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THE MATRIX review

This show rocked! by Aggie_Ed	Apr 1st, 1999 05:59:49 AM
There really isn't more to be said. This movie was definitely the appetizer we all needed before the feast of Episode One!!
I have seen THE MATRIX....and it is good (brilliant even)!!! by Epsilon3	Apr 1st, 1999 06:10:36 AM
Harry, I've been waiting for you to get the review for this movie up 'cause I've been itching to publically declare my love for this film for hours, now. It lived up to all expectations and more. Pluses: 1)-and this is huge- Keanu Reeves did not suck. Even the much maligned "whoa" of the preview was appropriate. 2)The special effects were both brilliant and essential to the story. Nothing was done for show here. 3) The soundtrack (which I will purchase today) was 100% effective in complimenting the film. THere was no padding here just to sell CDs. It was all necissary & 4)-most importantly- this was a story-driven film. It had a well thought out plot that was primary over the effects. The effects serviced the story and not the other way around. I really cannot say enough good things about this film --- There were minuses: 1) I would have liked to see more character development & 2) The pacing was a bit slow for the purposes of exposition (this is both a plus and a minus, BTW) But who cares. THis film was brilliant, there's no other word. I'm going to try to see it again today, and I'm definately going again this weekend. --- A Keanu note--Mr. Reeves may very well have redeemed himself for JOHNNY MNEUMONIC (just typing the name of the film makes the bile rise). --Another note: I'm very glad I avoided all plot details before going to this film. It added so much to actually be surprised (and I was surprised at the relationship between the Matrix and people). This film represents the idea that cyberpunk influenced film can actually be a feasible reality. BLADE RUNNER, which really isn't cyberpunk, thus far represented the only hope for this genre until now. Because of THE MATRIX, I feel oodles of hope for the NEUROMANCER movie currently in development. This is one of my favorite sub-genres of science fiction. It's brilliant, and it's of ever-increasing relevance to modern society with our ever-increasing dependence and almost symbiosis with computers. This film asked big questions (though it wasn't as metephysical as, say, Pi), it wasn't afraid to pull punches, and yes, it looked as cool as all shit. The CGI was perfect. For once it didn't annoy me. It was the perfect balance between the appearance of reality and the psuedo-reality of the Matrix. Like everything else in this film, it added, it didn't detract or distract. Needless to say, I loved this film. It's on my DVD shortlist. GO SEE IT. Keep it high in the box office until THE PHANTOM MENACE opens. Like Harry said, thousands and thousands of words could be written on this film, but I guess I've had my say.
This sucks by kev	Apr 1st, 1999 06:23:05 AM
Dammit, this really, really sucks, i'm in the UK and i'll have to wait god knows how long to see this film......any ideas when its out over here???
What It Is, Brothers by mr_noodle	Apr 1st, 1999 06:54:19 AM
I thought that this movie was a complete blast. The special effects were great, the film had a definite feel to it, and (contrary to what some reviewers have stated), the script was awesome. I'm not sure if it's the sci-fi genre as a whole that doesn't get any respect by big-name reviewers (ie Variety) or whether they have a stigma against Keanu and / or films with a lot of action. This film rocked like crazy and I hope that people go see it so the Brothers W can keep making kick-arse movies with a decent budget. My only beef (and it's not too large) was the soundtrack that was put together. While most people aren't familiar with the stuff that was on there, I thought that at times it was simply too jarring, and the big names in music were used when other groups could have been more effective (if you want to know what I mean, check out the "Pi" soundtrack). Still, that's a small criticism. Go check out this film and tell people about it, because we've got to keep this genre alive. http://i.am/almostcool
Harry is RIGHT by Germster	Apr 1st, 1999 07:00:04 AM
harry, this is why you run such a kick ass site. You put what is almost impossible to say into such beautiful poetry. I saw this film last week and i, like you said, jizzed all over. It is SO fuckin KICK ASS. GET OUT THERE AND SEE IT.
this flick rocks by Whiskey Nick	Apr 1st, 1999 07:10:54 AM
THE MATRIX is so cool it's not even funny. This has to be one of the coolest flicks of the decade. I have to buy a DVD player just so i can get this letterboxed and watch it frame by frame and admire every detail. I loved DARK CITY and this is even better. It's a brillant combo of h-k action, sci-fi, eastern philosophy and the western mythological tradition. See it now. See it again and again.
GO SEE THIS... by rslifka	Apr 1st, 1999 07:35:11 AM
Jaw-dropping... that's about as well as I can describe it. Speechless I was (wtf Yoda talk). It gets you going with the opening scene, takes time to develop the plot, gets you going some more, and then doesn't let you down. 2 hours? Man... it seemed so short. I assume Starwars will be the same way =) - r
Is it just me or... by The Longshot	Apr 1st, 1999 07:51:56 AM
am I the only one who thought that this could have been better? I mean, the movie starts with a kick ass action sequence and then...it just drags for a while. I was hoping for more action than I got. Also, the ending left me with a "Huh?" reaction. Overall, I thought it was a solid film that, with a little bit of brushing up and pacing adjusted, could have been a great film.
Excellence in Filmaking.... by CaptEgo	Apr 1st, 1999 07:53:15 AM
Yaknow, I didn't know the W bros from a hole in the ground before this project and in one fell swoop they have launched into the stratosphere of 'Filmmakers' in the current crop of Hollywood mushroom farmers. To think that someone seems to 'care' about a wholisitic vision in their films and probably didn't send the thing once to any goddamned 'focus' group is a joy. Matrix managed to balance on that fine line of Bad-Ass coolness and Lame-Ass pretention (where I think DC failed...because it wanted so bad to be cool while Matrix just was). Kanoe was good, Lawrence (Dinna call him Larry!) was super smooth enunciating coolness and Ms. Moss was...well one word, Mrowr! All in all, I think Matrix will sit quite happily on the shelf next to Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell. Oh yah...If you haven't yet, like Harry said...GET YOUR ASS TO THE THEATRE!
The Wachoskis! by MACEJEDI	Apr 1st, 1999 07:54:00 AM
UN-BE-friggin'-LIEVEABLE! The very definition of cool! I went into The Matrix thinking that this would be an ok sci-fi/action flick. I liked Bound and thought the Wachowski's would do a decent job on their second outing. Boy was I wrong! What I got was worth more than the ticket price! I think I should have paid more. The Wachowski's have a classic on their hands. Pure brilliance is the only thing that comes to mind. No words can describe this masterpiece. My jaw was on the floor. I was speechless when the credits rolled. The first 5 mins will leave you breathless. Contrary to what some reviewers have stated, the story was actually very orginal, and intruiging. The second act was a bit slow (fascinating non-the less), but the final battle makes up for it... in spades. The climatic battle scenes will make your eye-balls explode! The shootout inside the office lobby after Keanu enters the metal detectors just screams DVD freeze frame! Flying debri never looked so good. You'll leave the theater asking yourself, "how the hell did they do that?!" From now on, this is what ALL future action/sci-fi flicks will be judged by. I cannot wait to see it again this weekend. The Wachoskis would be perfect for helming Superman, but alas.... they wont waste their talents on a dying franchise. Good for them.
What is the Matrix? by Jack Burton	Apr 1st, 1999 08:11:45 AM
Well, basically it's the most kick ass sci-fi movie since Blade Runner. Like that classic, it will re-define the look of science fiction and provide tons of films with sequences to rip-off and emulate. It has a couple of rough spots (the kung fu posturing was kind of dumb and some of the audience laughed), Hugo Weaving's delivery was irritating, until you realize why he talks like that, and it was a LITTLE slow in the middle. However none of that matters after you see the final 45 minutes. I haven't been so astounded in a film since Terminator 2. The Time-Slice effects are done expertly and beautifully. This movie is the real deal. There's no self referential humor, very few stupid quips (I loved "Dodge this!"), and a respect for the material and the rules that they invented. The acting was dead on and the special effects will be in the running for an Academy award along with Star Wars. See this now! For once a movie that truly DESERVES a sequel. So many questions left unanswered, and so many places to go (Zion). By the way, did anyone notice that the elevator in the lobby at the end says "Lift"? It was supposed to be Seattle, right? But they shot in Australia. Kind of funny.
Great Sci-Fi by TheCrawlingChaos	Apr 1st, 1999 08:12:14 AM
This movie was a great sci-fi movie. Didn't pander and hand hold you through the explanations (which would of taken too long to do anyway if they tried) and just showed you a great time. The effects were top notch the action was excellent (with a few nods to John Woo), so was the story. I also liked the fact that the Oracle wasn't some really old guy or some really young child or some really deformed whatever. Just a house-wife type.
You told me that "The Faculty" was good, Harry. by BlinkBoy	Apr 1st, 1999 08:26:04 AM
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on this, but the last movie I saw that you gave a great review to was the shitfest known as "The Faculty". At least everyone and their brother is also giving this movie an incredible review and it looks fanking incredible, so I'm going to see it.
The Matrix Has You by TheMighty E.coli	Apr 1st, 1999 08:27:29 AM
I put up something yesterday about the coolness of this movie,it dazzles you and it intrigues you.I also love when patrons come up to my box and ask.What is the matrix about? I reply, no one can be told what the matrix is...you have to see it for yourself. Which everyone should do because all of those keanu bashers will throw their hate in the trash when he goes through the metal detector..those who have seen it know what i mean..Keep rockin and rollin and watching better films.
Cameron quality? by cookiepuss	Apr 1st, 1999 08:32:00 AM
Um...no need to put George Lucas down because you liked the Matrix. Cameron's films couldn't be made without George Lucas pioneering support of CGI at ILM. I like Cameron, Lucas and the Wachowski brothers. And, the Muppets. No need to tear others down to build others up. Without Lucas, the effects in Terminator 2, Titanic, Matrix, etc., would NOT be possible. Give credit where it is due. If you don't like what you've seen of Episode 1, then stay home on May 19th. Somebody else will appreciate taking the extra seat, no problem.
That Darn Matrix by mrbeaks	Apr 1st, 1999 09:04:28 AM

That Darn Matrix (Part 2) by mrbeaks	Apr 1st, 1999 09:15:33 AM
Let's try that again. Even though THE MATRIX borrows from various sources with reckless abandon, the Wachowski's have put their personal stamp on the cyberpunk genre, and delivered the best sci-fi flick since last year's DARK CITY. For those who thought it dragged after the great opening sequence; that "boring" section was a little something called "exposition." For my money, this is the best sophomore effort since Wes Anderson's RUSHMORE. I can't wait to see what these guy's do next.
Matrix just made my brain hurt by BackstagePass	Apr 1st, 1999 09:21:49 AM
I've been working on my review of this thing for almost a week after seeing the press screening last week. The biggest problem I'm having is trying to pare down said review to something shorter than the Magna Carta; there's too much to complain about in this thing. It tried to steal from just about every film ever made and cover it up with the contents of a high school philosophy course. There's nothing here that "Dark City" didn't do much, much better. The film is not without it's coolness but it far from being the life altering, penis hardening experience that Mr. Knowles makes it out to be. KJB http://www.backstage-pass.com
There is a God. It is the Matrix. by Graven The Jedi	Apr 1st, 1999 09:41:55 AM
I have GOT to agree with Harry. This movie pumped me up so much I was speeding home from the theater. I was doing the motions from the movie for two hours after it. And I'm 20 years old. So what does that tell you? The action was so awesome! The plot was great. When Fishy said, "Welcome to the real world", my jaw dropped. The FX were the best I have yet to see (though that WWWest preview was outstanding). This movie is soooooooooooooo cool. Sososososososo cool. That's all I have to say.
To JMS: ILM = Lucas = without him there would be no Matrix by MACEJEDI	Apr 1st, 1999 09:42:23 AM
I agreee with you somewhat about Cameron pushing the CGI envelope JMS, but that's all he did. You seem to be forgetting that Lucas started ILM with Star Wars and then all the copy-cat FX companyies started to spring up. Without Lucas there would be no ILM and without ILM there would be no Abyss (not the same FX I mean) and therefore there would no Jurassic Park, no Ep.1 and no Matrix...etc....etc.... I seriously doubt The Matrix would exist if not for Lucas
Matrix Matrix Matrix by 11811	Apr 1st, 1999 09:51:23 AM
So, I went to see the Matrix fully expecting to be blown away, and for once, my expectations were not let down at all. This movie is absolutely amazing! As a previous writer said, it is anime come brilliantly to life. I spent several hours after the movie digesting it, and really, the anime conclusion was the best summation of the movie I could find in my little head. It has two distinct styles of Hong Kong action (kung-fu and guns guns , which don't usually intersect in the same flicks as well as in this one), BIG IDEA sci-fi/cyberpunk, and some of the coolest visual effects since, well, since nothing! That combination of things is usually only seen in really good anime. Let's break this movie donw, shall we? The action was incredibly staged, almost as well as in a great John Woo film, and even included several of the same tricks. How many times have we seen two guys jump at each other with guns blazing, only to end up in the classic guns-pointed-at-each-other's-f ace-at-point-blank-range, and then have the, again, classic exchange on number of bullets left in the respective guns? Well, quite a few times, but usually the camera doesn't rotate under the combatant's jump SEVERAL times! Damn, that's cool shit... This may in fact be the best movie for that style of action since Face-Off (I did like Ronin, though, for its retro hardcore action). The kung-fu was cool, too, but I really can't make as many comments to the quality there. The effects were amazing, as well. I especially liked the slow-motion explosion in the high-rise with the bouncing door fragment (does anyone know if that was CG or just really cool high speed photography?) and the way the bullet dodge move was handled (MUCH better than in Blade). The sound mix was very well done as well, being powerful but never succumbing to dumbass loudness. As for the plot, which does unfortunately end up being sort of an amalgam of Dark City and Strange Days, it is very interesting, though the movie wasn't even half as intricate as Bound. Some reviewers (ahem, Ebert) complained about the ending in comparison to those movies, which sort of skimped on the cool ideas presented earlier and focused on the big action, but I don't really see this as a problem. Besides, DC ended in much the same way, only with "tuning" waves instead of bullets and kung-fu. I think the ending really was fun to watch and didn't harm the overall effects of the story. Now, for a quibbles. Some people may look at the production design and absolutely love it, but I am personally getting sick of all the movies sharing the same future-rot look. Blade Runner (still, along with Brazil and, more recently, What Dreams May Come, a benchmark) tempered the rotting city with the incredibly opulent and slick Tyrell building. What else? Well, the acting was ok. Keanu didn't make me want to hurl (this may be his kind of movie), and all the other players, particulary Hugo Weaver and Joe Panteliano, were outstanding. Also, as a born and raised Chicagoan, the numerous Chicago references were fun. In summation, go see this movie fifty times -- I know I will!
Harry: My words exactly. by HAL9000	Apr 1st, 1999 10:00:20 AM
Harry, I got a real kick out of your opening paragraph for the yet to be posted review of this film (or maybe I should call it an "experience"). That incisive breakdown pretty much summarized everything I was feeling after I viewed a midnight show of it last night. The Matrix is the definitive kick ass cool movie that we've all been yearning for. After months and months of crap like Batman and Robin, The Postman, Soldier, and The Avengers, the boys at WB finally got one right. Pure, uninhibited, bad ass filmmaking. No cheese infested one liners or predictable plot developments. I couldn't take my eyes of the screen, it was one of the most absorbing films I've seen in a long time. I don't think anyone will ever be able to bash Keanu with a straight face after seeing this, which easily ranks as the best work he's ever done. The guy is a decent actor! He will never win an academy award (let alone a golden globe) but when he's working with the right people, he can pull the material off nicely. I can't think of any other actor who could've been better in the role (well...Maybe Edward Norton). It was also nice to see a female character in an action film that doesn't sit in the corner groveling in fear while the men wage war with the bad guys. Anna Marie Goddard is a damn good actress, I'll be sure to keep a look out for her next projects. What can be said about Larry Fishburne? The guy is great! I've been a huge Fishy fan since the Deep Cover days, and it'll be cool to see him get recognition in a blockbuster film (it'll gross at least 100 mil, if not more) after a string of box office flops. The movie ultimately succeeds because of the genius that is the brothers Wackowski. The direction and visual fx are staggering, and they deserve extra retribution due to the fact that it's only their second writing/directing effort. Way to avoid the sophmore slump guys! I could ramble on for hours about this one, but I'll close with these few remarks: See The Matrix. Once you're in, it has you.
The truth about JMS! by bruce le	Apr 1st, 1999 10:03:55 AM
JMS is actually a former Lucasfilm employee.He got fired after they discovered that he was a spy working for Jim Cameron and that he was stealing memos and proprietary computer software so that Cameron could learn how to make a real movie.The true nature of his job there is vague,although somebody told me that JMS was responsible for making sure that the washrooms were clean whenever Lucas wanted to take a dump. Now you must understand how disgruntled an employee he is and the reason for his burning hatred for anything bearing the initials SW.
Cyberpunk done right finally by SixStringSammy	Apr 1st, 1999 10:22:35 AM
Oh wow. I saw this movie last Thursday at a sneak screening and I went and saw it again first show of the day Wednesday. There are no words for this film. However, I am gonna talk about it still. Carrie Ann Moss is my new obsession. She kicks ass as Trinity. Give her the claws and she'd have been Molly Millions. Lawrence Fishbourne. Hmm. He's working the "mystic know-all master" thing. Yoda meets Shaft. Keanu Reeves. He pulls it off. I know we were all afraid of him biting it, but he manages to get in character enough to not make you go "EXCELLENT!" every two minutes. Most of all, though, the effects. OOOoooooooohhhhh. They're seamless. No more cheezy crap like in American Werewolf in Paris. I was watching one of those specials on this film (I think it was MTV's) and they had the Wachowski bros on it. The interviewer asked them about their inpsiration for this film, and they said that they'd been watching a lot of anime and they wanted to do it live-action. And they did. They brought it in the forzen-action scenes you see in all the great mangas, they got the fight choreographer from Fist of Legend, and they trained the four main character for FOUR MONTHS STRAIGHT in martial arts. I apologize for my raving, but it's worth it. See this movie now. See this movie now. See this movie now.
"Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have by METHOS	Apr 1st, 1999 10:23:42 AM
I'm still shaking. I also noticed the Chicago references, but the previous post said something about Seattle? After the pure adrenaline rush of seeing this, I was left a quivering shell trying to remember how to operate a car. Cigarettes won't even help you after this. I think I'm gonna crack open Frank Miller's "Ronin" and "Hard Boiled." Some of you out there know what I mean. Man, I sure wish I'd taken the blue pill instead.
Chicago by 11811	Apr 1st, 1999 10:37:27 AM
The Matrix takes place in Chicago, sort of. The Wachowski brothers were raised in Chicago. Bound took place in Chicago (although was filmed in LA). But the street names HAD to be Chicago. C'mon, what other cities have subway stations at State and Balbo, or an intersection at Lake and Walbash? It's sure as shit not Seattle, although perhaps the Space Needle type building confused some poor souls. BTW, I do know about Miller's Ronin and Hard-Boiled (two of the kickassest gn's I've ever read). Sadly, they have nothing to do with Woo's or Frankenheimer's movies.
Surprised! by red5	Apr 1st, 1999 10:47:07 AM
I went to The Matrix last night with my brother, not knowing anything about it other than it starred Keanu Reeves (strike one), seemed to have some ultra-hip, sunglasses at night wearing, computer jock hacker story (strike 2), and a "soundtrack" with lots of pseudo techno and breakbeat stuff (the guy was right about the "Pi" soundtrack being far far superior). Strike 3. I went anyway. Why not. WOW! Glad I went. I was shocked. I was sure nothing this cool come come out of Hollywood with as much pre-fab baggage attached as The MAtrix seemed to carry. But I was very wrong. OK. So there were numerous wasted chances to insert good dialogue rather than tired one liners. It also seemed the editors could have done more work editing the actual film than the super cool fight sequences. Those are my only real gripes. I LOVED the anime style of this film. I think it's the first time American film captures that creepy other worldliness of anime. I also loved the numerous allusions to the Bible. Moses, Jesus, Judas, doubting THOMAS [Anderson], also the Who's Tommy (anyone else?), Neuromancer, Blade Runner. There were a lot of Dark City comparisons to be made, but that was a good film, too. So I can't complain. To sum up, go see this, be a little surprised it is, be a little forgiving, and have FUN! We need more films like this. And we will, in a mere 49 days!
You talked me into it by Foster Zygote	Apr 1st, 1999 10:52:05 AM
Well, having read all the positive reviews from seemingly intelligent folks I guess I must check this out this weekend. I'll keep in mind some of the potential weaknesses that a few have pointed out (remember that once Scott got to fix the studio created flaws, like the narration and the "happy ending", Blade Runner really was perfect, so that's a lot to live up to) but I'll keep an open mind. As long as it doesn't insult my intelligence and entertains me I'll be happy. After all Lost World had a weak plot, but for a cinema lover it was worth the price of admission just to see "real" dinosaurs. Not that Matrix's plot sounds weak from what you've said. I'll even forgive it's being a bit derivative if it's done well... As for my old friend JMS Forever: You really are sick aren't you? You really are obsessed with Star Wars? I mean you just can't shut up about it can you? You hate it so much and yet you visit every site about it to hurl junior high school insults at people. This site is about THE MATRIX and yet only the first few sentences of your post are about this movie that you claim to have enjoyed. Previously, only a couple of passing comments were made about Episode One, but you spent most of your MATRIX post slobbering about how much you hate Star Wars. Do burly men in white uniforms ever hold you down for injections? Man, the jocks must have beaten your ass pretty regularly in school for you to be such a warped little prick. Your comment about how "old" people were the only ones excited about Star Wars also revealed what I long suspected. You're a kid. Either an immature teen or a very immature early twenties. Probably too young for a lap dance (see the 60Minutes/Lucas talkbacks for an insight to JMS's "sex" life). So I'll say no more except that since you are socially retarded you have no idea how pathetic and childish you sound to real adults. This is my derniercri. So why don't you shut the fuck up and let people talk about The Matrix. I appologize to the others for going off subject.
Anime by Foster Zygote	Apr 1st, 1999 11:13:33 AM
Speaking of anime... What ever happened to the rumors I heard about Akira being made into a live action film? A while back I wondered if anyone could pull that off, but seeing the new technology I now know that it's possible. That would make an excellent "digital backlot" project. I got my copy of the "real" two hour, subtitled Akira back in '89. The Japanese actors do so much better than the Saturday morning "talent" in the English version. Also, can you immagine the reaction of some business major, Hollywood producer to Frank Miller's Ronin? I always felt that Millers graphic novels looked like great storyboards. WB should have made Dark Night Returns frame by frame. Man I haven't looked at some of that stuff in years but now I must go and dig it up and reread it. One rumor I'm glad never materialized was the Blade Runner sequel. That film was a perfect, self contained work with a perfect ending. A sequel just couldn't have lived up IMHO.
The next logical step.... by CaptEgo	Apr 1st, 1999 11:18:18 AM
Just a quick addendum to the posting of yon Sith Lord. My. thoughts exactly. Having been treated to the abominable (or a least utterly mediocre) treatments of Cyber-fare recently, I had begun to despair but with 'The Matrix' hope has sprung newborn into my heart. The deliverator, Raven, and Uncle Enzo may grace the screen without my having to groan in dismay. Now the next problem is to ensure that the project goes to someone who doesn't need a sugical treatment to remove their heads from their asses (that is to say someone like these wonderful Wachoski Bros). But like Morgan Freeman, I hope.
