made impossible without the existence of guns. 2. What is the Matrix? It's not a non-alcoholic cocktail, it's not a formula for cold fusion, and it's not another name for the Rubik's Cube. But it does smell of computer generated world used to house human guinea pigs for energy. 3. Who got to keep all the leathers after shooting the movie finished? Was it real leather or imitation? A budget of more than 100 000 000 answers this question. 4. Can Keanu Reeves act? Yes, but he was still better as Bill, or was it Ted? 5. Was the movie boring? I watched it twice, but my best friend fell asleep and the guy on the other side of me started snoring. 6. On action and special effects. What you see on the ads is really what you get. Lots of smooth, streamlined karate kicks and bullet dodging. 7. Will my girlfriend like it? She will probably end up fantasising about Keanu, leaving you feeling like an overweight jerk, who has done little with his life. WARNING: Keanu Reeves is looking devastatingly good in this movie; this movie should not be viewed by any male individual who has a poor self image, or is on the verge of commiting suicide. 8. Will there be a sequel? Probably.
Timothy Voon
e-mail: stirling@eisa.net.au
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