Ever wanted to be important, to live a life that matters? Well take a look at "The Matrix" because it starts with the premise that we are all living pointless lives, slaves to frighteningly powerful beings that prevent everyone from knowing their true state. Here enters the myth. There will come a redeemer, who will see through all deception and become the perfect warrior in mankind's cause. He will be the "ONE".
I don't know what possessed the Wachowski brothers to turn a borderline
successful comic book idea into a sixty million dollar extravaganza. But WOW!
I'm so glad they did. Talk about entertainment, this film keeps your butt
firmly on the edge of your seat and your jaw on the floor. The action is
intense, the plot is multi-layered and the effects are sumptuous. I should
also point out that for a cast that knows little about martial arts, they
sure can fake it. You will believe a man can fly.
Science fiction has explored the implications of virtual reality fairly
thoroughly over the past two decades. From Steven Lisberger's "Tron" to
Star Trek's "Holo Deck", we're well versed on the idea that the virtual
will some day rival the actual. With The Matrix however, it is all brought
together into a frightening whole. At times you will wonder about your own
reality… what if?
But then, we don't need to wonder, because it's laid out clear and sharp on
the big screen. Imagine a world were the entire population lives in jelly
filled pods, jacked into a simulation as real as God's imagination. Except
for a few "naturals", who have either been born outside of the Matrix or
brought out, the populous goes about their angst filled lives, little
knowing how pointless it all is. Talk about an existentialist's wet dream.
But what of those non-conformists on the outside?
We meet them through Neo, a corporate neophyte and part time hacker. The
powers-that-be have turned their attention to young Neo, (Keanu Reeves),
not for his illegal computer hobbies but because the mysterious Morpheus,
leader of the underground, has shown an interest in him. Thus commences Neo's
fall into wonderland and as with Alice, there are strange creatures,
confusing situations and rulers who seem keen to take his head.
Dragged kicking and screaming out of the Matrix and into the real world,
Neo learns the truth and find he now has the responsibility of saving the
world, thrust on his sculpted shoulders. He's not alone though, Morpheus and
the crew of the Nebuchadnezzar (a strange and futuristic vessel that is
their real world home), are just as keen to reclaim the planet. Morpheous
becomes Neo's mentor, teaching him the skills he needs to do battle with
the master machines. Their evil face is expressed within the Matrix in the
form of seemingly invulnerable Agents. And all Neo has to do,
is the impossible... with a little love on the side. Perfect!
|