JMS by aeavery	Apr 1st, 1999 11:20:36 AM
As a man named the Wolf once said, "Let's not start sucking each other's dicks quite yet." JMS, you give so much credit to James Cameron for "creating" these new special effects for The Abyss and T2. Give me a fucking break. Neither Cameron nor George Lucas are solely responsible for making these effects. Cameron dropped out of college for christ's sake. You make it sound like he took Lucas' software and hardware and magically turned it into the T-1000. Maybe he had an idea, but IT WAS NOT James Cameron that MADE the freaking software. Give credit where credit is due--to the guys slaving behing the computers creating the effects that you whine about if they're from Lucas, and get-off on if they're from Cameron. Your constant bashing of Star Wars only helps to weaken your argument. Grow up.
Gimme the red pill and give it to me now! by buxley	Apr 1st, 1999 11:54:23 AM
Damn, this was a cool movie. I haven't felt a rush like this walking out of a movie theater since seeing Blade Runner, and Terminator. I gotta go see this again, tonight. See you in line! Oh, BTW, I also noticed that the elevator had a "Do not use Lift in case of fire." Cute. =)
The Matrix ROCKED!!! by JSG	Apr 1st, 1999 11:55:50 AM
Man what an eerie movie. The words I would choose to describe The Matrix are eerie, thought provoking, mind boggeling, a word that doesen't exist to try and describe the special effects and action sequences, amazing, fun, wierd, dark and it has a very high entertainment level. All in all the simple word that describes this movie the best is just plain COOL. I'll definitly be seeing this movie one or two more times. This movie compared if not betters every awesome special effect and action movie ever made. The Matrix is on my best list. GO SEE THIS MOVIE PEOPLE!!!
Reeves by Mushmouth	Apr 1st, 1999 12:26:57 PM
Keanu pulled it off. No complaints here. In fact, for those who have seen this monstrously cool flick, I think he was convincing in many tough scenes (the cubicle scene, ledge walking, "Goo Boy", etc.) So lay off my boy, he will keep getting big budget roles like this one as long as he keeps producing solid performances.
Dissapointment by PBMaX	Apr 1st, 1999 12:29:47 PM
If you want to know what the matrix was I
Unbelievably Kick-Ass!! by amywindsor	Apr 1st, 1999 12:47:09 PM
Went to see the movie last night-- my husband and I left in a daze, imagining ourselves walking around in slow-mo, wishing to god that we had floor length leather coats to wear and armed to the teeth with guns. This movie was so cool that though I went in with serious reservations about Keaunu Reeves, my first words after walking out of the theater were "Keanu has totally redeemed himself in my book." I do have one question which hopefully someone can answer.... Possible small SPOILER What do you think Trinity was talking about (in the subway near the end)about when she told Neo that everything the Oracle had told her had come true except one thing.... and then she gets whisked away through the telephone and Neo stays? Any thoughts??
Great movies by 11811	Apr 1st, 1999 12:59:08 PM
I have to say right off the bat that I feel that for me, a truly great movie is one that I can't stop thinking or talking about; that I want to dissect completely and disseminate all information about. This, ladies and gents, is that kind of movie. Now, more talking about this movie (and related topics). First, on my topic of production design: I am sick of the me-too production design used in futuristic movies. Most every movie featuring so-called notable porduction design seems to have come from the same, decaying template. This can be done well, as in Jeunet and Caro's DELICATESSEN and CITY OF LOST CHILDREN (these two films seem to have begat the look of DARK CITY, to some degree), but it seems to have been completely played out otherwise. Some movies, notably the FIFTH ELEMENT (which featured costumes by Jean-Paul Gaulthier, who made the costumes for CITY OF LOST CHILDREN), have featured bright and shiny future landscapes that are no less cool for their lack of gloom. Maybe filmmakers should try harder to present unique visions of the future world. The Matrix, apart from some cool ideas, like the immense pod towers, featured more recycling. Also, while on the subject of FIFTH ELEMENT, I was disappointed that the MATRIX seemed to echo the lame love conquers all theme (with the live-giving kiss between Neo and Trinity). That was a pretty poor way to forward the plot. What else? Well, I watched BOUND again last night. If you've never seen this movie, get it immediately. It is one of the most implausibly tightly scripted movies of all time. Also, the screening of MATRIX was my first opportunity to see the new PHANTOM MENACE trailer on an actual theatre screen. Wow! I really would like everyone to shut up about the potential lack of quality. Trust me, you'll end up loving every frame, including Jar-Jar (who I feel actually looks good on the big screen). So shut the hell up and enjoy the damn movie when it comes out.
Matrix by JaneDoe33	Apr 1st, 1999 12:59:55 PM
I don't think it was shit, but there were many, many problems with this film. The Wachowski Brothers have put together a really cheesy student film where every character is a testosterone-filled badass. The effect is embarrassing at times...very cheesy lines and over-the-top acting. There was no character development whatsoever. The exposition scenes droned on and on (a guy behind me was snoring - no lie, 9:30 Universal City theatre showing) for no reason. The plot was so convoluted that any explanation would be futile. Why bother? Instead they try to explain all these meaningless details, drawing the thing out for two and half hours! And just when you think they're finally going to end it, there's eight different climaxes...each more chessy than the next. These guys are talented with the action scenes, but they are not filmmakers. They have no subtlty, no discrimination in terms of cinematics. An action scene? Close-up, cut-cut-cut, close-up. A quiet exposition scene? Close-up, cut-cut-cut, close-up. Plus we saw all this same stuff with BLADE last year...slick packaging, several sequences of Kung-Fu fighting and a pulsating soundtrack by Prodigy (or whoever). But that movie played the cornball antics to the hilt...they were actually trying to be cheesy. The MATRIX is just the opposite...a fun little popcorn movie that takes itself waaaay too seriously. And all you guys are just eating it up, aren't you?
MATRIX STARTED OFF BRILLIANT, THEN TOOK A RIPE SHIT ON ITSELF! by Pookers	Apr 1st, 1999 01:06:00 PM
The first hour of this film was amazing, indeed, but then it resorted to shoot outs and ludicruous cliches--I don't know what the Bros. were thinking? It is the worst thing when a film's setup is pure genius and then it goes to the shitter. Oh well, another 1999 film down the shitter.
....WHOA! by TaleisenIII	Apr 1st, 1999 01:15:07 PM
Damn I liked this movie.. it just freakin kicked ass... sooooooo much.. yeah it was copied form lots of other movies.. but.. (and this is a big but!) it was done CORRECTLY!!! the way a movie should be done! When Neo (i love how all the names were so meaning-full and like double-entendre Neo=New= Keanu's charcter was "new" to the world as we were.. btw, does anyone know what the meaning of the ship's name was.. the ship was called "Nebuchanedzeer" which i know is from some myth.. i just cant remember which) awoke in the fluid-cocoon and looked up.. like.. my breathing stopped and i said "whoa"... just like that..whoa... this scene literally took my breath away! not because it was like surprising (because i had allready pretty much figured it out by then.. ) but because it was completely unexpected.. the magnitude of it.. the vast endless rows of cocoons.. WOW!!!!! god-damn!!!!! and the "Time-Slice" sequences ruled... in fact this whole movie ruled.. IGNORE anyone who says that the movie is slow.. they are just retarded and have zero attention spans. repeat after me: "STORY IS GOOD" "STORY IS GOOD" anyone who disagrees should take a look at a little crappy movie that came out last summer.. it was called Godzilla, and it sucked donkey.... You can't have it both ways ok people? if you want a story (which i know at heart you do!) then you have to have the attention span to appreciate the story. Nuff' said.
not The One... by VarietyWriter	Apr 1st, 1999 01:16:36 PM
SPOILER INFO (so don't read unless you've already seen the film): An observation and theory: Did anybody else besides me wonder if Neo really is The One? To me, it seems as if he's actually the GUARDIAN of The One. This makes lots of sense when you consider the Japanese samurai analogies and inspiration that make up the characters' relationships (the plot's setup seems to chronicle the arrival of a ronin who will one day protect a young charge). I believe The Oracle was right (and her vision of Neo having to choose between saving himself or Morpheus is an event that has yet to come), only this truth about his actual role would be revealed in a sequel. But I would have much preferred it if the Wachowskis stated this in the film. For example, when Neo comes back to life, it would have been kick-ASS if this revelation came to him: Head Agent (with shock and anger): "WHO do you think you are? (sarcastic) The 'One'?" Neo: "No, I'm not The One -- I see that now. (with newfound realization and confidence) I'm the GUARDIAN...of The One who has yet to come. In the meantime, I'm here to start leveling the playing field. I'm here to FUCK you all over." (Insert thunderous roar from the audience here.) Here's hoping "The Matrix" does well enough to warrant the two sequels already planned, and that this planned trilogy doesn't go the same route that the one for "The 5th Element" did (which is nowhere).
He is the one, The oracle lied by PBMaX	Apr 1st, 1999 01:38:27 PM
Morpheus says later in the film that the Oracle said, "only what he needed to hear." Meaning that she lied to him. Morpheus didn't have to die, but only the one could save him. She told him he wasnt the one, so keanu would think morpheus was more inportant than him and try to save him. By doing this he gains the confidence needed to beleive he is the one, and thus become the one. That's what happened. IF you ask me he's the one, One shitty actor that is.
You've got to love this by Evil Dead	Apr 1st, 1999 01:54:54 PM
I hear what everybody that says that they didn't love the movie is saying. The exposition in the middle was a bit too long, however it was essential for the plot. This movie definitely needs a seqeul. It feels like a trilogy. The ending for me represented that as the "One" Neo can break the boundaries of the matrix and explore space. Hopefully, liberating the citizens of Zion from living near the the core of the Earth. Neo's speech made me respect the character much more. Throughout the movie I was saying "Wake up. Except what you are and kick ass!!!" then I realised that I would be feeling the same thing he would if I found out the truth. This is a total fanboy film. It is a complete fanboy filmfest from frame one. From cyber-punk, anime, Woo, Hark, Li, and Lee. Sure some of the Kung-Fu posturing was a little funny(to those who don't realize that Keanu was doing real martial arts stances), but it was very accurate. The great Wong Fei Hong pose was great as was the Bruce Lee parody. Keanu immitating Bruce? The Wachoski's definitely set out to make a fun film and that's what they did.
Never said they weren't real martial arts stances.. by PBMaX	Apr 1st, 1999 02:13:15 PM
All I said was the keanu in the stance is a joke. You focus on his eyes, and all you see is a weakling. He couldn't fight his way out of a cardboard box. Why not have someone like Jet Li (he speaks just as good english as keanu, even if he would have to learn from scratch). Jet Li, could come across as weak and ignorant and unskilled in the beginning (especially to a US audience), then after he learned he would kick crazy ass. Let Jet Li get in one of those stances, then focus on his eyes, and you might just piss your pants. You know that just by the pure focus and intensity in his eyes that this IS the ONE. Keanu was just very unconvincing. I was laughing just watching him run at the end of the film.
in the money by johnb	Apr 1st, 1999 02:59:34 PM
OK, I have read all the posts and I am wondering why if this is such an awesome film, why I never heard jack about it except on AICN. I project about 50 million for Matrix, and about 650 million for Star Wars. That's where it counts. Trailer looked dumb, especially when Fishburne jumped off the building and landed on the other building and you lost sight of him so the stunt guy could come in...
Perfection achieved by Maul99	Apr 1st, 1999 03:06:03 PM
This movie kicked so much ass. Keanu Reeves has never been better in any film, and Laurence Fishburne is just....the man. The Brothers have created a science-fiction classic, something beyond cool. And, I'm officially going on record as saying that I am in love with Carrie Anne Moss. Hopefully, Joel Silver will continue to produce films such as this, films from young directors/writers who are willing to push the envelope in the action/adventure genre.
Matrix opens big - over 4 mill by BackstagePass	Apr 1st, 1999 03:16:39 PM
Well, regardless of whether I thought the film was the greatest thing since "Citizen Kane" or not, a lot of people went to see it on a Wednesday. Made a ton of money opening day. Question is, will it continue? Check out all of the grosses for yesterday at http://www.backstage-pass.com TheKJB
johnb by aeavery	Apr 1st, 1999 03:33:32 PM
Have you read any newspapers lately? Every one that I have has given The Matrix 3-4 stars. Go and see the movie for yourself before you start bashing it because people here liked it. And I don't think that was a stunt guy jumping over the buildings.
YES! Make Snow Crash by Destro	Apr 1st, 1999 04:30:24 PM
To the above who mentioned Snow Crash: I loved The Matrix, I thought it was a really good movie, but the entire time I kept thinking about how much COOLER a Snow Crash adaptation _could_ be. Now that would truly be a kick ass movie. If for no other reason than it would be an excellent tongue in cheek counter to all the paranoia elements of movies and shows like these nowadays.
whoa by dan-E	Apr 1st, 1999 05:25:12 PM
What an amazing film. I"m jaded to the point where I think "Titanic" was overrated (it was a good film and liked it, but come on... but it's just me so let's keep the flaming to a minimum :)) but this movie gave me multiple geek-spasms . Big ones. I may be the only guy out there who think that Keanu is royally cool given the right material, i.e. action films. No he won't win an Oscar, or a Golden Globe (he may be a contender for the Blockbuster award though...) but dang, he can light up the screen. He did more than "not suck" in this. In fact, the cast as a whole was like, incredible. You have give them points for taking three months to do some hard-core Kung-Fu and actually make it look good, instead of copping out with stunt doubles. And as a former martial arts student, I can say that those poses and moves are the actual ones taught in actual studios. The special effects were totally awesome. The hand to hand combat, the shoot-outs, the slow motion all rocked! Laurence Fishburne was cool, even though the zen-like pseudo-Yoda type dialogue did get heavy at times. And OH DUDE Carrie-Anne Moss is so so SOO HOT! I know someone said they're in love her but dammit, I saw her first! By the way, whoever said that this is supposed to be a trilogy? Oh gawd let it be so. Go see the movie!!!
Better then all summer films of 97' by Clockwork Taxi	Apr 1st, 1999 05:34:11 PM
THE MATRIX KICKS ASSSSSSS!!!! I need this movie on dvd!
About the cliches by Brian A Thomas	Apr 1st, 1999 05:35:52 PM
A great many clishes were played up. Why? Becouse the world is made by a computer AI who has no real concept of reality. The bad guys lack character development becouse they are software, not real people plugged into the Matrix. The brothers W are byond amazing. First they make Jennifer Tilly, not only survivable, they actually make a role for her that makes her look good. They have done the same with Kenu now. To sum it up, the Matrix kicks ass. I'll be buying it first thing when it comes to DVD, not to mention watching it several more times at the theater. See ya,
Matrix for Breakfast by bswise	Apr 1st, 1999 06:33:54 PM
Glad was I to have avoided the spoilers on this flick. That singular plot detail of what the Matrix actually is (and is not) makes the first act delicous neo-noir fun. Here, the Brothers W. take a page or two from Lynch, similarly obsessed with decrepit hotel rooms, disturbing phone calls and shiny black autos driven by viperous chicks in latex. OK, so just when you think you
It's Anime, without the animation! by Essemtee	Apr 1st, 1999 06:48:06 PM
It truly is a live-action Anime translation! It's what Ghost In The Shell would be, if the epic manga novel was translated correctly, instead of the okay but dull chopped up animated version. It takes itself seriously, it doesn't dumb itself down for the audience, the lead characters are smart, the plot is smart, the bad guys are bad-ass, the effects are amazing, the stunts are incredible. This is what Hollywood needs, it's what the beleaguered WB has needed for a long damn time! Carrie-Ann Moss is a goddess, Fishburne has theee coooolest voice and attitude for the job, and Keanu... well alright, I was impressed! It isn't Blade Runner for the 90's, it is The Matrix. And it's a damn good shot in the arm for inducing all the teen crap that plagued the theatres in January, February and March. Unreal.
90's movies suck by PoisonSkin23	Apr 1st, 1999 06:48:13 PM
The Matrix sucks and I don't even have to see it to beleive it. This weekend go rent Barry Lyndon or Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. I wish Hal Ashby was still alive.
More MATRIX thoughts... by Epsilon3	Apr 1st, 1999 06:48:47 PM
I just got back from having seen this film for the second time. Even better! And I take it back, there's nothing wrong with the pacing. To all the folks who are complaining about bits and pieces of the film being ripped off from other films I say, well no kidding. Every story has elements of basic plots that are as old as time. It's not ripping off. THE MATRIX owes a lot to DARK CITY (though it was written before BOUND if what I read was right), DARK CITY owes a lot to THE CITY OF LOST CHILDREN, etc., etc. Films are texts like any other, and like all texts in the real world, they build off of what has come before. But that's not the reason I wanted to post again. I wanted to mention how seeing this film really made me sad that Stanley Kubrick died before making AI. I think that the time has come for serious consideration of artificial intelligence in film. Of course it's been done before (everything from METROPOLIS to 2001 to BLADE RUNNER to the TERMINATOR films, etc.) but I think it was time to move forward. I like what THE MATRIX had to say about networked immersive environments and the relationship between humanity and machines, but Kubrick's AI would have just blown it all out of the water. It was supposed to be based on Brian Aldiss' "Super Toys Last All Summer Long" which is a great short story. I don't know, it's just quite sad is all. Does anyone know if a script or even a synopsis of how Kubrick was going to expand the story exists? I know he and Ian Watson worked on rewriting the story for the screen.--- Kudos to all who mentioned SNOW CRASH. Though I want to wait until the NEUROMANCER film comes out before I'd like to see Stephenson adapted. Too much potential to screw things up-- And to all you guys who are drooling over Carrie-Anne Moss--Do you know any living, breathing women? I mean, yes, she's beautiful, but more importantly, Trinity was a great character, and Carrie-Anne Moss obviously worked very hard to pull Trinity off (I whole-heartedly agree with the person who said she could have been Molly!). There's more to actresses than beauty. It seems as if women actors aren't taken too seriously around here.
Why is it there's always someone who thinks they're "above" popu by Rico Suave	Apr 1st, 1999 06:49:55 PM
Anyway, The Matrix was a very good flick. Best think Keanu Reeves has done ever. Even the "whoa" was well placed, and obviously a dig at his Bill & Ted character. The FX were well done (I wanted to see more of the human "power plant" - freaky stuff), and the martial arts was top notch. Halfway through the movie, I realized that the entire story wouldn't be resolved. Let's hope for a sequel! FYI, "Nebuchanezzer" was a Biblical king. Not quite sure why the ship was named that - has nothing to do with that story.
I'm first! Whoo hoo! by Jobu	Apr 1st, 1999 07:20:07 PM
Okay, well, I got two words about this movie; "It Rocks!" It's more than I thought and not as bad as I had previously heard. I'm gonna vote a 10. It's my kind of movie.
HARRY YOU BIG FAT IDIOT by Scum Punch	Apr 1st, 1999 07:33:37 PM
Harry, you are retarded. Was the Matrix entertaining? YES. Was the fight choreography and effects kick ass? YES. But your shitty ass "mini-review" makes it sound like it is the best movie on the fucking planet, which it is NOT. Keanu's acting, some huge plot holes and the "love conquers all" shit ending makes it at best, an average movie. Don't get me wrong, I liked it ... but on the sci-fi geiger meter of movies, The Matrix was on the same level as The Fifth Element, which is no where near as good as you've made it sound. HARRY, YOU ARE A DUMB ASS. If I were fourteen, I would think that The Matrix was the best movie in the world. But I'm not. Obviously, HARRY IS THE BIGGEST, FATTEST FOURTEEN YEAR OLD IN THE WORLD. EBERT IS GOING TO RIP YOU APART!!!!!!.
MATRIX by retrostar monkey	Apr 1st, 1999 07:54:01 PM
Great film,runs a bit long in the middle but great fx and not bad acting. I Wonder if the boys will get into legal shit for plot theft ,not that i care theres not a fresh idea left in the world its all about marketing the last true art form. Mr Smith has my vote for bad guy of the year! WHOAH!! I KNOW KUNG FU!!!!!!!!
MATRIX by retrostar monkey	Apr 1st, 1999 07:54:20 PM
Great film,runs a bit long in the middle but great fx and not bad acting. I Wonder if the boys will get into legal shit for plot theft ,not that i care theres not a fresh idea left in the world its all about marketing the last true art form. Mr Smith has my vote for bad guy of the year! WHOAH!! I KNOW KUNG FU!!!!!!!!
Fun time by Tavis Bickle	Apr 1st, 1999 08:22:02 PM
Does every depiction of the future have to be monochromatic? The movie presents us with an intriguingly deep premise, then drops it for one over-the-top action sequence after another. The choreographed Hong Kong violence is fun and well done, but it didn't exhilerate me. It's the sudden, senseless, jarring violence of Scorsese that gives me a jolt. If you don't know what I mean, watch the end of Mean Streets.
What do you get when you cross Termanator and Dark City? by Musca_domestica	Apr 1st, 1999 09:00:45 PM
You get the Matrix, an enjoyable well-done movie. It is good but not phenomenal. It reminded me of the 5th element, it started out slow, speed up, reached a great climax, and then the ending bogged it down. The same exact "Love is everything theme" It defiantly is one of the top ten Sci-Fi movies released in the 90's but it could have been better. (on another note I just saw the Fruit Loops commercial that parodies Alien, does anyone else think this is just WRONG?)
Gripes. by TheCrawlingChaos	Apr 1st, 1999 09:49:55 PM
Well earlier I said I loved this film, and I do. But here are some gripes. Why did it have to have some stupid love-type scene? Did she even talk to the Keanu character for more than 5 [cumulative] minutes?? Keanu's acting did have some lapses. I forget the exact moments (2 or 3) but one, I believe, was when he just got into the simulation and everything was white. I think he sounded like a surfer spotting a really huge wave. Why oh why did they tease me with "drunken boxing" and all those other martial arts and not show any of them exept really really traditional styles?? I would of loved to see some drunken style stuff (I think I've seen it in a movie once but I can't remember which). And everyone that said the poses (while fighting) looked silly were only half-right. They looked idiotic. Especially when right before they posed they waved their (mostly Keanu, since the camera was on him most of the time) arms around like a windmill. That's all I can think of right now. But this doesn't change my feelings about the movie. Of course this does mean that the movie can every become "classic" because as time goes on those windmill-arm moves won't look any cooler.
B- (spoilers) by CASE	Apr 1st, 1999 10:36:50 PM
Any movie with Keanu Reeves in it automatically makes me want to avoid it. However I made it down to the illustrious Lowe's Uptown theater in Washington DC to catch a 4 o'clock showing of THE MATRIX. It was pretty good. I wouldn't give it the honor of being compared to BLADERUNNER however. THE MATRIX had some intense shoot outs, some decent fight scenes, so-so acting, an ambitious script, and some really impressive special effects. First, the shoot outs: There were some intense shoot outs that made you want to cheer, but not many. Most of the shoot outs consisted of people shooting an exponential amount of bullets at each other with little or no accuracy at all. Can anyone aim properly in the matrix? The fight scenes, while better than most Hollywood action films, still seemed slower than snail turd. Keanu kicks like a mule...a dead mule. His kicks could've been blocked by a quadriplegic goalie. A few more months of training were needed, but I was somewhat impressed. Perhaps more wires were needed instead. The acting in this film is sufficient. Keanu only mildly annoyed me. Only a few things in the film really bugged me. Neo broght back to life by the power of Trinity's love. Good god, how sappy can you get? The fifth element is love! ahem. Neo. The One. Neo...One. Did anyone else catch this cleverly (
Saw the Matrix by TC	Apr 1st, 1999 10:59:09 PM
HOLY FUCK!!!
Saw the Matrix by TC	Apr 1st, 1999 10:59:18 PM
HOLY FUCK!!!
