tm Does the QT 20 Part 6: The Matrix

The Matrix (dir. Andy & Larry Wachowski – 1999)

Yeah, this movie did really change things.

And, yes, as QT says, the two sequels just about ruined the whole thing. Those two big steamy piles of turd are very utterly unwatchable (though millions did) and a sign that the Wachowski’s opted to let the money be an excuse for creativity (a la George Lucas and new Star Wars episodes). Animatrix is hands-down better than the two sequels.

The Matrix is the answer to the hypothetical question of what if what we think is real, isn’t. According to the Wachowski’s, the human race is subservient to robots who feed us the illusion of reality while harnessing our body’s energy to further the illusion. The special effects are extremely well done and is the movie that put ‘bullet time’ on the map (even though it was first debuted in that super-crappy movie Blade; see review above).

Acting-wise, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. C’mon – think of who’s in the movie and ask yourself what else they’ve done of note. They’re all fine actors but unremarkable. Surprisingly, Keanu Reeves does appear twice on the QT 20…

The dvd has plenty of features, including some inane commentaries but some nice ‘making of’ pieces, especially as the whole ‘bullet time’ thing was very new.

tm sez: 8/10