Some of you weaker ones have it wrong..Mwuahaha!!! by Corran Fox Horn	Apr 1st, 1999 11:12:14 PM
I saw this Wednesday night, at the latest show possible...and this is the first movie to live up to and surpass my most incredible anticipation possible! This is my most favorite movie ever. Duh, it's a great anime/comic book movie made live-action. It full of intricate plot, high-concept, and also the base low-concept joys of geekdom -- coolness, sunglasses, black lethar, cyber-punk, post-apocalyptisim, Woo-esque action, Hong Kong martial arts, etc...This is an incredible world which completly immersed me, and need to be expanded. It was flawless, and wonderful. Everyone was there character, although none stood out too much except for Hugo Weaving in a wonderfully satrical parody of the government agent...these Men In Black make Sonnenfeld's MIBs look like little stick figures drawn by a four year old! This to me is what Star Wars was to many 22 years ago...and I'm one of the biggest SW fans and collectors ever (trust me), but this movie is better then Star Wars! Ebert complained about the last third...well ha! I nearly died when Keanu and Trinity whipped out the hardware and shot up the lobby, which reminds me - Keanu actually delivered a few funny lines. Hugo Weaving's Agent Smith picked up the rest, and good ole' Joe delivering a couple. Anyway this is just a litle rambling on a superb (and allegorical) movie! I can't wit to see it again and again...if this isn't a big hit I'll curse Warners for favoring Wild Wild West (too bad Star Wars will close Matrix's window of time...TPM will have to be expection-exceeding of all our dreams to beat the Matrix).
wake up Neo, the Matrix has you by Hotwire	Apr 1st, 1999 11:14:19 PM
why oh why must we complain? we are handed a most enjoyable film, one that left me with a 5 hour mainline-adrenilen rush after seeing, and we have to bitch and piss and moan. yes the "I love you Neo" bit was week, but thats realy the only problem I had. I think people who complain about everything after the 1st 30 min are realy upset that everything they though/beleaved/expected was blown to nano. I loved it, it was one HELL of a plot twist. btw, people who complain about keonu's fighting skills remember, YES he did spend 4 months of everyday training in kung fu but it was cinima kung fu, not the real deal. besides, it still looked damn cool. the guy earler who thought that the Agents wernt scary? not everyone is gonn thinks so, but to people who get into stuff like Xfiles, and consparicy theory stuff will see a bunch of MIBs as satan himself comming for them. the movie does borrow from Terminator, but it dosent realy steal from it. everyone from Hubbord, to Hinlen, to some of our curent sci-fi writers have done the man vs machine theme, its old as the computer, older even. btw thats somthing that makes me sad... somthing like this is done with such class and detication to story, and source. while Starship Troopers is torn apart to make a rip off of a movie that riped it off. back tothe story, the Orical told neo that while he might not BE the one, he had the POTENTAL to be the one, he was waiting for somthing and she didnt know what that was. I think that what realy happened was in that moment between life and death when his mind opened to the infinate he realised the power at his hands and used it to save his own life(well its better than "I love you dont dieL) anyway this is a exelent movie for someone who likes sci-fi its great for someone who likes a twisting turning plot. its a great movie for someone who likes a fun move. its not for someone looking for the holy grail of cinima. its not for someone who hates keonu. its not for someone with who will compair it to every movie and book they have ever read. go to the theator, watch the movie, enjoy yourself and stop complaining, its only a damn movie!
Mental Orgasm! by cleo	Apr 2nd, 1999 12:33:58 AM
Holy Smokes! That wasn't a movie, that was an acid trip! Unbelievable. I went to this movie basically so I could make out with this gorgeous red-head I met at this office, but I'll be damned if I completely forgot about her during the course of this work of brillant insanity! Who the hell are these brothers (the guys who wrote this film)? I think this film quite frankly is ahead of its time. I think most of the audience, including myself and the my female friend, were a little overwhelmed by the sheer amount of ideas that were stuffed into this movie. Well still got 47 days between now and the big one. That gives me time to catch the Matrix at least 47 more times, if not more...
It was ok by Cleese	Apr 2nd, 1999 01:47:01 AM
Well, ever since the accident known as Independence Day, I have tried to not get all hyped up about movies that look exciting (same is currently going with Phantom Menace with me) The Matrix I will admit, I got a lil slipped and somewhat hyped up about, and darnitt, Independence Day deja-vu, I left the theatre wanting to have liked it, but now, about an hour after I saw the film, I am thinking I was let down. It was alright though, I'll give you that though, I was entertained. I'll tell you this though, some guy sitting in front of me fell asleep, snoring and all. He more then made up for the humor that lacked in the film. Welp, I am glad I work in a theatre and get to see films for free, because if I had paid for this, I think I would have been feeling more empty as I left (unless it was a half price matinee, WOOHOO!!) Oh well, my lil ramble. 2 Stars.
Character names: coincidence? by dan-E	Apr 2nd, 1999 02:29:39 AM
One thing that I found humorous was the names of the bad guys. Now I know the Brothers Wachaowski wrote this script quite a few years ago so I'm going to chalk it up to complete coincidence, becuase I just know they wouldn't resort to blatantly cheesy humor. The CIA-ish men in black. They did have almost the identical attire as agents Kay and Jay from MIB. What I found funny was that Hugo Weaving's name was Agent "Smith" and one of the other agents was Agent "Jones." Anyone else catch this and get a chuckle over it? (The third guy is Agent Brown, if you're curious.)
Tarantino reaction to The Matrix by cookiepuss	Apr 2nd, 1999 05:53:12 AM
Sat next to the uber-cool Quentin Tarantino tonight at Mann's Chinese Theater for the 10:30 show. As well as confirming that he is a gracious, fun and down-to-earth individual, I can report here on the AICN talkback that he absolutely LOVED the Matrix. He laughed louder, whooped louder and started the applause several times after a few bravura showcase moments. And, best of all, his jaw was hanging open at some of the effects and fight scenes and shaking his head at the impossibility of what was on that screen. Sorry...but QT flipping out over this flick is better than "Two Thumbs Up" anyday of the week.
Snow Crash by Marvin Dorfler	Apr 2nd, 1999 07:56:55 AM
I can't believe only two people are running with the "Snow Crash" thread. Only three of us have read it? That seems outrageous! I haven't seen "Matrix" yet but judging from the previews and reviews, it seems an awesome new language has been developed for exposition. Someone needs to utilize that technology on behalf of Stephenson's kick-ass cybercool masterpiece. What a trip that book is - I can only imagine what the film would look like....
The Matrix!!!! by Nordling	Apr 2nd, 1999 08:04:00 AM
Oh, man, I had such a fucking blast at this movie. I needed this. The Matrix was so COOL! At last, for it's been a while that an action/sci-fi film actually worked. Yes, the Wachowski Bros. took a lot of themes from other work. I DON"T FUCKING CARE. This was a terrific ride, and what really surprised me was the story, and how well it worked. SPOILER And people might think the whole Trinity "my love makes you the One" thing was corny, well, fuck you, it worked for me, and your opinion is insignificant because of that. end SPOILER And to JMS, who feels the need to bash Star Wars when no one even brought it up...stop eating those mushrooms in the basement. Just because your keepers won't let you see sun doesn't mean you can take advantage of the situation. You must be the world's foremost expert on eating Cheetos and masturbating at the same time. But how do you keep that keyboard clean? I'm sorry, but the keepers must make you stay, the blasphemous imitation of human life that you are, so that society can live its normal life. So bye.
Origin Story by tv`snick	Apr 2nd, 1999 11:48:58 AM
The Brothers have said (I'm going with an _American Cinematographer_ article here) that _The Matrix_ is Neo's "origin story", like the beginnings of Daredevil or Spiderman. Anyway, this might explain some parts people thought were "slow" and the not-so-ending ending. I hope The Matrix makes a ton of money, cause then we can have a sequel with a true quest, battle sequences with giant, hyper-intelligent machines, the inevitable human-machine hybrid, and, of course, Zion. There was a lot of potential in the characters created in The Matrix, but the movie itself was just a 85/100 type flick. The 100/100 is hopefully to come. And, for God's Sake, replace Keanu. He can look like someone else in the Matrix, right? Make him look like someone who can act. John Cusack or Jason Scott Lee. Anyway, now there are a pair of brothers who can make good flicks consistantly whose names don't end in "Coen."
Snow Crash by Epsilon3	Apr 2nd, 1999 11:49:09 AM
Someone with the appropriate power in Hollywood needs to get on a phone with Neal Stephenson and the Wachowski Brothers and get a SNOW CRASH script in development and have the Brothers Wachowski turn it into a film. THE MATRIX has proved they could do it, though I'd rather someone else (Stephenson himself, perhaps?) Do the adaptation.
Neil Gaiman story at the MATRIX web site. by Epsilon3	Apr 2nd, 1999 12:01:54 PM
My friend just sent me this: there's a new story by Neil Gaiman (who is fucking brilliant) posted at www.whatisthematrix.com. While I had checked this site out before, I missed the story, so I thought perhaps others had too. For those who are interested: http://www.whatisthematrix.com /cmp/neil_g.html (I don't know if this site allows html or not in posts, so if it looks funny, that's why).
The Matrix was okay by The-0	Apr 2nd, 1999 12:47:08 PM

O V E R R A T E D !!! by utz_world	Apr 2nd, 1999 01:09:14 PM
if ever there was a more overrated movie to come out in my lifetime, The Matrix has GOT to be the one! (no pun intended) all the hype and the buzz about the effects and the action had me excited...but upon checking my watch a FRIGGIN HOUR AND 45 MINUTES INTO THE DOGGONE MOVIE i was wondering where all the action was. then i found it...and i was not impressed! The Replacement Killers had more action than this...Face/Off had more...and BETTER...action than this! when are you geeks gonna learn that great CGI and slo-mo action sequels don't constitute a good movie?! less story-more action would have given The Matrix a thumbs-up from me. oh well...a month and a half to go....
The Matrix was okay by The-0	Apr 2nd, 1999 01:10:55 PM
I saw the film last Thursday and I'm sorry to say I wasn't impressed as the majority seems to be. The pacing was entirely too unbalanced for me. Action, then a severe amount of time to build things up, so much so that when the action sequnces start, they don't give me enough excitement in proportion to the anticipation of the climax. I wasn't the only one feeling this way as the crowd seemed to be waiting for something that they never got. On the plus side, Keanu was decent and Fishburne was cool as a cybernetic shaolin monk. The effects were very well-done. The concepts were intriguing and somewhat frightening (especially the scene where robotic insects were harvesting humans in a field.) However, the development didn't do it for me. Also, someone pointed out how this resembled a couple animes and forgot a title. In a classic OAV series called Megazone 23, a young man is told by a computerized female program that the era (1985 I believe) he's living in isn't real, it's really 500 years in the future, and he has to help determine humanity's destiny before a race using weapons with flesh-tearing robotic tentacles kills everyone on board. Also, he has to deal with a big & ruthless military agent who kicks ass wherever he goes. Sound familiar? All in all, I'd give this two and a half out of four stars. Worth seeing once on a big screen for the effects, and that's about it.
The Matrix - One Of The Greatest Films of All Time by Cyrus	Apr 2nd, 1999 03:37:06 PM
The Matrix takes elements from Terminator, Dark City, The X-Files, anime, and mythologies and other sources and builds on them with it's own original concepts, creating a truly awesome cinematic masterpiece. The story has true meaning, is deep and shocking at it's core, and the characters are not simply plastic action figures. I find it really sad that some of you say it was too slow. MTV has truly rotted the minds of many of us. If it doesn't have machine gun cuts like Armageddon I guess it's a snooze huh. If you didn't like The Matrx you should at least appreciate it's attempt at greatness, which in my opinion it achieved and exceeded. It's stylish, well executed and moving. Unlike empty sci fi mass market pictures like MIB, ID4, etc it actually has meaning. This is art. And incredible art it is. Magnificent. It's been a really long time since I enjoyed a film as much as I have the Matrix, perhaps not since Star Wars. Don't mind the criticism, even Star Wars and Terminator, even Titanic was torn apart by some. That doesn't in anyway discredit their validity as incredible motion pictures.
The Matrix - One Of The Greatest Films of All Time by Cyrus	Apr 2nd, 1999 03:37:11 PM
The Matrix takes elements from Terminator, Dark City, The X-Files, anime, and mythologies and other sources and builds on them with it's own original concepts, creating a truly awesome cinematic masterpiece. The story has true meaning, is deep and shocking at it's core, and the characters are not simply plastic action figures. I find it really sad that some of you say it was too slow. MTV has truly rotted the minds of many of us. If it doesn't have machine gun cuts like Armageddon I guess it's a snooze huh. If you didn't like The Matrx you should at least appreciate it's attempt at greatness, which in my opinion it achieved and exceeded. It's stylish, well executed and moving. Unlike empty sci fi mass market pictures like MIB, ID4, etc it actually has meaning. This is art. And incredible art it is. Magnificent. It's been a really long time since I enjoyed a film as much as I have the Matrix, perhaps not since Star Wars. Don't mind the criticism, even Star Wars and Terminator, even Titanic was torn apart by some. That doesn't in anyway discredit their validity as incredible motion pictures.
Sorry About The Double Post - Said Doc Contains No Data by Cyrus	Apr 2nd, 1999 03:39:26 PM

BEST FILM FRICKIN EVER!! by Bob the Tomato	Apr 2nd, 1999 06:54:57 PM
Now, I am a filmmaker and I for one stood up and cheered, laughed and sat gawking in wonder at this incredible feet of filmmaking. Make Spider-Man please!!
Cameron and ILM by Vilos Cohaagen	Apr 2nd, 1999 09:28:27 PM
This crap about Cameron directing ILM into the CGI technology we have today is bullshit. Lucas and ILM started the development of CGI into live action with more realism with Young Sherlock Holmes which was done by Pixar, a division of Lucasfilm at the time. Lucas later sold Pixar because the overhead of the company was expensive and the call for CGI at the time wasn't big because it wasn't that great at that time except for the stained glass man scene in YSH. He used what he learned from Pixar and incorporated it into ILM. The morphing technology used in Terminator 2 was developed by ILM for Willow. Cameron had nothing to do with it. All Cameron did was push the envelope, but the envelope was developed by Lucas and ILM. Jurrasic Park set the standard for CGI that has really not yet been surpassed. Cameron is a good visualist and technical director but he can't write to save his ass and he's known as the biggest prick in Hollywood. His over inflated ego is even bigger after Titanic which means he'll just make another technically and visually great piece of pablum and make millions more.
My only complaint, and it's sooo valid! by mrmagwitch	Apr 2nd, 1999 10:12:17 PM
One problem wrogn with the damn flawless rompstomp called matrix, and it's the same problem i find in other movies like payback and mod squad.... THE PREVIEWS GIVE AWAY TOO MUCH maybe it's just me but it seems lately all of the cool action sequences are blown in the previews..anyone else have this problem or is it just my photographic memory? Magwitch of the Nine
What do you bet Harry never finishes his review... by Martin Q Blank	Apr 3rd, 1999 03:11:10 AM
C'mon, please do. (Note to Harry: Y'know, sorry to be vicious but if you're gonna be on Siskel and Ebert you'd better get some practise in, and actually write a review or two. I know it's not easy to run this page, but what do you do with your time?)
HOW FAR DOES JMS TAKE IT UP THE ASS? by JJB	Apr 3rd, 1999 03:15:15 AM
Excuse me, but what planet is this guy from? ILM was, has, and always will be the state-of-the art in SFX. Now actually ILM started the modern era of CGI not with YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES(although that's pretty close)but with STAR TREK II. Remember that little plot device known as "The Genesis Tape"? That happens to be the first CGI sequence in modern motion picture history, which being circa 1982 makes it roughly 8 or 9 years before Cameron's T2, which used ILM(as well as many other effects houses) anyway. Now for those less educated and just plain stupid(see the category JMS fits into?) there WAS NO SFX INDUSTRY WHEN STAR WARS WAS FIRST MADE IN 1977!!! It was only due to a guy named Lucas who took the risk to start his own SFX company that we're even having this FUCKING DISCUSSION IN THE FIRST PLACE!!! There, got that out of my system. Now speaking of THE MATRIX...Haven't seen it yet, but I'm thinking I should just play a lot of METAL GEAR SOLID and watch a bunch of Dennis Miller or Timex Watch ads. Or maybe I should just go see the Best Picture of the Year while its still in theatres...I'd hate to miss a chance to see Saving Private Ryan again.
To JJB by Vilos Cohaagen	Apr 3rd, 1999 08:37:15 AM
Your point about Star Trek 2 maybe right, but when I refered to Young Sherlock Holmes it was in the aspect of merging a computer generated character into a live action scene realistically and not like Tron or Last Starfighter which had bad graphics. Star Trek 2 just had the animation used in a demo scene in the film. It wasn't matted into a scene. The Sci-Fi channel had a special once about CGI and Dennis Muren and some others listed YSH as the turning point for CGI. You're right about Lucas creating the special effects industry as we know it today. The water snake effect in The Abyss which Cameron likes to take credit for developing was already in the works before him. The ILM guys just took a wireframe snake they were playing with and changed the surface to a water like surface. All Cameron did was come up with the idea. The technicians did the work and development. Well at least you, I and some others on this board have the wisdom and knowledge about what really happened so we can make sure the truth gets out.
The future by Foster Zygote	Apr 3rd, 1999 09:38:58 AM
As someone else already pointed out, the fun in Episode One won't be trying to figure out what's an effect but rather what's not. 95% digital images! Wow! Of course, as with any cutting edge visual technology there will be some elements which will work better than others. But the elements in this film (from what little we've seen so far) are far more seamless than anything that's come before. The days of filmed image composites are over. ILM will change the standard of film visuals forever. The stuff we saw in the Special Editions was just practice for what was to come. I for one refuse to criticize anything about the effects untill after I've seen the finished product on the big screen. After all, we know that the stuff we saw on 60 Minutes was in a variety of stages of completion. I'm basing my expectations on the stuff that was obviously complete. As for the future: As good as this stuff looks now, imagine what it'll look like by Episode Three, or twenty years from now.
Matrix, coolest pic this year by Unico	Apr 3rd, 1999 11:59:40 AM
I was intrigued from the first moment that I glimpsed the teaser trailer months ago. I certainly was not dissapointed once I witnessed the fully glory of this extraordinary work of cinematic art. Everything was well done and the film moved nicely. The special effects and action sequences are ground breaking and jaw dropping. The story is original and intelligent. It leaves one room for food for thought. The production design was excellent and the acting was impressive. I didn't mind the love angle because I knew from the first scene of the movie that would happen. Trinity was already half in love with Neo before they ever met up. She had been watching him for sometime. The part where Neo wakes up from his eternal slumber and the field of harvested fetuses were scenes that gave chills up and down my back. The thing that kept me thinking is this could potentially happen. It's just one path of the future in the realm of possibilities. Overall the Matrix was astonishing,Kicked major ass, was an incredible theatre going experience. Go see this movie ASAP in a movie theatre to fully appreciate the film as a whole. It will be a sensory event that won't be easily forgotten. In fact see it more than once for clarity.
I liked The Matrix by Dawson	Apr 3rd, 1999 01:57:23 PM
I have to admit, THE MATRIX was awesome! I was previously a nay-sayer about the Bros. Wachowski and their abilities. I may be alone in saying this, but I still hate BOUND. But THE MATRIX was just too cool to cut on. I won't even complain that they borrowed a lot from other movies. Who doesn't? This flick was cool, and I especially liked the overall Zen Buddhist idea behind it. These guys should stick with Sci-Fi!
The bets movie ever. by Corran Fox Horn	Apr 3rd, 1999 04:41:56 PM
These dudes sucessfully combined and JUSTIFIED without gratuity all their geek loves of cool shades, sexy black leather, martial arts, hong kong action(thank you Mr. Woo), comic-books, anime, cyber-punk-post-apocalyptism and big guns with a wonderfully intricate and unique world and storyline. A flawless blend of high and low concepts. And great special effects! My top favorite movie ever! I'm going to see it three times in the theater!
Awesome HBO Matrix Special! by cookiepuss	Apr 3rd, 1999 06:09:18 PM
Don't miss the HBO behind-the-scenes documentary of The Matrix - it's awesome! TONS of cool material - even better than the Lucas 60 minutes story.
Unbeliveable by the Orangeman	Apr 3rd, 1999 07:19:20 PM
Wow, oh wow. The Martix rocked. The most fun I have had in a movie in a long time. How do i know it was great, well it ran the Star Wars Trailer. So far I have seen the trailer 4 timews in the theater and after everytime the first thing out of anyone's mouth is "man that trailer rocked" not this time, in fact we forgot that it ran, we just talked about the movie, for three hours! Now after reading the talkbacks I have come to a conclusion, we Sci-Fi fans, are impossible to please. We will never be happy, so I say fuck it, just enjoy the ride. I am tired of people talking about plot holes or bad story HELLO the "Best Picture" acording to Oscar had more plot holes than the MAtrix, I am still trying to figure out Where Gwenith is staying in Virgina since the Britsh hadn't founded Jamestown yet! but that was forgiven, because it was a fun movie. Well I say let's not do the same thing for the Matrix in enjoy the ride. I agree with Harry. I have also desiced to stop thinking about Star Wars because we are over hyping ourselves, I mean we are arguing over a movie that has not happened yet. God there are going to be some nasty things said on this site come May 19th GO ORANGE
DON'T BLIEVE THE HYPE by Clock	Apr 3rd, 1999 08:53:31 PM
Either my standards have risen greatly, or I saw a different movie than everyone else. Personally, I thought this flick was lousy. Very much so, at that. Yeah yeah yeah, visually it's quite good (not great however. The stuff on the spaceship didn't impress me at all), but c'mon people. There's more to a movie than just neato special effects. The first 5 minutes were dynamic, I give it that. For that matter, "The Matrix" had me, so to speak, for its first 20 minutes or so. Up until we enter the "real world" and we're aboard that spaceship. Okay, what the hell is this? Where are they? (This is a rhetorical question, so don't bother answering) Who are these uninteresting people with stupid names (Switch, Sypher, MOUSE, for God's sakes)? If this is ingenious filmmaking, why are they recycling the Men in Black bit? Certainly there's something more menacing than guys in black suits and shades, right? Guess not... I know in an action movie (especially Joel Silver produced ones), the script is second-place, but here it's inexcusable, since the Wachowski Bros. insert SO many plot points and ideas into this mess. I mean, it's respectable to want to make it MORE than just an action movie, but follow through with your story threads, fellas... And this trick shot where the action stops and the camera whooshes in a 180 degree angle to resume the scene is quite tired. Cool the first time (I seem to recall it in "Buffalo 66"), enough-already all other times (when "Wing Commander" has your camera shot, it's time to think of something else). There's so many things that I could say "And what in the world was up with..." but I'm not gonna bother, even though I have hundreds of "MST3K" style quips. All I can say is, if Keanu Reeves, as robotic as ever (intentional irony on the Bros. part?)were our savior or "The one" (ooooh, how profound!), then humanity didn't deserve to exist in the first place. Oh yeah, and if it really were 2041 and we were immersed in goo-filled pods instead of good-old dreamy 1999, who the hell would want to be woken up? "Gee thanks Morpheus, this is MUCH better than looking at hot chicks in red dresses, yeah.... Um, how do we get down from here?" (Speaking of recycled bits, can anyone say "Fire in the Sky?"
The Matrix by Vilos Cohaagen	Apr 3rd, 1999 10:18:39 PM
Finally saw the film tonight and I have to say that it's a colossal letdown. All the cool visuals and scenes are shown in the trailer. It started off good for about the first half, then became tired before running out of gas near the end with the open ended finale. The visuals were good, but like others have said this territory has been done before with Dark City and They Live. It might be OK if you look past the major plot and logic gaps in the story. I mean one opportunity for more suspense and a good plot twist would be instead of the AI taking over other peoples bodies and they change into the Men In Black, why not have them just use the people as they are. That way you couldn't see them coming and it would be a trip to see some 60 year old bum kicking Keanus ass in the subway. They could have made it allot better if they put the time they spent trying to be hip and cool into the plot. They had a good premise but farted away the last half of the movie.
cool by Writer Man	Apr 4th, 1999 03:46:28 AM
cool flick...good review, Harry.
Nice Review Harry by Cyrus	Apr 4th, 1999 04:11:11 AM
I admire you for waiting a few days to let the film settle for you. I remember what happened with Godzilla, heh. Even I liked that dung pile the first time. I have seen The Matrix 3 times and I CAN NOT get it OUT OF MY HEAD. I have the soundtrack and a new Enigma CD which I am listening to right now. (BTW alot of people seem to be wondering what song it is that plays on the trailer, at the end of the original 2 theatrical ones, well it's The Eyes of Truth by Enigma and it is awesome). I don't think BTILC should be compared to The Matrix, I look at BTILC as more of a quirky camp movie, the absolute best at what it tries to accomplish. I see The Matrix as accomplishing the same, though it is far deeper and more meaningful than BTILC, but that isn't taking anything away from BTILC. I have seen many animes and HK movies, and I don't see why people try to justify their criticisms that way. I mean this truly captures some of the concepts of anime in live action which has never been done before. I don't see why that makes it any less enjoyable, it certainly doesn't for me. IMO The Matrix does even more than that, I enjoy it more than any anime or HK film. About Keanu Reeves character, definitely his best film yet. The film especially worked for me emotionally in that Neo had always felt there was something wrong with the world, and he was discovering the truth. Being a conspiracy freak, reality questioner I could relate to Neo. You have to respect Reeves, Fishburne, Moss (Love her!), and Weaving devoting a year to this film, 4 months for training. I believe it really paid off. The Matrix gave me a Star Wars like high, and that says a great deal.
Clarification by Cyrus	Apr 4th, 1999 04:16:03 AM
When I was talking about BTILC and The Matrix I meant that both films accomplished exactly what they were trying to perfectly, not that The Matrix was also a "quirky camp movie". -Cy
Thankyou for finishing the review by Martin Q Blank	Apr 4th, 1999 04:46:34 AM
I wasn't sure if you ever would. Oh, and does anyone know how The Matrix did after Wednesday? The information seems to be slow in coming...
Even more Matrix thoughts...Spoilers, I need to talk about speci by Epsilon3	Apr 4th, 1999 06:43:44 AM
I just saw THE MATRIX for the third time last night, and a thirty-page paper, a fifteen page paper, an Arabic midterm and the need to save money for groceries is the only thing keeping me from seeing it every night all month. I loved this movie because it was the first live-action movie that fulfilled the potential of cyberpunk. PI was a brilliant film with a brilliant story, and it, along with THE MATRIX, will hold up as the two best actual science fiction films of the decade. DARK CITY was brilliant, too. DARK CITY was the first DVD I ever purchased because the film affected me so well. But it didn't haunt me like THE MATRIX & PI. It's interesting, because true Science Fiction films don't get made that often. They're either special effects orgies with no plot (ID4) or fantasy films with no true originality (STAR WARS [and please don't flame me. this isn't an insult to STAR WARS, but if you've ever read Joseph Campbell's the Hero With a Thousand Faces or any of his other theory on myth, you'd know that George Lucas, who is a huge Campbell fan, lifted most of STAR WARS from Campbell's archetype portrayals). I think I liked THE MATRIX because though I love film, I'm primarily a reader of Speculative Fiction. Nothing on "the week that was" postings made me anywhere near as excited as reading in this month's Wired (which has George Lucas on the cover and tons on THE PHANTOM MENACE, BTW) that Neal Stephenson (of SNOW CRASH & THE DIAMOND AGE fame) has published a new novel & it's cypherpunk (cooler than I can possibly tell you). It's interesting because the plot holes in THE MATRIX people keep talking about don't seem like holes at all. For example, the bit about the Agents not looking like the people they take over: Morpheus said that the images of the people in the Matrix were called "residual self image." This is a kind of avatar system whereby the persons in the matrix determine how they look (I would guess if they knew that, everybody in the would look like movie stars and have cool-ass clothes like all of the leads). The Agent programs were probably written with the residual self-image of a generic secret service/MIB type because a person would see that and automatically think "authority figure." Most people would not doubt their authority...like how Neo went with them when he was arrested. To have a look of authority would serve the Agent progams well most of the time. And I would bet that they couldn't hijack a person's RSI without hacking their brain like they tried to do with Morpheus. Also the issue about the machine gun bullets not hitting Morpheus: they were in the Matrix--Neo was starting to figure out his power--he could manipulate the bullets' trajectories to keep them away from Morpheus. Why would that be so hard to believe? Trinity's love for Neo: Yeah, they hadn't had a lot of conversations, but was I the only one who thought that she had fallen in love with him before ever meeting him? Cypher, at the very beginning, accuses her of "liking to watch" Neo. She denies it, but I have the feeling that she had been watching him for a long, long time, and that she fell for him a long time before she ever met him face to face. It's interesting, because the only plot holes anyone has mentioned that I find to actually be a potential problem has been mentioned by a programmer friend of mine about a programming problem of programs aware of themselves. I don't have the language for it, 'cause I'm not myself a programmer, but that, along with my friend's assertion that the matrix had to be based on a GNU and not a UNIX system were the only kinds of problems I found to be a real issue, and these are in the realm of specialists. The sunglasses thing: if you read cyberpunk at all you'd know that cool-ass sunglasses are a mainstay of this genre. I mean the most influencial short story anthology of the genre, Bruce Sterling's MIRRORSHADES, is called mirror shades for crying out loud. It's part of the iconography of the genre. And the anime issues people had--what are you talking about? Yeah, THE MATRIX has a lot of anime vibe, but that's because cyberpunk and anime draw from each other all of the time, in print and on celluloid. And also, until now, the only film language from which cyberpunk could draw has been anime. The catalog of imagery is almost all from anime because anime has been the only realm of film cyberpunk for entirely too long. THE MATRIX draws from a rich literary history. I honestly think cyberpunk is the most important writing genre of the past 15 years because it's the only genre that really deals with where we're going as a society (with perhaps the exception of magical realism). Critics often ignore it because it's science fiction, but writers like William Gibson have managed to cross over into the mainstream imagination. Science Fiction & the other genres of Speculative Fiction concern themselves with thought (I mean, why else call it Speculative Fiction?). This is why SF film primarily sucks or fails at the box office due to a lack of public imagination (remember that BLADE RUNNER tanked [though in all fairness, that could have been as much the fault of the producers' meddling as public disinterest]) People pay tons of money for ID4, but bitch when THE MATRIX takes time to actually have a plot. I honestly don't understand it, to tell you the truth. It's interesting because a lot of people are complaining about a lack of originality in THE MATRIX (which I don't see. I think it's influenced by a lot of other films and stories, but it's not lifted from them). A lot of this site's most popularly referenced films (from STAR WARS to THE TERMINATOR [which was plagerized from Harlan Ellison--James Cameron has lost the lawsuit twice]) could be complained about in the same way. Storytelling does not exist in a vaccuum. The essence of story telling is to combine new ideas and plots with those ancient stories we've known all of our lives. THE MATRIX was a monumentally important film for the history of Speculative Fiction in film. The most important sub-genre of the late eighties, early nineties has made it successfully (finally!) to film. BLADE RUNNER realized the Philip K. Dick, new wave era. 2001 realized the golden age, grand masters' era, and now the SF of my generation is being interpreted in film. Bring on the cypherpunk (though SNEAKERS may already qualify, now that I think about it) and the Ribofunk, Nanotech madness (if you say VIRTUOSITY, I'll hit you). Viva la SF!--On a final note (and I'll try to keep from posting about this movie anymore) those of you who are griping about the Soundtrack saying there are too many popular artists or something like that and saying that the PI soundtrack was better, I say, do you listen to any electronic music on a regular basis? The artists on PI are all the best in their fields. They are all very popular amongst certain people, anyway, and are at least as well-known as the artists on THE MATRIX soundtrack. The soundtracks needed a different feel because they were different films. PI, being introspective and minimalist, benefitted from having a Drum & Bass and Ambient soundtrack (both introspective and minimalist genres). THE MATRIX, being more action-oriented, benefitted from an Industrial & Break Beat, heavy soundtrack. They both worked, very, very well. Sorry about this ridiculously long post, but I had to get all of that out. BTW, read a fucking book.
Yeah.. What Epsilon Said! by Shadowcat	Apr 4th, 1999 12:23:01 PM
I totally agree with what Epsilon said... the movie doesn't explain EVERYTHING but I doubt it really has to, seeing that most of the film is contained in The Matrix itself... the ultimate arena of suspension of disbelief. Sheesh! I'm not gonna go on record that this was the best film of 1999 (maybe top 25? I dunno), but it was LOTS of fun and a great ride. Yeah it moved like molasses through much of the middle, but (and I've seen it twice now) its not as noticable after you've seen it once I've found. Once you realize that the directors are just subtly building and building until they throw everything they have at you in the last 30 minutes, you kinda enjoy the backstory and start to notice the great way this world of theirs is presented to the audience. I enjoyed the movie MUCH more the second time 'cause I wasn't worrying so much about plot, and instead was concentrating on things that I missed the first time around.. and there was a LOT of it. What Episilon said about Cyberpunk and sunglasses is absolutely correct too. I've been singing the praises of The Matrix as the first REALLY GOOD and ACCURATE Cyberpunk movie (I honestly think its a lot more cyberpunk than "Pi" 'cause it has a lot mroe of the classic elements... Pi was cyberpunk because there was a computer and it touched religion, really. And a drill.) to come out of Hollywood. Anyone who's read Cyberpunk should be aware of the importance of "Mirrorshades" -- I can see you, but you can't see me... I can hide my emotion from you... you can't see into my mind. I was bouncing in my chair over the way everyone looked and acted. I went out the next day and tried to find sunglasses like Trinity's! :) God.. what about the Cyberpunk standby's such as the melding of technology with humanity, sentient programs, world-wide networks, the power of the hacker, body switching.. I can go on forever. Most of all, people seem to be complaining about the derivative nature of The Matrix... well, Cyberpunk is derivative as well! Cyberpunk takes elements from a wide variety of sources and puts it together into a whole new universe. I hope the rumors that The Matrix is the first of a trilogy is true.. 'cause I will definitely be first in line for any sequels that come out over the next few years...
Um... what was supposed to be confusing? by Justin	Apr 4th, 1999 12:27:36 PM
I followed the whole plot, beginning to end. I thought it was a Hell of a lot less confusing than Dark City. Also, it was way cool. Thoroughly enjoyable, and i'll probably pick up the DVD when it coems out. I have only two complaints (and Keanu's acting is not one): 1) There could have been more special effects sequences, especially at the end. I wanted to see Keanu kick major ass a la the end of Dark City. 2) Some of it was a bit predictable. It could be because I think like a comic book fan, but I totally called what the Oracle had told Trinity, as well as the whole thing with Cypher. But overall, one cool flick.
The Matrix is NOT a rip-off of Dark City by samuelk	Apr 4th, 1999 01:28:25 PM
I saw a post above that said The Matrix is a "Rock & Roll version of Dark City". I've also heard other people say it completely rips off Dark City. This is completely untrue. The only thing these two great movies have in common is that their central theme deals with the question of whether "our reality" is real or fabricated. Period. This is where the similarities stop. If you're going to say that one movie rips off another simply because it deals with the same theme and idea, then you might as well say that E.T. was a rip-off of The Day the Earth Stood Still because they both dealt with the idea of Extra-terrestrial life visiting earth. Just because two movies explore the same theme does not mean that one is unoriginal. And if you're going to suggest that Dark City deals with an original idea, then think again. This kind of "fabricated reality" debate has been going on for hundreds of years. Philosophers like DesCartes and David Hume (I think--dredging up old philosophy courses from college) have speculated about whether we can really tell what is real. Dark City and The Matrix take the central theme of what is real and what is not, and explore completely different possibilities. I would never believe that The Matrix was a rip-of Dark City. Just my $0.02 (no refunds)
Coooooollllll!!!!!!! by LeTo	Apr 4th, 1999 01:42:49 PM
Just one thing to say!!! I'm sooooooo excited!!! I couldn't stay on my seat during the movie...I wanted to jump and all! It was so great! Anyway, go see it!!!!!
I Can Tell You How Bad the Matrix Was... by JackStar	Apr 4th, 1999 02:07:52 PM
I saw the movie last night, making a serious effort to let it win me over if it could. And it didn't. From the get go, this movie, while well constructed visually, was awful. The acting was bland, the characters blander. What is is about Neo that signifies he is the one, besides the name? What is it that inspires such loyalty in Morpheus? Since the characters are so disengaged from the combat, why should I as an audience member care who wins or loses? One big problem I had as soon as the big secret was revealed, was that the rebels, who were supposedly fighting for humanity and human values- never seemed to mind that when they killed the police and guards by the hundreds, they were killing humans by the hundreds.( Fine, by the tens/) At no point did they show any real emotion themselves. I'm not talking about the Agents.. I'm talking about the disposable bobs blown away right and left, who didn't know what was going on, and probably could have been avoided if the rebel types gave a damn. Plus, there are so many little things set up, and left unexplained, but made important enought that they should be. How did the Oracle now the future? Since every time Neo was given a choice, it was binary- Yes/No, why didn't the writers make something out of him having a third choice his own decision? And if every sci-fi geek in the house could have come up with better hacks of the matrix in 5 minutes then Morpheus and the others did after years of experience, why didn't a crafty hacker like Neo until the end, regardless of whether he was the one or not? I did see the Dark City similarities very quickly, and while I don't this is total rip off, I would recommend DC over this with out hesitation. Finally, if all sci fi movies are going to be special fx extravaganzas, without a hint of character, I say let 'em die out for a while. I'd rather have to wait a couple of years for a film on the level of a Blade Runner, Star Wars, or 2001 then have Hollywood remind me that they have no clue about the genre.
hook, line, sinker by Marljay	Apr 4th, 1999 02:54:43 PM
I'm in. I am going to enjoy a hot and heavy with this film, an infatuation the likes of which I haven't felt since T2. I just want to thank those involved for not wearing cute when it was so clearly not the style, and for the crease between my brows, the half moons on my palms and the joyful afterglow. Thanks for the saticefaction. Now to rehinge my jaw...and experience The Matrix all over again.
ROCK ON!!!!! by bigguy22	Apr 4th, 1999 03:52:11 PM
I went to see the Matrix at a Matinee on the day it was released. I expected to see a few good special effects but probably be disappointed overall. However, when I left the movie I felt guilty because I felt that I had been given a BIGGER FREAKIN AMOUNT OF ENTERTAINMENT THAN WHAT I PAID FOR!!!!!!! THIS MOVIE RULES!!!!!!!!!! That's all I think I need to say.
Matrix = Dark City by purpleD	Apr 4th, 1999 06:15:39 PM
These movies were exactly the same except for the actors. I liked Matrix but I had already seen it when it was called Dark City.
I MUST BE A JEDI, 'CAUSE I WAS RIGHT!!! by JJB	Apr 4th, 1999 06:47:38 PM
I'm going to have to agree with alot of others that THE MATRIX was almost the same as DARK CITY. Sub those DARK CITY aliens(who look like refugees from the "1984" Macintosh commercial) for CGI jazzed up versions of Skynet HK's from the Terminator, throw in some technobabble, kung-fu(I've seen better), and a Duracell battery & you've got THE MATRIX. In fact the only thing that seemed to differentiate it from T2 is that they decided to bring the helicopter with them when they used the mini gun. Yes, there was an element from THE FIFTH ELEMENT at the end(although I think everybody can agree that Bruce & Milla were easier on the retinas), and the whole thing about Keanu becoming the "God" of this virtual environ was exactly like DARK CITY(now I feel like the chosen one). And please:THIS WHOLE MYSTERY OF "WHAT THE MATRIX IS" IS ONLY A MYSTERY IF YOU'RE 5 YEARS OLD!!! Or if you fell asleep before you were 30 minutes into the movie. I mean they only TELL YOU EXACTLY WHAT IT IS FOR CHRISSAKE!!! 46 sem-odd days and countin'...
Epsilon Is Right - Enough of The Matrix = Dark City Crap by Cyrus	Apr 4th, 1999 07:34:57 PM
The Matrix and Dark City are both great and very different films. The ONLY similarity is the questioning of reality theme. If you see The Matrix is a rip off of Dark City you apparently did not pay any attention to either film. I love Dark City for the structure, pacing and overall tone it creates. I love The Matrix for the Star Wars like high it creates, the mythological cyberpunk epic that it is. Dark City is a different kind of movie. The similarities end after you get past the basic hero saves the day premise common to both and the dreamworld concept. The Matrix is man vs destiny, man vs machine, self actualization, evolution, AI, love etc. I'm getting sick of people saying it's a rip off of Dark City. In reality all movies are rip offs. The Matrix has it's own unique vision. By this logic Star Wars is a Star Trek rip off because both involve space travel and star ships, which as we surely can agree is incredibly ignorant to imply.
Um, excitement? by Clock	Apr 4th, 1999 10:47:02 PM
What are you people talking about, this movie's a thrill ride? I seem to remember, like, for a whole half hour, there being nothing but boring exposition. What's interesting about all that junk aboard the spaceship? It's actually quite horrible. A scene I did like, for what's it's worth, was the interrogation scene between Agent Smith (wow, brilliantly subtle) and Neo (uh-huh, brilliance again). That was good. That and the first sequence. Other than that, a bomb. And how about that Rocketeer-esque final shot? What crap.
Free Agents by JackStar	Apr 5th, 1999 07:26:58 AM
Re: neo = new. Yeah, we noticed. But the point of bringing up the less then subtle anagram is to illustrate how the various 'mysteries' of the film are obvious long before any of the characters needlessly explains them. On another point, did anyone else notice that the one Agent who wanted to wipe out Humanity so he could get out of the Matrix was doing a really good William Shatner? Also, I think it's about time we give the whole washed out color thing a rest. It worked great in "Seven", but now any film trying to be edgy uses it. This actually worked against some of the big effets in the Matrix, like the leaps over tall buildings. The great distances looked collapsed, and less real, and far less breathtaking. If more color was there, there would have been a greater sense of depth, and a greater sense of 'whoa'.
Guns, sunglass, Moss and why Keanu was perfect by usagi	Apr 5th, 1999 08:16:23 AM
OKay a couple of points here A) I get annoyed by people who complain about movie characters not being able to hit anything. I find these comments usually come from people who have never fired a handgun. It's damned hard to hit anything (much less a moving target) from any more than about 10 feet away. What is more unrealistic is good guys who put bullets dead center in their enemies foreheads from a hundred yards. B)The "Why are they all dressed so cool and wearing sunglasses" complain.-Wouldn't you? You can dress however you like in the Matrix, why not dress like a badass? C)Carrie-Anne Moss-What's wrong with you people. She's hardly being mentioned. She is an incredible hottie. D)Why Keanu was perfect-Okay, I'll probably catch some crap for this but, I though KR was perfect for this role. We all (pretty much) went into the movie thinking that he was this shallow, wimpy "whoa" loser type who was just gonna goof things up. Guess what, his character at the begining of the movie is a shallow, wimpy loser type who pretty much just goofed things up. He basically started the movie playing Keanu Reeves, and as his character developed (and his character did develope, granted most of the others really didn't but..) my attitude about both the character and Keanu changed. He (both of them) seemed to gain strength and confidence as the movie went on. I realize the movie wasn't shot sequentially, but I'm talking about my perception here. He's not gonna win any academy awards, but he was perfect for this role. I don't think someone I consiidered a stronger actor going in would have fit as well. You spend most f the first half of the movie wainting for keanu to screw up, which is great because you spend the first half of the movie waiting for Neo to screw up. Gradually you realize you are sitting there buying into both keanu the actor and Neo the character.
Taleisenalll read this by bigguy22	Apr 5th, 1999 11:19:21 AM
Just for your information, Nebedcunezzar is not a myth that you might have heard about. It's a piece of biblical history. He was the king of Babylon who was evil and then changed his ways and followed God after he witnessed three men that he had supposedly executed walking around unharmed in a fiery furnace. He had contructed an idol in his own image that, at the sound of a trumpet, was to be bowed to by everyone in the kingdom. These three men refused too because they worshipped the one true God. Just a bit of history for you.
THE MATRIX: My #4 Fave movie EVER. by Warrior	Apr 5th, 1999 11:20:50 AM
Finally, a SF movie with real AMBITION. A movie with some VISION. A movie willing to take a few risks, fuck with the audience's MINDS a little, instead of trying to feed them pablum because, we all know audiences can't understand a plot with some SOPHISTICATION. The Agents were great villains. Keanu Reeves redeemed himself at least partially for his past sins. The music was appropriate, the pacing just right (no ARMAGGEDDON-style SHIT editing). The screenplay was THOUGHT-PROVOKING and the action was INTENSE. Heard during several scenes: audience members GASPING and CHEERING. Imaginative effects shots, creepy robotic enemies, and a relevant premise (out of control computers and mankind's possible obsolescence). Sure, I had a few quibbles with the ending, etc., but overall this movie is my fave since STARSHIP TROOPERS (back, rabid Heinlein purists, BACK!). They should definately make a sequel to THE MATRIX. I'm going to see it at least a few more times in the theater. I'm beginning to get a sneaky feeling that The Phantom Menace will NOT exceed this. Put it this way - I think the Star Wars trilogy is fantastic "as a trilogy". But NO individual Star Wars movie is on my Top 5 list....... A tip of the ol' Warrior cap to the people who dared make THE MATRIX. P.S. Harry what the #%$@ are you talking about? The Wild Wild West trailer had people cheering here..........
love conquers? not really, PAY ATTENTION by jvoorhees	Apr 5th, 1999 12:07:28 PM
I didn't take the ending as a love conquers all. SPOILERS When Trinity tells Neo that she loves him and he must be the one, I think that was more for the audience than anything else. Neo didn't hear her. It was to tell the audience that Neo is about to get up and he is the one. Everything the oracle predicted came true. She said he wasn't the one, but MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE. Well, he was killed and reborn. She said one of them must die, well Neo did die. And Trinity would fall in love with the one. She did. Whether Trinity said that or not, Neo was going to get up. She didn't save him. I think people have blown that whole scene out of proportion. Great story, great effects, great movie. EVERYBODY SHOULD SEE IT. It's not confusing, just pay attention. If you can't follow it, I think Doug's first movie is still playing.
MATRIX IMAGES by Docbot	Apr 5th, 1999 03:15:06 PM
This is a shameless plug, but, if you want to see a few images and conceptual stuff (creatures/fetus field etc.) go to: http://www.angelfire.com/id/gn cgi/index.html (Just ignore the other crap.) I will be adding more things from The Matrix there and to the film work section shortly. Go see the movie... again!
How far have our standards fallen by mrkrypto	Apr 5th, 1999 04:08:24 PM
Harry, please explain yourself. You and many others gush about what a great movie this was, and yet it lacks so much in fundamentals. Yes, the production design was abslutely stunning, the costuming was great, the effects were fantastic and Agent Smith was awsome. All without a doubt true. But let's talk about this movie as a totality. 1. Bad pacing. This is getting to be one of my biggest hollywood pet peeves. This was a damn long movie, and yet everything happened at the wrong time. The shootout in the building entrance was way too long, it took too long for Keanu to finally get it, and when he finally did, suddenly the movie is over. I felt cheated when in a few seconds he defeats Smith and the other agents run and that's it. It's hollywood "saving it for the sequel". Too much build-up for too little delivery. 2. Keanu is a bad actor. You say it works because no one would believe he was the one and I don't buy it. He was cast to look good in a film that was primarily concerned with appearance (plot, character development etc. just didn't come into play). It's fine to start the movie with someone who couldn't be The One, but by the end the character has to have really changed. Keanu just doesn't have the range. 3. Jet Li does Jet Li better. Period. I'm glad to see his style of martial-arts get some hollywood attention, but I would have liked to see a more orriginal take. Throughout most of the fight scenes I could pick out the exact moment in each Jet Li movie they'd been taken from (i.e. Keanu is on his back and does this spinning flip up on to his feat, taken directly from Tai Chi Master during the first big fight in the monastery). On the same note, could they have ripped off the Falcon any more with the cockpit for the hovership? If they're going to do something like that, at least make note of it (Keanu, having memories from 1999 would surely have noticed how much like the Falcom it was). It used to be that a movie had to be great on all levels to be a great movie, or at least on many. Without a doubt this was a great-looking film, but it paced poorly, had no reasonable story, little or no character development, many improbable events and a generally confusion of intent. I'd still recommend people seeing it for the visuals, but I can't gush. IMHO, Dark City was a better film by far, darker, more interesting in terms of plot and character and much better paced. Had it been made today with the same effects budget/people, it would be much better still.
Mental Masturbation Matrix by bswise	Apr 5th, 1999 06:34:06 PM
It
Catwoman by Simon Templar	Apr 5th, 1999 06:54:42 PM
I just Returned from seeing the Matrix for the second time in two days. And i thought that Carrie Ann Moss Would make a killer catwoman, if warner went a head with it.
WWW trailer by Dizzy D	Apr 6th, 1999 05:37:21 AM
I have to say that the WWW trailer was hilarious. And the Will Smith song was flat out slammin'. When I first heard the song I was thinking the same thing that everyone was thinking, 'What the hell is that song doing in here?' However, once I heard Smith's common lyric, 'Hah Haaa, Hah Haaa!' I just kind of gave in and accepted the trailer as awesome. I can tell that the movie will suck though but I'm gonna go see it! Btw, Matrix was slick.
Bigguy22 by Foster Zygote	Apr 6th, 1999 10:51:29 AM
Just an off topic question: Of all the myths in human culture what distinguishes the Nebebcunezzer story as "history"?
The Matrix:excellent,but shitty experience by bruce le	Apr 6th, 1999 01:13:00 PM
Ok,first of all let me say that I enjoyed the movie as much as everybody here,but and there is a but,I feel that I could have enjoyed it more.In effect,it looked as if the picture was too dark.I don't know if it is the look of the film or what but some scenes were definitely too dark like in the beginning when Trinity fights the cops.Even the outside scenes when they are at the top of the skyscraper looked not bright enough.Anyway,I was wondering if others had the same experience.
Keanu Reeves=Superman? by Zappa	Apr 6th, 1999 02:12:01 PM
As I was reading Harry's review of the Matrix, I just had a very strange thought about the new Superman film that is currently in movie limbo somewhere. Why not give Nick Cage the boot and hand the roll over to Keanu Reeves? I mean think about it, after viewing most of his films we all know that he can act like a dork convincingly, and after seeing The Matrix I'm convinced that he could do the wooden Superman look as well. Just a thought.
Super Keanu (by Warrior) by Warrior	Apr 6th, 1999 03:20:42 PM
If there is ONE thing Keanu Reeves can do, it's wooden acting. I have nothing against him, its just a fact. By the way, there is another thing going for Keanu as Supes...George Reeves was the original Superman, then came Christopher Reeve. Keanu REEVES would fit right in!!
Agent Smith by Hotwire	Apr 7th, 1999 12:14:48 AM
in a land before time, before a comady Called Men In Black came out there were these guys, they dressed in black suits, and wore sunglasses so dark you couldent see their eyes, they would arive to cover up anything the goverment didnt want us lemmings to know, they scared the hell out of some people, that was before the comidy, now everytime you mention MIB the 1st thing that pops to mind is Mr. Will Smith getin' jiggy with some UFOs. picture this, you are sitting at home on your computer when you get an Email from a pal. before you can open it and read it, there is a knock at your door, you start to look through the window, when the door is broken down, several men in black suits&shades storm in, go to your computer take all your disks, then wipe the memory, and leave not saying a word, leaving no trace, nothing you can prove. how can you posably explain what just happened without sounding like a lunitic? thats the scarry thing about MIBs.
MIB's in The Matrix by Cyrus	Apr 7th, 1999 12:42:14 AM
I thought this was the best portrayal of MIB's in a film. Weaving was incredibly creepy. As the above post mentioned, MIB's are frickin SCARY. I love the scene where Neo's mouth is "sewed" together, (paying homage to Harlan Ellison's I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream) absolutely and positively creepy. There are so many great moments and scenes in this movie. I'm seeing it for the fifth time tomorrow.
Cool Characters by Mattman	Apr 7th, 1999 01:57:08 AM
What's the matter, Harry? Were the characters too subtle for you? Did you want something more profound? Agent Smith was wonderfully original, and the silent, growing attraction between Neo and Trinity was great! Keanu kicked ass, and you rag on him a little too much. If you recall he was quite good in the Devil's Advocate. No, he's not the greatest actor in the world, but he got the job done. This was a GREAT movie, and it would totally go against these characters for them to get "caught up emotionally with their perils and dreams". Are you on crack?? "Yeah, Keanu, stop kicking ass and get in touch with your feminine side!" Maybe they were a little too busy saving the world. Considering what the character of Neo had to put up with, Keanu handled the role well (Of course, he'll never lose the surfer dude image). Carrie-Anne Moss, as you mentioned, was perfect for the strong-willed yet troubled Trinity. Her acting was good, as was her physical strength. If Agent Smith twisted my ankle, forcing me to find a complaint, I would have to complain about Laurence Fishburne, who's character of Morpheus was simply a backdrop for Neo and Trinity, and a reason for both of them to go risking their asses to save him. But even so, Fishburne's acting was impressive as always. All in all, the men (and woman) in black are what added to the general coolness of this movie!
only one thing by Gwynn	Apr 7th, 1999 02:23:10 AM

only one thing, only I screwed up by Gwynn	Apr 7th, 1999 02:31:30 AM
I'm just a poor first time user, please excuse my posting mistake. Now that the "industry" has seen the financial benefits of cyberpunk storylines will any studio finally pick-up the rights and film PKD's Man in the High Castle? I have been waiting for that one since I was 10 years old. And that's a bloody long time....
the legend that is keanu by kev	Apr 7th, 1999 05:09:42 AM
What has everyone got against this guy, he's one of the best actors in the whole wide world, I mean, c'mon, that bit from Point Break..... "I......AM....AN....F....B.... I.....AGENT!!!!!!!" Sheer poetry in motion.... HOMER:"in case, you're wondering, I was being sarcastic...." Well, duh....
Too much time as a critic?!? by cbon	Apr 7th, 1999 05:29:52 AM
When will folks just watch a movie and judge it from the seat of their pants and not try this psuedo-cerebral crap, "Well, it looks like Dark City and smells like Johnny Pneumonic." Who cares. The end result is, did it exhilirate you, or were you too busy breaking down the color scheme? Watch a movie and try and let yourself get sucked in, otherwise you might as well be crunching Linear Algebra with a side O' rice cakes. It's art people, you feeeeeeel it. Gave me a sci-fi woodrow.
In response to Jackstar... by Duke Leto	Apr 7th, 1999 05:45:26 AM
Please, if I could, I would like to respond to Jackstar. I sincerely wish to clear up some of the things that were "wrong" according to you. If your talking about Keanu's acting, well he does have a bland history but seriously for this movie, it works since an "older" person would be completely dissoriented and is resistant to change. As the movie went on, however, we got to see him take up the mantle of what his abilities can do in the Matrix. Its also wartime, don't forget, where petty things like emotions can and will get in the way so that can probably explain the rest of the folks. It also is a sad fact that (as they explained) that any software (coppertop human) thats still hardwired can be an enemy. No choice in order to save the billions that will be saved. A small price to pay I'd say. I really did love the bold way the movie made you watch regular humans get killed and you having to deal with it. That was definitely different than today's (T2 is a perfect example) PC way of dealing with deaths of this nature. As for the little things being set up and not explained, well what can I say? I actually liked that. How can you try to explain a whole world and every single thing in it without the movie having 5 different edits (ala DUNE) where no one could follow a thing? Leaving us wanting to know more is actually GOOD and is sooo much better appreciated than having every single little thing chewed for you then spoon fed! Sure I'd like to know about how they moved so much data over those Plain Old Telephone lines in a sec, the Oracle's origins and powers (btw, my guess is that just like Neo can decode the matrix ...a feat no one or man-made computer could decode... I'm guessing that the Oracle can see only a piece of the Matrix code and that piece is what people in the Matrix would call Fate.), the illegal software being sold on the blackmarket by Neo in his first scene, the origins of the white rabbit girl (are there normal humans helping the rebels while remaining in the Matrix Or was Trinity going to just follow wherever the white rabbit girl goes?) etc... , but trust me, wanting more is better than having it handed it to you. Dark City? Well both deal with Messiah type supermen (which were both evolutionary mutants), but honestly wasn't Matrix just soooo much scarrier in that its reality is completely the same as were living in now. So much so in fact that you could never tell the difference if were in there already! Hows that compaired to fuzzy memories of sunny beaches you can't remember how to get to...plus its really dark all the time? I think it was the reality of being held captive in your mind is a freak out compared to actually being there (DC). Beautiful metaphysics implied by the Matrix, by the way, in how the Matrix is actually like reality. I think what it really comes down to is the level of Disbelief Suspension. The Matrix covers all the bases in that I can't see one thing wrong with that possibility but in DC you have to reach just a little bit more for that suspension of disbelief in that there were aliens, its dark, its the 40s?... Clearly not our world. I would say this movie is definitely a piece of Science Fiction (as opposed to Sci-Fi of late ala Wing Commander) that makes you hungry for more. For instance, they were using humans as a powerplant but what were they using all that energy for? Agent Smith said something about the future being their place/time. Does that mean that there was explorative deep space projects? And unlike DC where everything is completely tied up at the end with the messiah just in charge of the whole place and the enemy vanquished, Matrix has you wondering whats next? I'm sure AI won't be too pleased. I'm sure attacks against the rebels (maybe not Neo) will increase with more Agents. This is evolution in progress since now the AI has to adapt, cooperate or be enslaved by the human race...its only supply for energy. Obviously no trace programs can be run completely or else theres a system failure so I'm fairly sure AI can't locate their "real" locations anymore but that just means AI has to figure out another way. I would love to see Matrix 2, in other words, just to find out whats next. How many movies can you say that about? In short, I believe this movie is not only better than a Blade Runner of the 90's but that it could very well be the best Science Fiction movie ever including all the Star Wars films (eye candy...awesome eye candy but still a bit contrived). Oh yeah, and about those hacks that anyone can do... just remember that a hacker is only as good as his brain, or in this case as fast as his brain. Sure there are some gravity hacks you can be trained to do but Neo was no ordinary hacker or human. He was a freak that can "understand" what the Matrix is... in essence he could decode and understand the code of the Matrix thereby being able to input his own code into it. He became a human machine... another AI equivalent. I do have a problem with the shades. My only argument would probably be that whats inside the Matrix is a "Residual Self Image". Everytime they hack into the Matrix they have to be prepared for major bloodshed as the Agent Training Program showed them. I would like to look as bad ass as I can be too...wouldn't you? Well I think thats enough. Hope this helps. 8^) P.S. I've seen it 4 times already and already have 2 more viewings scheduled. I liked it.
What the Matrix was. by Nicolasito	Apr 7th, 1999 05:57:46 AM
The Matrix is perhaps the best science fiction movie I've seen in the last 5 years. I captures the hacker fantasies of Gibson, the anarchist philosophy of Noam Chomsky, the allegorical supernatural of the Bible, the shootem' up slow mo of John Woo, the humor and awe of Kung-fu, and the Master-pupil faith to stand up against the mechanistic-systematic "Dark Side". Like William Gibson this movie attempts to explore the mystery of hackers and underground or unknown massive computer networks which have awakened or are being controlled by someone or something. The idea of an artificial intelligence controlling the world around us digitally is the full realization of the power of computers and also their full power for "evil". I think this idea of the computer controlling the world around us is a great illustration of the paranoia surrounding computers and the way that they are being used for us and against us. Are we really being controlled? In some ways we are and the movie creates the larger than life idea that the world around us is being controlled by a mega computer conspiracy. This conspiracy theory is very much what Noam Chomsky talks about in his recent works. The formation of world government is not an explicit conspiracy, a hierarchy with functions declared such as "VP for 3rd world destabilization". The idea is that fairly inconspicuous people are running the world and enforcing detrimental policies because they have been told that this is way to prosperity. Much like the tubes of people living in a fantasy world we are lulled into the idea that computers and technology can solve our problems for us and by ceding more control to computers we can live a more problem free life. Well, ya, as long as someone is making money off of it and forcing those who don't want to comply into easily serviceable boxes. I also like the fact that the heroes were black, white, hispanic, female, and what not and that the bad guys were white secret service agents. Not only that but they show the idea that its not SS agents who keep you down its people who have bought into the system that turn or transform into SS agents when you try to live by your own rules and deny the larger system. You're a threat and you must be dealt with. Sweet. The special effects are out of this world. They are so realistic and bombastic that they bring back the idea of supernatural powers. Before motion pictures many people were comfortable with purely allegorical stories of Jesus Christ's supernatural powers. Early film helped to make the power of Jesus more literal so that people forgot that Jesus really didn
the Matrix subtext by Doretta	Apr 7th, 1999 08:02:18 AM
I think the posts acknowledging the archetypal and mythic subtexts in The Matrix are particularly on target. As Lucas used Campbell, this movies seems to derive its meaning from Biblical narrative. While I agree that "neo" means "new," I am not willing to dismiss the Neo-One anagram, which lays the groundwork from the start for the growing acceptance of Neo as the Redeemer of this lost world. The actual donning of the mantle of Saviour (a rather daunting role for anyone!) is first signified in his refusal to be called Anderson by Agent Smith. He must first reject what he is not; he must die to his false self in order to become his true self. And die he does, as any Christ type must in order for the deification to take place. The Christian subtext is very useful in understanding the characters as well as the messianic plot here. There are many correlatives. The Oracle, the all-knowing God, must not interfere. Morpheus, as John the Baptist, must never lose faith that Neo is the One who is chosen, just as Morpheus has been chosed to know who that One is and prepare his coming. And there must of course be a Judas who is willing to exchange eternal life for material gain. What is more interesting I think are the changes to the Christian subtext. Best of all, there is now an actual place for woman: she holds the "Trinity" together. The reference to Zion I find rather cheeky, since it was the New Jerusalem that Christ called for. Neo then is the true Hebrew Messiah and Christ was a warm-up! Which just goes to prove the Bible is one helluva storybook! As for Dark City was anyone else disturbed that nothing really changes for anyone except that now one of their own builds the city each night? A benevolent despot is still a despot! A person with that much power is always dangerous.
Trinity - Ass-kicking woman by Faeton	Apr 7th, 1999 08:35:18 AM
Since nobody has really mentioned her, I'll add my 2-cents worth. In a lot of action movies, the woman lead is supposed to be beautiful, top heavy, limited to hostage/looking-pretty roles and just basically offer nothing but eye candy for lustful guys. But with the character of Trinity, I'm really glad the bros. didn't follow in the runt with the rest of them. Trinity was beautiful (oohhh yeah!), but she was an ass-kicker, not some pansy Barbie Doll. She added a lot to the movie, and actually acted. All those people saying that the "Love Proof" part was crap didn't see the great acting Carrie-Anne Moss did in the first part of the movie.. she looked like she's been watching Neo for a while.. But I digress. Carrie-Anne Moss shows that not all acting talent will be squashed if you've ever been in a Spelling production. Beautiful, smart, and ass-kicker all the way. Good things are heading her way. BTW, I though movies were suppose to entertain, not to be nit-picked about to the smallest atom.
The Matrix: nearly perfect by steveha	Apr 7th, 1999 01:31:23 PM
Spoilers follow. You Have Been Warned. _The Matrix_ is structurally very simple and straightforward. It isn't really about The Matrix; it is really about Neo, and how he becomes The One. The bare skeleton of the plot: Neo and the resistance folks find each other. Neo learns new things. Neo makes an important choice, and in consequence grows enormously (into The One). If you view this as an action movie, then sure it drags for an hour. But it is really a movie about Neo, and I wasn't bored for a second. I hope The Matrix: Episode 2 is as good!
Matrix/Nebuchadnezzar by Deepness	Apr 7th, 1999 02:33:09 PM
Just for any of you wondering who Nebuchadnezzar was. He was considered to a great Assyrian King who reigned from c600 B.C. until c560 B.C. He was insturmental in the conquering of Jerusalem by Babylon during his reign and was considered very ruthless, but good to his people. There were a total of four Nebuchadnezzars but none of the other three really made the history books. I'm not sure I really understand why Morpheus' ship was so named, it doesn't really make all that much sense, but I can kind of see the direction they were going with Zion and Nebuchadnezzar so its still cool. As for all you 'critics' out there who have panned this movie, go find me a sci-fi flick in the last 3-4 years that had your heart beating this fast and left you open-mouthed as the credits rolled across the screen and on top of that actually had a great plot and made you think; in other words you suck the phat one if you can't admit how entertaining and thought out this movie was BTW thanks Harry for trying to motivate people who have given up on this movie just because of Keanu's past blunders.
I had to wait. . . by thinman	Apr 7th, 1999 03:17:37 PM
. . .about two hours to see this movie. The projector went out in one theatre - move to another. Power outage, move to a third theatre. Once I finally sat down, I had spent two hours sitting, eating, bullshitting, and gathering two free movie passes for my troubles (thanks, mr. manager). Was it worth the wait? You bet. Everything else has been said, but one thing bears repeating: the plot has holes but gravity-defying, multi-angle panning, inter-gender, VR kung-fu dispells all doubt. When you see this movie (and you will), remember not to worry about logic - just sit, watch, and enjoy. One other thing - see this in the biggest theatre possible. I saw the movie in a normal theatre on Saturday, but in a GIGANTIC Imax theatre on the previous Thursday. The battery tower and human crop sequences are absolutely breath-taking on a four-story screen! About the previews: anyone who has seen old-school WWW will retch when they are forced to sit through Big Willie Style's abominable preview. The other movie (you know, the one about teenagers and sex) looks pretty lame, but I like the idea of some confused 16-year-old misfit sticking his royal sceptre into a hot apple pie to see what "third base" feels like. Twisted. . .
Dark City vs. Matrix by Bignupe	Apr 7th, 1999 03:27:23 PM
O.K. So Warner Bros./New Line is the new king of kick-ass sci-fi. Dark City, Blade and now the Matrix. I LOVED all three for the visual daring and compelling plot ideas; but all of them have flaws. IMHO, Dark City's inscrutability hurt the overall concept in a way that the Matrix triumphed. 1)The concept of the Matrix's "motivation," which was a little confusing in the trailer is perfectly and logically explained (love the coppertop reference). Whereas I still don't totally get how Rufus Sewell manifesting superpowers teaches the Strangers what the hell they wanted to know. 2) The "science" behind the Matrix is easier to wrap your head around. Keifer is "mixing" memories??? vs. an elaborate computer generated virtual reality set-up complete with hard-wired neural taps. NEATO! BTW, the reveal of the "battery pods" was WAY creepier than the similar Antarctic shot in X-files. 3) O.K. the Strangers had cool outfits, but the cybermech octopus-Sentinels had them beat cold. (Note to self: Matrix Sentinels vs. Giger Aliens= Goosepimples!) 4) Keifer's breathless, arrested speech was MUCH more annoying than Smith's arch over-articulated speech (kinda reminded you of how computer synth speech sounds anyway). 5) The build-up to Keanu's power surge is much more satisfying than Sewell's "deus ex machina" memory injection. P.S. I think the MIB outfits were perfect. In the first scene, the old cop reacts with the same "Oh Shit, here come the suits" look that we see in "real world" cop movies. The AIs had to "fit in" to a realistic image in order to maintain the "reality" of the Matrix. BOTTOM LINE: I enjoyed BOTH movies, INDIVIDUALLY. What was goofier to me was the preview for the "Thirteenth Floor" right before the Matrix. Talk about a concept rip-off. Didn't these marketing guys learn from the disastrous "Vampires" preview before "Blade" screenings?
Re: Nebuchadnezzar by thinman	Apr 7th, 1999 03:30:50 PM
Close on the last account. King N was actually from a Babylonian family and was installed by his father after the liberation of Babylonia from the Assyrians. Conjecture on the use of the name as a ship's title: King N built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as a gift for one of his wives. This woman came from a kingdom near the Black Sea and was accustomed to rich flora. So, he created a world for her (since Babylonia is a wasteland) to ease her life in another country. I guess this is the purpose of the reference -- the ship's training programs create a synthetic world similar to their former "reality" so that they can relate to the task at hand. Maybe also a second-hand reference to the Matrix's construction as an alternate reality to the desolate wasteland of the current year.
More on Nebuchadnezzar. Spoilers by Epsilon3	Apr 7th, 1999 04:31:07 PM
I know I said I'd try to keep from posting about THE MATRIX, but oh well. In the Bible, King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and put the Hebrews into captivity. The most famous of his Hebrew captives was Daniel (of the lion's den fame). King Nebuchadnezzar, besides being famous for the Shadrach, Meshach and Abednago event, also was condemned to seven years of exile for his hubris. He came to the Hebrew God after several incidents including the aformentioned S, M & A trial by fire and after Daniel interpreted several of his his dreams. One of those dreams involved a magnificent tree that touched the sky being cut down, and bound with iron so it couldn't grow back. Daniel interpreted this as meaning that King Kebuchadnezzar would be cast out of his kingdom for seven years, being forced to live like an animal. As a result of this time, he would come to know the true God of the Hebrews and regain his kingdom after those seven years. Nebuchadnezzar received warning about his downfall, but must have forgot it because one day he was walking, looking over his kingdom, and thought to himself that he didn't need God because he had acquired all of his riches on his own. At that moment, he went nuts and his people kicked him out and he lost everything and lived like an animal for seven years. When he came back, he accepted the God of the Hebrews. The reason I mention all of this is because I think the ship was named for him because he represents temporary exile after a fall from grace due to hubris. Morpheus mentions that the world was united in awe of itself when AI came about as a reality, but eventually paid for it. Creating an intelligence could be seen as playing God. Because of their hubris, the people of the world were in the worst sort of exile, but they were on the way to getting the world back. Yet another reason to love THE MATRIX: A lot of people have talked about the mythological concepts, already, so I'm just going to add this-- This movie aludes to a lot of traditions. I'm a Christian, so I picked up on a lot of the Judeo-Christian references, but a Taoist friend of mine was all over the Taoist allusions ("There's a difference between knowing the path and walking it"). The thing about myth that we seem to forget in these secularized times is that it was all believed by someone at one time or another. Some of us still believe it as truth, and some of us are comfortable to call it allegory, while a lot of us think it's a combination of both. Either way, it remains important enough for us to reference it over and over in our works of art, and that's pretty cool to me.
The Matrix, a bit late... by Johnny B.	Apr 7th, 1999 04:38:35 PM
I had not planned on going to see 'The Matrix", as I just can`t stand Mr. Reeves sad attempts at acting any role other than Bill S. Preston! A friend talked me into it, by offering to pay, and the visual effects looked great, so what the hell! Other than old "Canoe" (as we like to refer to him here in Vancouver) putting in another bad performance, I quite enjoyed the film. The audience broke out in laughter over several of Keannu`s lines, but over all enjoyed it. With any luck at all, after the movie rakes in a big pile of money at the box office, and the studio looks for a sequel, Mr. Reeves will be otherwise occupied!
thoughts on matrix by smitty	Apr 7th, 1999 04:49:33 PM
Nebuchadnezer- threw Daniel into the lion's den, as well as shadrach (sp?), etc. into the fiery furnace, right? Sort of parallels our heroes' journey into the "danger zone". Also, Nebuchadnezer (again, sp?) conquered Jerusalem (Zion) for Babylon (kingdom of evil- just ask your local Rastafarian)- do with you will with that. I'm not sure I can follow my own logic there. In Harry's review, two things struck me as odd: 1) This movie doesn't snicker at itself? Come on- "make me somebody important- like an actor"?! 2) Why is everyone wearing sunglasses? It is a minor point, but I think I have a simple explanation: everyone who wears sunglasses has seen through the facade that is the matrix. It's just a device to show who's hip to what's going on. So if someone's already made any or all of these points, sorry for wasting your time, but it's a great pleasure to talk about such a fantastic movie. I'm glad so many others thought so too.
PKD Checklist by Munny	Apr 7th, 1999 04:50:50 PM
Let's get to the root of the subject: Sci-fi visionary Philp K. Dick. Wrote the novel "Bladerunner" was based on -- story "Total Recall" was based on -- "Screamers" too (so what? Well, the story was good) -- "Minority Report" coming soon, eventually; "Duh" y'all say -- so howcum nobody's mentioned the guy here yet? Or did miss it? W/out a doubt, Dick was (is -- though dead) the most important writer in modern sci-fi -- generally speaking, a safe bet is that 3 out of the next 5 scifi (REAL scifi, not space-opera, yeah, you KNOW what I mean) will owe to PKD, if not actually being adapted from his work. And he might as well have written the Matrix: it's bursting with his concepts. Just sumuv'em: "Reality" in fact an illusion, used as a prison; sliding distinction btwn reality and illusion; post-war populace living in what they think is a paradise, unaware of the apocalypse that actually happened; flesh/human hating machines, machines as anti-life; people siding with machines as the worst in life-traitors; religious overtones blended into issues of reality/unreality man/machine; precognition and fate; illusionary worlds within hellish "realities;" evil in the guise of (at least dressing as) "government agents;" hyper-kinetic melding of Hong-Kong cinema with US advertising cinematography to put across adolescent fantasies of rebellion and self-importance -- whoops, no that's the Wachowskis all by themselves, god bless 'em. Oh, yeah, regarding Snow Crash -- didn't somebody already make this into a movie? I could swear I read a scathing review of how badly it turned out, and that I read it here. Too bad, it was the best book William Gibson never wrote. Neal Stephenson's more recent "The Diamond Age" was more original -- doing for Nanotech what Gibson did for computers -- even if it wasn't as damn cool.
Matrix Allusions by aileen	Apr 7th, 1999 05:11:16 PM
Here's my take on the plot (without giving spoilers): The first 1/4 of the Matrix was similar to Alice in Wonderland (follow the white rabbit), the next 1/4 like The Wizard of Oz (goodbye Kansas!), and the last 1/2 like the Bible (Neo = The Messiah). Pretty cool, huh?
Highly over-ated and terminally flawed by CharlieHodge	Apr 7th, 1999 07:24:26 PM
Having seen The Matrix, and though while it was mildly fun and entertaining, it certainly is not as great as everyone is making it out to be. I have seen better movies as recently as the week before, and it seems to me there are alot of fans of this movie who are apparently starved for entertainment. The visuals were impressive though not ground-breaking, the concept passably intriguing but not entirely original, and the acting and character development narrowly missed being bad enough to be distracting. The stumbling block for this film was the story line, which fell victim to ID4-itis. That is when what could have been a thoroughly enjoyable film is ruined by a monstrously gaping flaw in logic that is so stupid it wrenches the viewer right out of suspension of disbelief, leaving them unsatisfied and their intelligence insulted. And here is what it was in this movie...*spoilers* Once someone has broken the illusion of the Matrix, once they have awakened in reality, what possible reason could they ever have for going back into it? Here is what we know about the Matrix: it's the program designed to keep humans deluded and controlled while evil machines keep us in perpetual hibernation and feed off of our life forces. We also know that we are at the mercy of the Matrix, whether or not we know its true nature (although the details of this were a little vague, from what I gathered you could slightly alter your own abilities, but not the physical world, unless of course you happen to be The One). So basically, if you know the Matrix for what it is, you can count on getting your ass kicked by invincible sentient programs if you go back into it. So why do it? Any reason the characters had for going into it during the course of the film are precluded. In the beginning the Resistance is searching within the Matrix for prospective candidates to be The One. The One, of course being the savior of the human civilization via his power to control the Matrix. But what good does that do if there is no reason to even be in the Matrix to begin with? How is controlling the Matrix going to free the human race? Therefore, there is no reason for the Resistance to be in the Matrix in the first place. Then they go into it again so Neo can meet with the Oracle. Any reason, other than a mindless plot contrivance that meeting had to take place within the Matrix and not the real world? And then of course the final time was to rescue Morpheus who was captured during their last jaunt. This little wrinkle of nonsense undermines the entire film, and just about ruined it for me. It would have made more sense for the Resistance to have laid low in the real world and plotted to take down the machines external of the Matrix(because there is nothing in the Matrix but an ass-kicking). The city of Zion was obviously a safe haven, and they fared a hell of alot better against the Sentinels then they did against the Agents. But obviously, the film makers (and the audience) want the characters to be in the Matrix because everything cool happens there. So how about giving them a plausible reason for being there, and thereby making a film that not only looks good but actually is good.
woah by RevSam	Apr 7th, 1999 08:51:14 PM
ok.... this movie screwed with my brain. not only mine, mine and my friends. i saw. i left. we went to the mall. in a car. that is where it happened. you see to get to the mall it's a short drive. like 3 or 4 minutes. i was with two friends and my brother. one of my friends opted to walk to the mall for some odd reason. so, we got in the car and pulled out of the parking lot. almost immediately my brother starts complaining how the road doesn't make sense anymore (he's driving) it's sort of funny. we get to the mall and start going to the parking garage nearest to the food court. some one in front of us puts on his blinker. "whoa! what the fuck is that?" my brother says. "that's a blinker, it means he's turning." says my friend. what followed was 3 minute of uncontrollable laughter. we couldn't stop. at all. it's surprising we didn't crash. we were all laughing, really, really hard. and we couldn't stop. my friend has a theory. the matrix is real. after seeing the movie the decided to null our mind so we wouldn't release it. scary, no? no.
Quiz time by Powerslave	Apr 7th, 1999 11:10:04 PM
Which of the following phrases is the most overused in online movie reviews? a) ROCKS!!!! b) TOTALLY ROCKS!!!! c) KICKS ASS!!!! d) TOTALLY KICKS ASS!!!! e) SUCKS ASS!!!! f) TOTALLY SUCKS ASS!!!! g) all of the above
Apparant Plot Holes by Duke Leto	Apr 8th, 1999 08:11:12 AM
I'm responding to CharlieHodge and its definitely not a flame. I can see why going into the Matrix is generally not a good idea and I was wondering the same exact thing. Here's how I explained it for myself. As far as the rebels know, they and the people hardwired into the Matrix are the only humans left. They have a moral imperative to free their fellow people. You can't just destroy the Matrix in the real world since that 1) kills everyone inside thus making their struggle moot and 2) they don't have that kind of firepower in the real world anyway (Electro Magnetic Pulse, their only weapon against the machines as Morpheus said, is only a last resort defensive weapon not an ass-kicking offensive weapon)
Reply to the Duke by JackStar	Apr 8th, 1999 09:59:44 AM
As an actor, I understand for the need for suspension of disbelief. But, as an audience member, I don't have to suspend taste, nor do I have maintain the supension in the face of an overwhelming load of idiocy ( ie The Matrix,). When seeing SciFi of any kind, I don't worry about technical feasibiltiy at all, unless the film is trying to be technically feasible, which Matrix wasn't. My s.d. is maintained by being entertained and challanged. I can enjoy many Jackie Chan flicks, despite the inadequcies of plot and character, because they go out to entertain and share the exhiliration of Jackie's abilities. I can enjoy 2001, despite the fact that it is incredibly slow paced, because it provides a true mystery and challenge, and even though the solutions are never really given, you're left with a sense of awe and wonder. The Matrix tried to be proivde a bit of both- and failed miserably. 1) Bland acting- that wasn't simply to Keanu, but applied to the movie in general. Supporting actors can often steal the show, but unfortunately they neither had the time nor the material to do so. 2) Mowing down of humans- I don't mind innocents getting hurt and people having to deal with it- but no where in the film is it dealt with. No one mourns or laughs off or recognizes killing off a few copper tops as anything to care about. Therefor, it is not dealt with. 3) All the mysteries in The Matrix are either easily figured out, or not framed in such a way as to trully intrigue the viewer and demand solution. We sci-fi fans tend to add a lot of depth, and ask a lot of questions about films and shows we like that often aren't there, and many have fallen prey to this tendency in regards to The Matrix. 4) Having brought up the whole DC/Matrix thing myself, what made DC work for me was that is was so atmospheric and fable like. Emotions were at the core of story. Matrix's protaganists were essentially emotionless, as was it's core, so I couldn't really be scared by its premise. Also, since the Humans of the Matrix had so devestated the world, I couldn't really sympathize with them. We had screwed up beyond belief- and the AI's allowing at least the illusion of liberty was a hell of lot more gracious than what we had offered them- utter annihilation. It just occurred to me that The Matrix actually describes the scifi fans situation pretty well. We are used to being in a misery of underthought, overwrought films posing as something more, and filling in the blanks for them. We are so used to it, we at are happiest when we are doing it. So, Film and Television will provide the product that will allow us to do so.
A Good Ride by alli	Apr 8th, 1999 11:48:51 AM
A solid, enjoyable film.
Reply to Duke and Tom by CharlieHodge	Apr 8th, 1999 05:12:42 PM
Well, see here is the deal ... we are talking about a Keanu Reeves sci-fi flick. One does not go to these types of movies to ponder plot subtleties or subtext. You go to be entertained. Period. Besides which, were are not talking about subtext, symbolism or a metaphor left to be interpreted by the audience, which can often be intriguing and enjoyable, we are talking about a gaping hole in the plot. I find Duke's explanation for the purpose of entering the Matrix plausible, but that is not the problem. I could also come up with an explanation (how about this: an encrypted code for the machines' mainframe is embedded in the Matrix, and only the One has the power to find it), and that is what is so maddening because it isn't too difficult to do, and its insulting that the film makers didn't respect the audience's intelligence enough to do so themselves. I realize the movie is of a finite length, but this is a pretty crucial detail, basically the linchpin of the whole damn movie, and it would have taken all of two minutes of exposition to explain the purpose of entering the Matrix, thereby explaining the purpose of the One, thereby having this film make sense. And for a sci-fi action movie, it certainly wasn't shy about using exposition, so a little more wouldn't have hurt. I have no problem with "thinking" or "theorizing" while watching a movie, so long as it is appropriate for the audience to being so. What I don't enjoy doing is paying $7 and then being expected to fill in blanks left by lazy film making and poor screen writing.
The Feel Good Movie of the Year by Dutch Schaffer	Apr 8th, 1999 07:50:04 PM
I love to sit down at a movie, stay riveted and excited and walk away PUMPED. The Star Wars movies did it, Terminator 2 did it, Mask of Zorro did it. And now so did the Matrix. After movies like Event Horizon and Mr. Bean, I feel beaten and tortured--sometimes close to suicide but a good movie can just set you going. After Star Wars I wanted to fly spaceships, after Zorro I wanted sword fight and after Matrix I want to fight fast and walk on walls. A good action movie is one that thrills, excites and takes you away from the movie seat. Matrix does this. This movie is great escapism. And it is because you can just have fun. BOTTOM LINE. And it has great effects and great action sequences (perhaps the best--consistently--in years). But mainly it is fun because it is so damn COOL! Black Leather, Sunglasses and emotion-less ass-kicking--oh yeah. What helps the "fun-factor" is that I have no complaints about the story, the characters, the writing, the technical side--it all was adequate. Sure it won't change the social state of affairs in the nation and it won't be nominated for best picture but it can kick my ass any day. I could go on for days.....
Matrix Correction by Dutch Schaffer	Apr 8th, 1999 07:58:32 PM
While I do strongly agree with Harry on The Matrix--I did have one slight comment to make. While discussing the use of the cool-ass sunglasses used in the film, Harry theorized that it could have been to make using stunt people easier. Now while that could be a legimate process used in lesser films, that is not the case here. Why? Keanu, Lawrence and Trinity did ALL of their own stunts and fight sequences. I know, after seeing the film I couldn't believe it either. The training and work-outs they must have went through is dizzying to think about. So anyway, I think the cool sunglasses and dress is all about...style.
Matrix Correction by Dutch Schaffer	Apr 8th, 1999 07:58:37 PM
While I do strongly agree with Harry on The Matrix--I did have one slight comment to make. While discussing the use of the cool-ass sunglasses used in the film, Harry theorized that it could have been to make using stunt people easier. Now while that could be a legimate process used in lesser films, that is not the case here. Why? Keanu, Lawrence and Trinity did ALL of their own stunts and fight sequences. I know, after seeing the film I couldn't believe it either. The training and work-outs they must have went through is dizzying to think about. So anyway, I think the cool sunglasses and dress is all about...style.
Matrix Correction by Dutch Schaffer	Apr 8th, 1999 07:58:52 PM
While I do strongly agree with Harry on The Matrix--I did have one slight comment to make. While discussing the use of the cool-ass sunglasses used in the film, Harry theorized that it could have been to make using stunt people easier. Now while that could be a legimate process used in lesser films, that is not the case here. Why? Keanu, Lawrence and Trinity did ALL of their own stunts and fight sequences. I know, after seeing the film I couldn't believe it either. The training and work-outs they must have went through is dizzying to think about. So anyway, I think the cool sunglasses and dress is all about...style.
Here's the scoop by JokerRulez	Apr 8th, 1999 09:38:06 PM
Okay first I have to take care of a couple of things. TO: Epsion3, HAL9000 and all you other guys who wrote so much...what makes you think anyone would want to read 4 volumes of junk you guys have to say about a movie? Need to hear yourselves write or something? TO: SSFox yes man Trinity is a wonderful sight in this movie. And now for my opinion. Reality check folks, this isn't the greatest movie ever made. Typical Hollywood fare, one-dimensional characters, jizzed with special f/x and fast music, familiar story, and the cliched happy ending. This is just MOTS in new packaging. However...what a show. WOW! It does take it to you in a great new way. We should all get down on our knees and be thankful that a great movie like Blade Runner was made thereby opening the door for more movies of a similar, parallel vein. This movie slaps you in the face and makes you say holey-shit, and then just as you think it might be delivering a new, interesting story the brothers hit you with the bad news. We have seen all this before, and Hollywood is well aware of the audience magnet this material is. There is just enuff new stuff and just enuff familiar stuff to make people like me want to see it...and see it again. Too bad they couldn't have taken it to the next level. How long did it take anyone to figure out the guy would turn traitor? Don't miss this one if you can help it. It is a great ride to keep us thrilled until you-all-know-when comes. I'm going for the third time on saturday unless I can find that damn red pill. Peace, Joker
The Matrix is Addicting by Cyrus	Apr 8th, 1999 10:09:39 PM
I just saw The Matrix for the sixth time, second time in two days. It gets better and better. Once you see how the full picture fits together you start to notice so many little details and it all flows so well. The ending works so much better now. SPOILERS - The complaints about the Love Conquers All ending are invalid because once you pay attention you realize how Neo really came back to life. Watch closely after the first bullet hits Neo for his expressions. Morpheus tells Neo that he won't have to dodge bullets. In the end he learns that there are no bullets, he finally achieves seperation of his mind from his body, and he is able to stop his heart in order to fool the Agents. Trinity confessing her love is the final factor which fulfills the prophecy and makes Neo become The One. In other stuff I noticed Cypher (Joe Pantoliano) has major parallels to satan. Notice the goatee and some of the subtle details. SPOILERS - When all of them are outside, right before Cypher comes back to reality and kills Doser, in a few of the shots there is a red reflection in his sun glasses which look like red eyes. Also when he puts on Tank's headphone jack thing in several shots the way the light is hitting him, it looks like he has horns. This also makes even more sense in that he says that he's just a messenger. Satan was a messenger. Also Tank's coming back to life wasn't cheesy Deus Ex Machina stuff. If you notice, Tank and Doser are natural humans and they don't have the plugs that everyone else has. When we see Tank get shot he is hit twice with short blasts, he sort of blocks the second shot with his arm. Yet when we see Doser he is lying on the ground almost burnt to a crisp. This shows that Cypher had to really fry Doser to make him stop fighting. Cypher only has to be shot with the lightning gun once because he has plugs and it is logical that the electricity would be far more damaging against someone with the plugs for obvious reasons. Anyways overall The Matrix is in the same league as Star Wars for me. It joins SW as my 4 favorite films of all time.
Gibson by seven	Apr 9th, 1999 07:43:27 AM
Yes, the Matrix was fucking awesome but did anyone besides me think that Trinity was a complete fucking rip-off of Molly from the Nueromancer trilogy?
Why enter the Matrix? by steveha	Apr 9th, 1999 12:19:39 PM
I've only seen _The Matrix_ once, so I can't quote the dialog word for word, but the characters actually did discuss the reasons why they need to go into the Matrix. 1) They need to find and recruit people with the right sorts of minds -- obvious example: Neo. 2) They intend to free the enslaved human race. How can they do this? Not by unplugging them one by one and shocking them with a sudden transition to reality; they want to gradually make the people ready for the truth. And, the obvious 3) People with the right sorts of minds can do really cool things in the Matrix, while in the real world they can only hide in the sewers (and use EMP as a last-ditch defense weapon).
Re:Why enter the Matrix? by CharlieHodge	Apr 9th, 1999 02:03:32 PM
Theories one and three are precluded by the question. To say one must enter the Matrix in order to find someone who can control the Matrix doesn't answer the question. There is still no explanation as to why controlling the Matrix is at all useful to the cause of saving the human race. Theory two is plausible, but again, it isn't that there couldn't be a conceivable reason to be in the Matrix, its that the film makers didn't give us one in order to lend their film credibility and sense. As far as the film shows us, the only way to "awaken" someone via the Matrix is to approach them while they are still in the Matrix, explain to them the nature of the Matrix and its true purpose, and then bring them into reality. This obviously isn't a feasible option considering the population of the Matrix world is roughly six billion. Again, my complaint isn't that there couldn't be a plausible reason for being in the Matrix, its that the film makers were too patronizing to provide us with one, thereby undermining the finished product.
Yeah! by SLOBrain	Apr 9th, 1999 10:04:09 PM
I saw the Matrix a week ago and anyone that tries to tell me that it was lame will get a hard kick in the ass!! It rocked! And if anyone says that Keanu was bad for the part will be shot because he sure as hell was way better than Leonardo DiCaprio or the other losers they had lined up. And the fact about him still acting like a surfer was a JOKE!! When will people realize that movie-makers have realized he isn't all that good and that they put him in this one as a JOKE!! Although I think he did a good job considering it was a character that he could realate to and I give him alot of credit for sticking with the harsh six month long training he went through.
Eye candy by Not Todd	Apr 10th, 1999 05:02:07 PM
Sorry, folks. This film had a lot of good ideas and _looked_ good, but it's at best a slightly-better-than-average sf flick. Why have the Oracle at all? She's nothing more than a piece of mystical bullshit to hang a few cliched plot devices on and she certainly has no place in the ultra-tech world we see. She only tells us one thing, which turns out to be a lie, yet the characters are all ga-ga over her. Furthermore, why are there still wild humans at all? Are we supposed to believe that the mahcines that have taken over the Earth and enslaved billions lack the simple ability to take out one final city? How about sending out a few million probes a la THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK to find out where it is? How about planting mines to take out those pesky subs rather than sending out just a handful of cool-looking but ultimately inneffective squid-robots? Sorry folks, but I'm no longer one of those teenagers who think that looking cool equals greatness. This gets 1/2 out of **.
To SSzero, From Warrior by Warrior	Apr 11th, 1999 02:19:02 PM
For badmouthing Starship Troopers, it would be my immense pleasure to jam a Morita Assault Rifle up your ass and empty an entire clip.
Why Neo was Flushed. by Warrior	Apr 11th, 1999 02:27:49 PM
I have discussed this at length with friends, and have won them over to my theory. I think that whenever someone awakens from the Matrix and discovers the truth (that they are a "coppertop" in the power plant), an alert sounds, since the plug to the base of the brain is still intact. The robot that came and disconnected Keanu (I believe its called Docbot in the script) confirms that the person is indeed awake, and the system "flushes" the human into the ocean or vat or wherever that watery place was. Since the victim always has atrophied muscles that have never been used, they drown and that is the end of them. This theory presupposes that once someone awakens, its either impossible to put them back to sleep, or takes too much energy. Its easier to just flush them and be done with it. As to why the Docbot doesn't, say, pull Keanu's HEAD OFF before he's flushed...well...I have no idea. But it would have been a very short movie if it did!
My eyes hert by crashdavis18	Apr 11th, 1999 04:47:00 PM
Y'all sure can talk a LOT. Three things, for what it's worth: (1) I think it's fair to say that Keanu did not ruin this picture (which is the best that can be said, and it's saying quite a lot); and (2) Shakespeare plagiarized elements of all of his plays. No this isn't Shakespeare, but that's not the point. The point is: so fucking what? and (3) Go see this movie. It's not the best ever, but it's better than average and you'll get your money's worth (which is becoming alarmingly rare.
So I can't spell, "hurt" by crashdavis18	Apr 11th, 1999 04:54:39 PM

Exsqueeze me? by Not Todd	Apr 11th, 1999 09:22:46 PM
"Brilliant"? "Flawless"? Sorry, dude, but you sound just like one of those 13 year old girls who think Leonardo DeCaprio is the greatest actor who ever lived.
I would like to comment on The Matrix by mckracken	Apr 12th, 1999 08:07:57 AM
I saw this flick this weekend on Saturday April 10th and I'd just like to say what apparantly EVERYONE agrees on (with the possible exception of a few). This film ROCKS!! I LOVED IT and I am willing to bet that they will make Matrix II. The movie borrows heavily from other movies such as Dark City and Akira and other sources such as the Bible (Jesus =NEO, Judas = Cypher, John the Baptist = Morphious). I am not a Keeanu Reeves hater either, there are FAR FAR worse actors down in Hollywood that I wouldnt pay to see on the big screen (Mathew Brodrick!)Keanu Reeves acting was on par with (if not better than) his co-stars. I would recommend this movie and it seems like everyone likes seeing it multiple times so thats good. There hasnt been this good a sci/fi action movie in a long while. The Matrix ****1/2 -MCK :O)
HUGO!!! by JetAlone	Apr 12th, 1999 06:34:46 PM
Hugo Weaving is a god among men. What a performance! The best part of the (admittedly pretty good) movie! Fuck Keanu, let's see Hugo kicking ass in action movies! Let's see him in ANY kind of film, for that matter! I LOVE HIM!!! ...OK, I'm done. ^_^
If Episode 1...... by Skylewalker	Apr 12th, 1999 10:43:06 PM
can be cooler than this movie, I'll never make it out of the theater. I walked out of THE MATRIX thinking I'd just had my ass kicked, and I loved every minute of it. Keanu was frickin' awesome, and I'm sick of people giving him crap. Sure, the guy says WHOA a lot, but his characters have seen some pretty crazy shit. Also, Fishburne and Moss were awesome. Damn that Trinity chic was fine, and the leather, all that leather. UMMMM. Oh, and to the dick that didn't like Event Horizon, go to hell. Or tuta me X inferis for all you fans out there. The Matrix is simply an awesome movie that I plan on seeing 6 more times at the theatre. The Wachowskis kick ass, and I hope a sequel is forthcoming. Let's see if Ep. 1 can beat this. Sorry, but I have some doubts. DAMN JAR-JAR!!!!!!!!!
If Episode 1...... by Skylewalker	Apr 12th, 1999 10:43:54 PM
can be cooler than this movie, I'll never make it out of the theater. I walked out of THE MATRIX thinking I'd just had my ass kicked, and I loved every minute of it. Keanu was frickin' awesome, and I'm sick of people giving him crap. Sure, the guy says WHOA a lot, but his characters have seen some pretty crazy shit. Also, Fishburne and Moss were awesome. Damn that Trinity chic was fine, and the leather, all that leather. UMMMM. Oh, and to the dick that didn't like Event Horizon, go to hell. Or tuta me X inferis for all you fans out there. The Matrix is simply an awesome movie that I plan on seeing 6 more times at the theatre. The Wachowskis kick ass, and I hope a sequel is forthcoming. Let's see if Ep. 1 can beat this. Sorry, but I have some doubts. DAMN JAR-JAR!!!!!!!!!
The Matrix by samdu	Apr 12th, 1999 11:44:52 PM
Apparently we saw the exact same film (and trailer)! I thought another reason that Kean Reeves was a great casting choice was that his two-facial-expression acting "style" actually a benefit instead of a detriment for once (well, if you count the B&T movies, thrice). I totally bought that he was confused for the whole movie until the end. When, as you, Harry, so poignently noted, the transformation from self-doubt to enlightenment is inherently believable. Beyond that, the pacing was good, the effects, great, and oooooohhhhhh the cinematography. I was truly surprised. I expected an okay film, but went on the suggestions of others. I'm GLAD I did. This SOOOO makes up for Johnny Mnemonic. As for the trailer for WWW... One of the first things that popped into my head was, "Can Will Smith do a movie and NOT contribute a song???" That would be a relief. Let go Will... Stop the insanity... Not that I'm saying that he should have to give up the rap gig for the acting gig, just try to seperate them a bit so as not to appear that they are dependent upon one another...
More on Matrix by Warrior	Apr 13th, 1999 06:05:43 AM
Does anyone know if it really is a trilogy, as the rumor mill states? Since its going over $100M this week, it looks like a sequel will definately be made.......................... .........................I wonder why the rebels don't get a few guns, lasers, etc. and attach them to the Nebuchadnezzar. Then the EMP would not have to be "our only weapon against the machines". I mean if they have the technology to build an EMP generator, surely a laser or big-ass .50mm cannon isn't that hard. Then it would be "Die, octupus, DIE!"......................... .............................. .TO SSZERO: Listen, you no-talent assclown (hey there's another cool movie, Office Space!), normally I wouldn't go within a thousand feet of your hairy ass. BUT when someone starts dissing Starship Troopers, well then, all bets are off. MATRIX: #4 movie of all time. TROOPERS: #3. Read it and weep.
Troopers by Foster Zygote	Apr 13th, 1999 10:29:43 AM
Well then, allow me to express MY profound disappointment with Starship Troopers. The arachnids looked cool and the bug effects in general were good but besides that it took a big shit. And if you feel compelled to stick something up my ass because I disagree with your assassment of this film then maybe you'd like to come on over and just try. It's easy to act like a badass when you're shielded by the anonymity of the web. As for the Matrix: Finally saw it. Did it "kick my ass"? (most overused phrase in this talkback) No. Did I get my moneys worth? Yes. Will I see it again? Yes. Will I recomend it to friends? Yes. Is it as good a Blade Runner? No, but it was still really fun.
The Mighty Starship Troopers by Warrior	Apr 13th, 1999 06:02:15 PM
Listen up, ZYGOTE: If I set my mind to jam something up your ass, believe me it would get done. You see, most people on these internet forum type things are nerdy teenagers, and I am not. And even if you are not a nerdy teenager, odds are you wouldn't say anything at all to my face, little man, trust me. As to your stupid comments, you are obviously one of the great unwashed masses that didn't "get" ST. It was such a deep social satire, I doubt your tiny cerebral cortex could follow. Nevertheless, despite the insipid opinions expressed by various dunderheads such as yourself, Starship Troopers will go down in history as a cult classic, a movie with true vision made by a director with guts. Plus, it was just COOL. Warrior
Rectal fetish by Foster Zygote	Apr 14th, 1999 08:34:22 AM
You know, Ed Wood films are cult classics too. Have you ever actually read Starship Troopers? It's been a while (like 18 years) but if memory serves me Heinlein created the concept of powered armor that all the Japanese animators went ape shit over. Where was that in the film? Why did they have interstellar travel and yet only late 20th century infantry? Why not just drop a few nukes from high orbit and go home? And how do you define Verhovens "guts"? Is it because of all the guts on screen? And please point out just one bit of clever social irony in the film. Catch 22 it ain't. And another thing. What makes you think that I am the immature one in this exchange? I don't start thiking "anus" when someone expresses a dislike for a film that I enjoy. I only retaliate when they are childish and socially retarded and feel the need to verbally abuse others for having differing opinions. And your "insights" about me reveal that you are far less clever than you think you are. Otherwise you wouldn't jump to erroneous conclusions so triumphantly. I'm no teen, haven't been in a long time. I've been baked at Pink Floyd concerts (the real Floyd with John Waters) and I find that it's not people on the web who tend to be acne ridden teen geeks but rather people on the web who act like children and try to pick fights that they think they can win with someone who can't give them the beatings they still so vividly remember from junior high. The idea that someone would be afraid of you is laughable. JMS Forever started out just like you and I led him around until he took a ripe shit on himself. I fail to see how you could be any different. P.S. If your next post is a random spewing of profaniity and 8th grade insults then you will only be proving me right. Finding new ways to juxtapose explitives is NOT an indication of cleverness.
Matrix & Troopers by PsyCop	Apr 14th, 1999 10:42:55 AM
I rarely see a movie more than once, but the Matrix is an exception. I think Reeve's low-key acting style was ideal for the role. I loved the action scenes, but I also thought that the dialogue was interesting and thought provoking. Here's a thought. The Matrix is merely a program, so no matter how free the humans become within the virtual world, their bodies are still enslaved. That means that the most important war is going to be in the real-world against the squids and whatever else the AI's have got. Also, its going to be incredibly difficult to accomodate a massive number of liberated human bodies. And considering the devastated state of the planet, it might be necessary to sacrifice the lives of hundreds of millions if not billions of people. Its not a pretty thought, but given the premises of the story, it would seem necessary. As for Starship Troopers, I thought the film was so so. But the most disappointing thing about it was that it DIDN'T measure up to the book. The social commentary than ran throughout the book was all but absent from the movie. In fact, if someone were to see the movie first and read the book afterwards, I think the person would be surprised that the original story is about a lot more than shooting up bugs.--One picky point about that movie: The humans were pretty dumb to stick with ineffective small arms when heavy weaponry was the only thing that was effective.
Defending Troopers by Warrior	Apr 14th, 1999 11:56:08 AM
ZYGOTE: Sigh. I'm not going to waste my precious time "debating" with you about who can beat on who. If we ever meet in real life, we can settle that but quick. And, if you were "baked" with Pink Floyd in some kind of early-seventies drug head / hippie splendor, why then I'll stop assuming you are a nerdy teen and instead amend my image of you to a Useless Old Fart (U.O.F.). Happy? As to your poor, tired criticism of Starship Troopers, to wit, that it's "not like the book", well, what can I say to that? Am I a rabid Heinlein fan? No. Have I ever read his books? No. Am I ever going to read the Starship Troopers novel? No. Do I care in any way? No. Finally, does any of this have to do with the fact that ST is my #3 fave movie ever? Nope. NEXT! .............................. ............ PSYCOP: You seem to be slightly more intelligent than our esteemed colleague Mr. Foster Parents Plan, although you too seem to be a rabid Heinlein fan. The reason the humans used small arms fire, and used nukes only on underground bug holes (except for that one plasma bug, which was on Klendathu) is that: a) The planets the bugs are attacking are potential human colonies or ALREADY human colonies. Nuking valuable planets BAD. Might as well let the bugs have em.... b) The corrupt human government probably wants the war to last as long as possible. War economy GOOD. Short war BAD. c) Obviously, infantry laser rifles either don't exist or are much too expensive to supply to millions of troopers. Besides, there is nothing wrong with a Morita Assault Rifle. It looks better than todays machine guns! Who's to say how technology will advance? You could say...why can we fly to the moon, but don't have a common cure cold yet? Why can we build lasers, but not cure cancer? Why can we clone sheep, but not time travel? Its much better for a planet to have interstellar travel, and regular guns than have super weapons and no warp drive, right?
What, no anus? by Foster Zygote	Apr 14th, 1999 01:06:39 PM
Well at least you've finally said something that doesn't involve rectal penetration. The most telling word in your previous post was "assume". That just tells so much about you. If I wasn't a gainfully employed, married, college educated guy with my own house and a couple of fairly new cars and a bunch of friends your statement would have hurt soooo much. Can I ask you why someone not liking the same thing you do makes you so upset? You attacked that last guy for voicing the most maturely stated and evenhanded criticizm which he indicated was his own oppinion. Could it be that, as with so many other guys like you on the internet, you like to talk shit so you can PRETEND to be some kind of ass kicker? You do realize that the more you talk about how bad you are on the net the more people believe that you are a weenie with a chip on his shoulder? Even your pseudonym shows what you wish people would think of you. Why don't you just claim to be a heavyweight boxer/blackbelt/millionair/gun dealer who has an orgy every night with his three supermodel girlfriends? And I can't believe that you have no plans to read the novel that your #3 favorite film is based on. Are you just illiterate? As for your vast scientific knowledge: We haven't cured the common cold because 1)It mutates too fast. 2)Who gives a shit? I'm much more worried about the lethal stuff. And what the fuck does cloning a sheep have to do with time travel?
What is the Matrix? Effing excellent, that's what!! by Nightwing	Apr 14th, 1999 02:02:10 PM
Saw the Matrix this weekend, and this movie kicked ass big-time! Everything fitted into place- the characters, the music, the effects. Hugo Weaving was excellent as Agent Smith- so creepy; Laurence Fishburne was so cool and calm as the mentor; Carrie-Anne Moss- sexy as ever, and Keanu Reeves gave his best performance to date on the big screen, IMHO. The effects were stunning- be it from Neo being cover in a mercury-like substance, to the rooftop scene at the end of the movie, helicopter ride or the "crops". The soundtrack fitted the style of the movie perfectly- Rob Zombie, Marylin Manson, Prodigy, Rammstein, Monster Magnet. The Wachowski did a fantastic job directing and writing this. Next up they say, is a film adaptation of the comic, "V for Vendetta", and look out for a sequel to The Matrix on the web-site drawn by the excellent Geof Darrow soon. There have been lots of comparisms between Dark City and Matrix. Here's another- Both were filmed in OZ.
OZ by Foster Zygote	Apr 14th, 1999 03:12:41 PM
There seems to be a trend lately to shoot in Australia. Lucas is going to shoot Episodes 2 & 3 there as well. OZ seems to have an excellent film industry, I've seen a number of great films from down under. Now if we can just get rid of the no talent suits in charge of the money...
Matrix Sequels/Prequels by Cyrus	Apr 14th, 1999 09:59:50 PM
Where did you hear the W Bros next project will be V for Vendetta? I was hoping they would move on to the next Matrix film. With the box office it has done it seems like they could do whatever they want for the sequel. Just curious as to where you got this info as I've read many sources and haven't heard this anywhere else. All I've heard is that they are currently relaxing (playing basketball and drinking, heh) and have stated they aren't going to start working on the sequels until they get sober.
ILM / Lucas / Cameron Special Effects hoopla... by garumphul	Apr 15th, 1999 01:05:40 AM
In all fairness, credit for special effects should go to the mathematicians, electronic engineers, computer scientists, graphic artists and model makers who create them. The quality of effects we see on screen has nothing to do with the director or producer of the film (in fact, most often they are responsible for any lack of quality). The best known special effects guys I can think of are Rick Baker, John Dykstra and Douglas Trumbull... maybe Phil Tippet too - but I wonder how many unknown mathematicians, programmers and artists put their heart and soul into those few CGI seconds in The Abyss and T2. Lucas, Cameron, et al stand on the shoulders of nameless giants. Credit, as they say, where credit is due.
Business end by Foster Zygote	Apr 15th, 1999 07:55:00 AM
SSZero, I think you've hit it right on the head. It seems that low expectations from the suits in the towers is an opportunity to make a film free from their interfering scrutiny. Of course that usually also means that one has to contend with a small budget and harassment about deadlines but at least the film won't be forced to conform to one of Hollywood's half dozen canned plots. Of course it helps if you have the power to crush film executives like Lucas can. ******* One thought on Matrix... As I've said I enjoyed the film very much and plan to obtain a good letterbox copy for my collection when it becomes available but I have one small criticism (and it's just my opinion, nothing technical) I think that the slow motion gun fight thing is getting a little old. I'm not complaining about the wild stunts like running up walls and stuff, I understand the context of this to the story, but the whole "ten thousand rounds of ammo thing" has been done to death. I think that Besson's gunfight in The Professional was much more believable and much more exciting. It shows that a fight like that would be sporadic, quick and violent and that most people would be diving for cover. But I must admit that the scene of the lobby after the fight was pretty cool. But the worst offense was the helicopter gunship scene. That should have lasted about four seconds. For a good view of frightening gunfire see the first twenty minutes of Private Ryan.
The actors did their own stunts... by Cuppa Joe	Apr 15th, 1999 08:47:04 AM
They were in intense training for months before filming, and there were no "billions of stunt people" like Harry said. Check out the small article in the New Premiere for proof.
THE MATRIX is a rip off from BLADE. by J-Dizzle	Apr 15th, 1999 09:49:14 AM
I can't believe you guys didn't spot the similarities between THE MATRIX and BLADE. I mean think about it....the stunning camera shots, the kung fu, the speed the characters could move, Keanu Reeves' sunglasses and trench coat. They're all taken from BLADE! As soon as I saw Keanu Reeves put on the sunglasses and trench coat and do badarse speed Kung Fu I instantly thought "ain't he trying to copy Wesley Snipes from BLADE?!" Don't get me wrong, I absolutley loved THE MATRIX and think it's one of the best movies of the century. But I can't help thinking that BLADE got there first. I don't think it's a matter of THE MATRIX v DARK CITY, in opnion it's THE MATRIX v BLADE. By the way, if there are MATRIX sequels/prequels will it be as good as STAR WARS? NO WAY!!!!!!! THAT'S JUST PLAIN BLASPHEMEY TO SAY THAT MATRIX IS BETTER THAN STAR WARS!!!!!! Does THE MATRIX have a load space ships flying around and blasting the crap out of each other? NO! Does THE MATRIX have a load of badarse soldiers with blasters in hand, shooting out laser blasts and basically (again) blowing the hell out of each other? NO! And one more thing, a jedi can kick Neo's and Blade's arses put together, anyday! Just remember, the force ain't strong with Neo!
THE MATRIX is a rip off from BLADE. by J-Dizzle	Apr 15th, 1999 09:49:28 AM
I can't believe you guys didn't spot the similarities between THE MATRIX and BLADE. I mean think about it....the stunning camera shots, the kung fu, the speed the characters could move, Keanu Reeves' sunglasses and trench coat. They're all taken from BLADE! As soon as I saw Keanu Reeves put on the sunglasses and trench coat and do badarse speed Kung Fu I instantly thought "ain't he trying to copy Wesley Snipes from BLADE?!" Don't get me wrong, I absolutley loved THE MATRIX and think it's one of the best movies of the century. But I can't help thinking that BLADE got there first. I don't think it's a matter of THE MATRIX v DARK CITY, in opnion it's THE MATRIX v BLADE. By the way, if there are MATRIX sequels/prequels will it be as good as STAR WARS? NO WAY!!!!!!! THAT'S JUST PLAIN BLASPHEMEY TO SAY THAT MATRIX IS BETTER THAN STAR WARS!!!!!! Does THE MATRIX have a load space ships flying around and blasting the crap out of each other? NO! Does THE MATRIX have a load of badarse soldiers with blasters in hand, shooting out laser blasts and basically (again) blowing the hell out of each other? NO! And one more thing, a jedi can kick Neo's and Blade's arses put together, anyday! Just remember, the force ain't strong with Neo!
THE MATRIX is a rip off from BLADE. by J-Dizzle	Apr 15th, 1999 09:51:34 AM
I can't believe you guys didn't spot the similarities between THE MATRIX and BLADE. I mean think about it....the stunning camera shots, the kung fu, the speed the characters could move, Keanu Reeves' sunglasses and trench coat. They're all taken from BLADE! As soon as I saw Keanu Reeves put on the sunglasses and trench coat and do badarse speed Kung Fu I instantly thought "ain't he trying to copy Wesley Snipes from BLADE?!" Don't get me wrong, I absolutley loved THE MATRIX and think it's one of the best movies of the century. But I can't help thinking that BLADE got there first. I don't think it's a matter of THE MATRIX v DARK CITY, in opnion it's THE MATRIX v BLADE. By the way, if there are MATRIX sequels/prequels will it be as good as STAR WARS? NO WAY!!!!!!! THAT'S JUST PLAIN BLASPHEMEY TO SAY THAT MATRIX IS BETTER THAN STAR WARS!!!!!! Does THE MATRIX have a load space ships flying around and blasting the crap out of each other? NO! Does THE MATRIX have a load of badarse soldiers with blasters in hand, shooting out laser blasts and basically (again) blowing the hell out of each other? NO! And one more thing, a jedi can kick Neo's and Blade's arses put together, anyday! Just remember, the force ain't strong with Neo!
THE MATRIX is anything BUT a Frickin Blade Rip off! by Cyrus	Apr 16th, 1999 12:37:49 AM
Blade is about a vampire hunter who is part nightstalker part human who takes on a powerful clan of vamps. That's about it. The Matrix is about a young doubting hacker who discovers that reality is :SPOILERS: but a computer generated virtual reality dream world. He goes through a journey of awakening, discovering great power within and to believe in himself, among other things. The Matrix contains concepts of Christianity, Gnosticism, Buddhism, Zen, etc and contains incredible story composition and symmetry. The Matrix brings effects to ANOTHER level. The bullet time effect has NEVER been done before in a feature film. It took 2 years to get 2 of those shots just right. AND they add to the action, unlike Wing Commander's use of it. They combine the Gap style camera movement with compositing and CGI. The Matrix also includes seamless wire stunts which have never been done in an American made film, or any film on the level portrayed in The Matrix. The W Brothers researched glass for 3 months in order to produce the helicopter crash effect. This is a new level in effects, and I'm sure few people thought there would be any other revolutionary effects than TPM. The Matrix takes effects in a new direction with new ideas. Anyways I really don't see how anyone can compare Blade and The Matrix. Blade was a decent comic adaption dark action film. The Matrix has true ideas behind it and has the most amazing adrenaline pumping action scenes ever filmed (arguably). The ONLY similarities between Blade and The Matrix are the fact that the heroes where shades and a trench coat. For your information shades and trench coats have been staples in cyberpunk fiction from the beginning, long before Blade ever came out. The kung fu in The Matrix is tenfold better than Blade. The main stars trained for 4 months and had Yuen Wo Ping as choreographer, this was just far more impressive than any of the fighting scenes in Blade. The Wachowski's have had the idea for The Matrix in the works for 5 years also. Anyone who thinks The Matrix is a rip off of Blade is either simply a moron or payed no frickin attention to The Matrix. The Matrix explores the entire idea of the nature of reality and brings up so many questions... it makes you think.
Matrix VS Star Wars Argument by Cyrus	Apr 16th, 1999 12:48:24 AM
I forgot to mention HAN SOLO's Matrix vs SW mentions. HAN SOLO mentioned that the thing that makes SW better than Matrix is "bad ass blast troopers", "space ships", etc. This is not what makes SW so great. It is the story. The characters, the mythology, all combined with the visual and music is what make it great... not "bad ass blast troopers and space ships". The Matrix contains many themes which Star Wars doesn't touch on, and vice versa. Both are modern day mythologies. Both are excellent. The Matrix gives me close to the Star Wars level feeling. I would go as far to say it is the best sci fi film since the Star Wars trilogy. I just don't think one should compare films that they apparently don't even understand. (The whole Blade vs Matrix vs Star Wars crap)
Re: Blade/Matrix thread. by Epsilon3	Apr 16th, 1999 02:20:10 AM
FYI, HAN SOLO: THE MATRIX used Kung Fu, BLADE used Capoeria, a Brazilian martial art with possible connections to some African martial arts. There's more than one fighting style out there. And THE MATRIX had a plot.
Matrix v. Star Wars by Warrior	Apr 16th, 1999 09:24:59 AM
Ok if Foster Zygote and SSZero are done sucking each other's dicks, maybe we can move on to talking about something else. .............................. ........................... Although no ONE Star Wars movie makes my all time top 5 by itself, together they make up the best movie series in history. My favorite of the three, Empire Strikes Back, would be on my all time top 10, but not 5. I place the Matrix at #4 and Starship Troopers at #3. Ghostbusters is my #1 choice. Of course, these are all MY PERSONAL OPINION and I am not trying to say they are better than anyone else's top 5. ZYGOTE: Why would I not read the novel? Maybe because I am a fan of the MOVIE, not the novel? That's what rabid Heinlein fans like yourself never seem to understand. I don't give a shit what the book is like, I'm a fan of VERHOEVEN'S MOVIE, not Heinlein's book. Did you go out and buy Schindler's List after seeing the movie, cause I sure as Hell didn't! Also, ZYGOTE, my whole POINT was that cloning had nothing to do with time-travel, and having super laser weapons or whatever has nothing to do with interstellar travel. You said "Why do they have warp drive but 20th century weapons", and I was trying to point out that they have absolutely nothing to do with one another, technologies just advance at different rates. SSZERO: If you take 45 minutes to write a post, and then are hurt by what people write back, you need to get off-line and also get a life. By the way, here's my response to your last post: You are a moron. Caio. .................. Warrior.
Re: SSZero \| Matrix and Star Wars by Cyrus	Apr 16th, 1999 10:58:20 AM
Well SSZero here is your second positive regard on Talkback. I agree 100% in what you mentioned about The Matrix being a diamond in the rough, similar to Star Wars in that it leaves studio heads scratching their heads, just as SW did. It truly is a masterpiece. It will be compared to Blade Runner and other sci fi classics in the next 10 years. The Wachowski Bros have created an epic sci fi film... One interesting point here, about the Dark City and Blade comparisons... some common trends I've noticed in those comparisons and reviews. Almost every negative review is negative because the writer did not understand the film. I've read some really ridiculous claims... Some even pan it because they don't get it, and they even MENTION the fact that they don't understand it as reason for lower ratings. I think empty, shallow, blockbuster films, like anything by Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin, have started to rot some of our minds. I will be seeing the Matrix for the 8th time this weekend... It's images are emblazened into my imagination and best of all it makes one wonder, think about things, something very few Hollywood movies do anymore. I used to be with everyone else in really not liking Warner Brothers much at all after Batman and Robin and The Avengers type crap, but The Matrix has totally redeemed WB to me. Can't wait for the DVD.
Makes you wonder by Foster Zygote	Apr 16th, 1999 08:54:21 PM
First anal penetration and now dick sucking... I'm starting to see a real trend in Warriors posts. I mean hey, that's cool. To each his own ya know. But perhaps there are some other websites where he could find others with whom to explore his repressed sexuality? Warriors intellect is displayed be his penchant for the same sort of broad generalities which accompany other human follies like racism, religious persecution and playground fights. I've read Heinlein so I MUST be a "Heinlein fanatic". Yet he and others like him fail to realise with any clarity that their behavior reveals in stark detail just the sort of persons that they really are. The frustration that they feel is tattooed on their faces as they search for the potency which eludes them in real life. Why else would they try to start fights with people who can't even see them? Of course, I'd better be careful. After all this guy IS a warrior isn't he? Look out Warrior! The jocks are behind you and they're gonna give you another swirly in the toilet! And it's obvious that you never spend ANY time formulating the thoughts that you share here.
Hey Everyone Check This Out! by Warrior	Apr 17th, 1999 04:58:04 AM
Read MY last few posts, and then read ZYGOTE's. Who actually makes arguments in favor of his opinions, and who wastes TONS of space attacking the other guy? ZYGOTE's last post had NO response whatsoever to ANY of my points. Not that he could win an argument with me, by any means, but not even trying? And instead making "clever" insights into my personality? I think everyone can see who's really trying to continue the discussion here, and who's the unmitigated JACKASS. ........ Caio, Warrior
What point? by Foster Zygote	Apr 17th, 1999 12:29:06 PM
Honestly Warrior, when have you ever made a point worth responding to. You come here looking for anything to go off on. All someone has to do is say "I don't like this" or "I like this" and without any provocation at all you respond with a post calling that person an "assclown" or a "moron" or a "retard". I'm sorry no one gives you enough attention in your life but why don't you get therapy or grow up? And no one can win an argument with you because you don't know what an arguement is. All you're capable of doing is spewing childish insults. But I'm sure that you'll just keep beating your head against the wall to our amusement.
WOW!! by Hawkeye	Apr 17th, 1999 10:58:24 PM
Just got my ass kicked by this movie. The best sci-fi movie I have seen in more years than I even want to think about. If Ep. One-TPM wasn't coming out next month this movie would no doubt be the blockbuster of the year. This is great sci-fi!! The concept, the story and the characters are strong. The awesone special effects are just icing on the cake.
Good Point by Foster Zygote	Apr 18th, 1999 11:06:48 AM
Good point Hawkeye. Maybe we'll get enough films like this and Episode One to convince the Hollywood execs. that special effects alone aren't enough to make a movie. I mean eye candy is nice, I saw Jurasic (should have been cretacious) Park because I love paleontology and the dinos did look alive. But I'd rather have the effects support the film than the other way around.
blah blah by Warrior	Apr 18th, 1999 01:18:30 PM
Ok, ZYGOTE, I understand, you are giving up and don't want to argue anymore. Perfectly understandable. I'm finished wasting my breath on you, you useless old fart. By the way, for someone who loves Paleontology, you should really learn how to spell "cretaceous". HAWKEYE: How do you think Star Wars will do at the box office? Can it beat Titanic? George Lucas says he thinks not, in Vanity Fair he said he would be "surprised" if it passed $500M in the US market. Of course, worldwide it may pass the big boat, but what do you think the chances are?
Box office by Hawkeye	Apr 18th, 1999 02:32:44 PM
Yes, I believe TPM will sink Titanic at the box office. Star Wars was one of the first movies people went to see over and over again. Now the SW fan base is even bigger and I can't see that repeat business changing. I myself will be going to see it 2 or 3 times. How about you other "Geeks" out there?
Box office by Foster Zygote	Apr 18th, 1999 03:31:59 PM
So Warrior, You think you're a winner because you've pointed out a typo? Well for someone who loves ordinance so much you should know that there's no such thing as a ".50mm cannon". Perhaps you mean the 50mm antitank gun little used since early WWII, or the .50 inch Colt/Browning heavy machine gun (not a cannon, no explosive shells). But does it really matter? Does anyone besides you really give a shit about a typo? You must be getting really desperate and frustrated. "Old fart" oh, the agony! I'm so ashamed of being 30. I really wish that clever 15(?) year old hadn't pointed that out. And here's another small victory for you. I inadvertantly typed "John" instead of "Roger" Waters earlier. But I just HAD to fire my editor, he was drinking all my Guiness. You do realise that I don't get angry when I read your posts? In fact I find you highly amusing. As for the Star Wars box office: I think Lucas is simply being politely humble. If he said "I'm gonna crush Titanic like a bug" he'd sound like a dickhead. He's simply being a gentleman. Cammeron already said he expects Episode One to outdo Titanic. Matrix will be remembered fondly but it too will be overshadowed by Star Wars.
Star Wars v. Titanic by Warrior	Apr 18th, 1999 04:11:48 PM
ZYGOTE: You drink Guiness? My God, there may be hope for you yet. And your posting actually said something of value, also. I see you are turning over a new leaf. I disagree with you on the Phantom Menace versus Titanic question. Titanic was (in my opinion) an okay movie (7 out of 10 or so), but it was a US box office PHENOMENON. The conditions which spawned its $600 million were very rare and unusual. They included: 1) A movie with broad appeal, across all demographics. 2) Weak competition, appearing in the non-summer months. 3) Negligible declines for weeks and weeks as its fans saw it over and over. Now, Star Wars is opening in the summer, with serious competition as early as 4 weeks after its opening date. Also, its unclear whether or not there are enough people who will see it repeatedly. There are the core science fiction/special effects buffs, but as seen with Starship Troopers, these people are only capable of adding about $50M to a movie's total. Then there are all the loyal Star Wars fans, of which there are many. However, one area of weakness is in getting millions of women out to see Phantom Menace. While I'm sure there are alot of female Star Wars fans, I think the majority of the audience (say, 65%) will be male. With Titanic, it was 50-50, because the girls all dragged their significant others if they hesitated to go. My fiancee hauled me off to see it twice, so I am guilty of seeing Titanic three times (and I only rated it a 7 - I never see "sevens" more than once). ANYWAY.....maybe I am wrong and Star Wars will exceed $600 million. From what I have read in some sources, however, during the two Phantom Menace trailers many younger people had a lukewarm response. I was too young to see the first one in the theater, so maybe I'm not as fanatical as some older people. If young teens and twentysomethings don't show up in large numbers, no way will it top Titanic. Nostalgia thrills for 30 year olds will not make a movie $600 million. If the 12 to 20 year olds don't show up, and show up repeatedly, Titanic will remain champ.
Then again... by Foster Zygote	Apr 18th, 1999 04:40:49 PM
When was the last time a theater was packed just to see a trailer? When the special edition hit theaters I went to see A New Hope on opening night and the whole place was packed, to see a twenty year old movie! And when the lights went down the crowd erupted in applause! True, a whole generation has been raised after the "Star Wars" experience but I talked to some 17 year olds at the theater who were excited to be there because they had never gotten to see it in the theater the first time around. The 12 to 16 year old crowd will depend on their parents or older siblings for a ride to the show so I'm not sure what effect they'll have. I think that if the visuals were to be no better than say Jedi, the appeal to potential fans would be limited. But this film promises to be as visually groundbreaking as the first was in 1977. Kids today see A New Hope and say "Big deal" but in '77 there were no VCRs, no cable, no dish TV etc. In Chicago we got only seven channels including the two VHF stations. If The Phantom Menace has the level of visual thrills as indicated by the trailers and 60 Minutes footage, and the same epic storytelling as the first trilogy (Remember that Lucas has probably matured as a storyteller over time) Then people who have never been big fans of the first three will flock to the silver screen in droves. Teenage girls may have seen Titanic repeatedly because of DeCaprio but I saw it because of the incredible new visual technology. And I think that despite the cool "Bug" effects in Starship Troopers it suffered heavily from its extreme R rating. It's just not an "all ages" film.
SSZERO, Foster Zygote by Warrior	Apr 19th, 1999 06:03:18 AM
SSZERO: Oh, will you please shut up? Your whining is pathetic. Listen carefully, clown. I would stack my grammar and writing skills up against you ANYDAY. Ever taken the GRE exams? What was your written expression percentile? Close to 94? I don't think so. How many novels have you written and had published locally or regionally? Short stories? Are you studying to be a high school english teacher? Don't try to impress ME with your writing ability, trust me you are outclassed. Sorry to bruise your delicate ego, moron. ZYGOTE: You may be right about the excitement generated by Star Wars: TPM equalling the 1977 original, but you have to remember that today there are VCRs, satellite, cable, etc etc. Are the kids going to come see it over and over, or will they be distracted by Sony playstation and shift their short attention-spans? P.S. Do you think Lucas "maturing" as a storyteller may mean he has lost his connection to the fan base? Maybe a "mature" story is not the one the fans want.....
alright alright... by J-Dizzle	Apr 19th, 1999 03:52:03 PM
I stand corrected. But I still think there's a lot of similarites between BLADE and THE MATRIX. Another thing, I never knew that the idea of THE MATRIX had around for 5 years. Whether or not each movie used a different style of Martial Arts makes no difference to me. IT'S STILL FUCKING MARTIAL ARTS FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! IT'S STILL THE SAME SORT OF SHIT! Not that I'm saying Martial Arts is shit of course. Now Cyrus was talking about this whole MATRIX v STAR WARS v BLADE v DARK CITY being a complete waste of time. Well if such a waste of time then how come so many people are expressing their opnions about it. If you think it's a waste of time, then you don't read it. It's as simple as that. People are interested in comparing movies. That's one of things that makes Talback special. People can express their opnions, not I doubt Cyrus' opnions. Cyrus made some really good points.
The Matrix is the best film I've seen since Pulp Fiction by prajadhipok	Apr 19th, 1999 08:13:49 PM
Yeah, that's right. No other film since that 1994 masterpiece has gotten my attention with every frame. No other movie since has kept me wondering what was gonna happen next. The Matrix rocks in every possible way or meaning of the term. The Bullet-Cam scene alone was worth waiting for for 2 hours. And Trinity, whoa... what a foxy chick! I'm just glad they didn't go overboard with the action scenes (Armageddon), and the casting was in no doubt an underdogs dream... who wouldve thought Hugo Weaving (the voice of Rex in Babe) would be such a badass villain! Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne were just great. Forget the fact that they starred in "PointBreak" and "Pee Wee's Playhouse!"
Regarding HAN SOLO (Matrix and Blade similarities?) by Cyrus	Apr 20th, 1999 01:34:55 AM
Okay, I never said that comparing Matrix, Star Wars, Blade, Dark City, Mary Poppins, etc was a waste of time. Where did you get that? I just said that IMO The Matrix and Blade shouldn't really be compared and ESPECIALLY one being a "rip off" of the other, they are very different films. I find it very interesting that one would see major similarities in Blade and Matrix besides lots of originally shot kinetic action and heroes who wear sun glasses and a trench coat. Blade is a great comic book film, while The Matrix is a great comic book film as well, but it is a deeper film IMO with more of a story, and has more eye opening, rivetting moments. This doesn't even touch on the vastly different storyline properties... Blade contains none of the high tech cyberpunk themes, Matrix has nothing to do with vampires, etc. I'd like to see you point out why you feel that The Matrix is so similar to Blade.
Bring me the head of Keanu Reeves by plasticmonster	Apr 20th, 1999 10:05:49 AM
I liked everything about it but Keanu. I think Keanu would have trouble hacking into a loaf of bread, let alone a computer. Anyone who reads dialog like he does, will never be "the one"
What is the Matrix? by Eyes-Only	Apr 21st, 1999 04:50:20 AM
You see, I live in the UK so I won't get to see this "amazing" sci-fi movie for a few months yet. Bumer! It sounds really cool from reading review after review! There are only a few films I'm really looking forward to this year and they're here: - Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, --->Yes MATRIX
What is the Matrix? by Eyes-Only	Apr 21st, 1999 04:53:49 AM
You see, I live in the UK so I won't get to see this "amazing" sci-fi movie for a few months yet. Bumer! It sounds really cool from reading review after review! There are only a few films I'm really looking forward to this year and they're here: - Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, --->Yes MATRIX
Carrie-Ann Moss and the special effects kick ASS! by deshy	Apr 21st, 1999 11:59:07 PM
When I saw the preview of "The Matrix" , I though it would have some cool special effects , but be really lame. Damn I was so wrong. With the unbelievable special effects and incredible fights scenes this movie has become a blockbuster. Also the fact that they have some really hot chick kicking some ass takes the popularity of this movie to new heights. It was nice to see Laurence Fishburne as well. As for Keanu, it was fun seeing his face, but if they picked someone else well known it would have worked too. Bottom line "Mind blowing effects and fight scenes and one bad ass chick" propel what could have been a dud into a nuclear arsenal!
MATRIX & BLADE SIMILARITIES by J-Dizzle	Apr 22nd, 1999 01:40:19 PM
Well, the reason for my opinion is that it's mainly because of the stunning camara shots of the bullets flying through the air, and the Kung Fu, sunglasses etc. To tell you the truth, I haven't really seen any other movies that have used all these aspects in one combination. When I was watching THE MATRIX, BLADE just suddenly popped into my head. I don't know, maybe I get the feeling that Keanu Reeves was trying to imitate Wesley Snipes, and once I thought of that all these other similarities came into my mind (especially the bullet camara shots), remember the scene in which Blade tried to shoot Frost but the bullets narrowly missed him? Do you remember how you saw the bullets flow through the air? That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Once I thought one similarity another came into my mind. It's not like as if I did on purpose, that's just how things go sometimes.
MATRIX & BLADE SIMILARITIES by J-Dizzle	Apr 22nd, 1999 01:41:36 PM
Well, the reason for my opinion is that it's mainly because of the stunning camara shots of the bullets flying through the air, and the Kung Fu, sunglasses etc. To tell you the truth, I haven't really seen any other movies that have used all these aspects in one combination. When I was watching THE MATRIX, BLADE just suddenly popped into my head. I don't know, maybe I get the feeling that Keanu Reeves was trying to imitate Wesley Snipes, and once I thought of that all these other similarities came into my mind (especially the bullet camara shots), remember the scene in which Blade tried to shoot Frost but the bullets narrowly missed him? Do you remember how you saw the bullets flow through the air? That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Once I thought one similarity another came into my mind. It's not like as if I did on purpose, that's just how things go sometimes.
MATRIX & BLADE SIMILARITIES by J-Dizzle	Apr 22nd, 1999 01:41:36 PM
Well, the reason for my opinion is that it's mainly because of the stunning camara shots of the bullets flying through the air, and the Kung Fu, sunglasses etc. To tell you the truth, I haven't really seen any other movies that have used all these aspects in one combination. When I was watching THE MATRIX, BLADE just suddenly popped into my head. I don't know, maybe I get the feeling that Keanu Reeves was trying to imitate Wesley Snipes, and once I thought of that all these other similarities came into my mind (especially the bullet camara shots), remember the scene in which Blade tried to shoot Frost but the bullets narrowly missed him? Do you remember how you saw the bullets flow through the air? That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Once I thought one similarity another came into my mind. It's not like as if I did on purpose, that's just how things go sometimes.
MATRIX & BLADE SIMILARITIES by J-Dizzle	Apr 22nd, 1999 01:44:51 PM
Well, the reason for my opinion is that it's mainly because of the stunning camara shots of the bullets flying through the air, and the Kung Fu, sunglasses etc. To tell you the truth, I haven't really seen any other movies that have used all these aspects in one combination. When I was watching THE MATRIX, BLADE just suddenly popped into my head. I don't know, maybe I get the feeling that Keanu Reeves was trying to imitate Wesley Snipes, and once I thought of that all these other similarities came into my mind (especially the bullet camara shots), remember the scene in which Blade tried to shoot Frost but the bullets narrowly missed him? Do you remember how you saw the bullets flow through the air? That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Once I thought one similarity another came into my mind. It's not like as if I did on purpose, that's just how things go sometimes.
MATRIX & BLADE SIMILARITIES by J-Dizzle	Apr 22nd, 1999 01:44:57 PM
Well, the reason for my opinion is that it's mainly because of the stunning camara shots of the bullets flying through the air, and the Kung Fu, sunglasses etc. To tell you the truth, I haven't really seen any other movies that have used all these aspects in one combination. When I was watching THE MATRIX, BLADE just suddenly popped into my head. I don't know, maybe I get the feeling that Keanu Reeves was trying to imitate Wesley Snipes, and once I thought of that all these other similarities came into my mind (especially the bullet camara shots), remember the scene in which Blade tried to shoot Frost but the bullets narrowly missed him? Do you remember how you saw the bullets flow through the air? That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Once I thought one similarity another came into my mind. It's not like as if I did on purpose, that's just how things go sometimes.
MATRIX & BLADE SIMILARITIES by J-Dizzle	Apr 22nd, 1999 01:45:07 PM
Well, the reason for my opinion is that it's mainly because of the stunning camara shots of the bullets flying through the air, and the Kung Fu, sunglasses etc. To tell you the truth, I haven't really seen any other movies that have used all these aspects in one combination. When I was watching THE MATRIX, BLADE just suddenly popped into my head. I don't know, maybe I get the feeling that Keanu Reeves was trying to imitate Wesley Snipes, and once I thought of that all these other similarities came into my mind (especially the bullet camara shots), remember the scene in which Blade tried to shoot Frost but the bullets narrowly missed him? Do you remember how you saw the bullets flow through the air? That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Once I thought one similarity another came into my mind. It's not like as if I did on purpose, that's just how things go sometimes.
MATRIX & BLADE SIMILARITIES by J-Dizzle	Apr 22nd, 1999 01:45:12 PM
Well, the reason for my opinion is that it's mainly because of the stunning camara shots of the bullets flying through the air, and the Kung Fu, sunglasses etc. To tell you the truth, I haven't really seen any other movies that have used all these aspects in one combination. When I was watching THE MATRIX, BLADE just suddenly popped into my head. I don't know, maybe I get the feeling that Keanu Reeves was trying to imitate Wesley Snipes, and once I thought of that all these other similarities came into my mind (especially the bullet camara shots), remember the scene in which Blade tried to shoot Frost but the bullets narrowly missed him? Do you remember how you saw the bullets flow through the air? That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Once I thought one similarity another came into my mind. It's not like as if I did on purpose, that's just how things go sometimes.
MATRIX & BLADE SIMILARITIES by J-Dizzle	Apr 22nd, 1999 01:45:21 PM
Well, the reason for my opinion is that it's mainly because of the stunning camara shots of the bullets flying through the air, and the Kung Fu, sunglasses etc. To tell you the truth, I haven't really seen any other movies that have used all these aspects in one combination. When I was watching THE MATRIX, BLADE just suddenly popped into my head. I don't know, maybe I get the feeling that Keanu Reeves was trying to imitate Wesley Snipes, and once I thought of that all these other similarities came into my mind (especially the bullet camara shots), remember the scene in which Blade tried to shoot Frost but the bullets narrowly missed him? Do you remember how you saw the bullets flow through the air? That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Once I thought one similarity another came into my mind. It's not like as if I did on purpose, that's just how things go sometimes.
MATRIX & BLADE SIMILARITIES by J-Dizzle	Apr 22nd, 1999 01:45:30 PM
Well, the reason for my opinion is that it's mainly because of the stunning camara shots of the bullets flying through the air, and the Kung Fu, sunglasses etc. To tell you the truth, I haven't really seen any other movies that have used all these aspects in one combination. When I was watching THE MATRIX, BLADE just suddenly popped into my head. I don't know, maybe I get the feeling that Keanu Reeves was trying to imitate Wesley Snipes, and once I thought of that all these other similarities came into my mind (especially the bullet camara shots), remember the scene in which Blade tried to shoot Frost but the bullets narrowly missed him? Do you remember how you saw the bullets flow through the air? That's the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Once I thought one similarity another came into my mind. It's not like as if I did on purpose, that's just how things go sometimes.
US productions going offshore by MARVO	Apr 22nd, 1999 10:14:24 PM
I know I have seen a good movie when I have images of it floating through my head late at night. Fantastic visual effects produced in Australia. I would like to know what US viewers think about films increasingly being produced offshore. Oh look.. I have enough money to go see it again tonight. Yippeeeee!
Soundtrack by Skinny Geek	Apr 23rd, 1999 10:24:30 AM
Does anyone know which (if any) song on the soundtrack is playing during the building lobby destruction scene? Thanks in advance for any help. Skinny Geek
Nebuchadnezza by Skinny Geek	Apr 23rd, 1999 11:58:58 AM
Something just occurred to me about the name of the hovercraft - the name plate said "Made in the USA" and had the year (2099, I think). Since Nebuchadnezza was punished for hubris, it may follow that ship's name refures to the hubris the people/society that built the ship and were also responsible for AI (not necessarily the USA, but human society of that era). Morpheus didn't build the ship, it just belongs to him now. So he probably didn't name it either. Sorry for the ramble.
Matrix Surprised Me by Monstaa	Apr 24th, 1999 02:24:20 AM
I saw THE MATRIX yesterday. I expected great special effects but a lame story--all sizzle and no steak, if you will. Boy was I wrong. Sure the film steals a bit from every recent sci-fi theme around--BLADE RUNNER meets TERMINATOR with X-FILES and SYNDICATE WARS thrown in for good measure, but this movie shakes all those elements together and produces a mixture that rocks and stays with you long after its over.
Wow! by Webby	Apr 24th, 1999 07:52:36 PM
I must say..... What a hell of a movie! It was great! I'm really picky and I think that The Matrix was definately a ten.
Matrix vs. Dark City by CephasC	Apr 26th, 1999 09:26:56 PM
After 9 identical posts from Han Solo I hate to break the monotony but here goes. I thought Matrix was a great movie, and I'll definitely buy the DVD when it comes out. But comparisons to Dark City to me seems a bit ludicrous. 10 years from now, Dark City will still be an item of discussion, and Matrix will fade into the background. Why? ACTING! Matrix is very intertaining, has a very interesting premise, and definitely has some very cool special effects. I enjoyed it immmensely. On the other hand, Dark City has all the above, with the addition of an essential element that Matrix lacks, ACTING! If you don't understand the what I mean in this, the Ebert commentary on Dark City (on the DVD) is very illuminating. Wait a few years before you respond to this comment and you will see what I mean.
The Theory Behind The Matrix by octafish	Apr 27th, 1999 12:11:28 PM
I can't believe no one's talked about this yet, but here goes. This should give some insight into what was going on in the directors' heads when they were writing the movie... You remember at the beginning of the movie, when Keanu was in his little room and some people came over wanting some software or something from him? He got the disk out of a hollow book from his shelf... the book's title was quite clearly "Simulacra and Simulation", which is a fairly famous work by french social theorist Jean Baudrillard. I love these types of little clues in movies. There is already a comment on Amazon.com (look up Sim&Sim and read the reader reviews) by someone (not me) that mentions the Matrix. Basically, the Matrix is a loose allegory about the capitalistic, consumer society we live in. I haven't read all of Sim&Sim so I can't tell how far this goes -- if someone out there's read it I would be interested in your comments. It is about how our wants and needs are artificially manipulated by the machinery of corporations, advertising, mass culture, etc though it seems natural to us. The ideas of Baudrillard are extremely interesting and complex, and work well in support of the movie's premise -- however, they are by no means a 'key' for the movie since, in the interests of being entertaining, it strays from the theory into standard movie action/violence. In fact, if the movie is meant to be taken as a critique of the consumer society, we should note the fact that the movie itself appeals to the consumer as much as anything; it contains numerous examples of product placement, for example. A particularly funny (to me) example of this is when Fishburne is explaining where the matrix gets its power from. He is making the point that humans are batteries for the machines, but he never uses the word 'battery'. Instead, he holds up a battery -- but not just any battery. It is quite clearly a copper and black battery, intantly recognizable to any consumer as a Duracell battery. Clever, possibly unintentional(?), product placement. We instantly think "battery" and "Duracell" when we see a copper and black cylinder because the consumer society, by means of marketing/advertising, has conditioned us this way. Thus the movie employs its own premise.
Ender's Game by tbronaugh	Apr 27th, 1999 08:50:25 PM
i'd love to see this happen.. but It would be hard to have that many children be convincing..I guess
Acting in The Matrix (and Dark City) by Cyrus	Apr 29th, 1999 02:43:44 AM
Okay I have to disagree on the person who said that Dark City will be the classic because of the acting. First off I love both films. I feel Rufus Sewell, John Hurt, the beautiful Jennifer Connelly, etc were very good in Dark City, in fact Kiefer Sutherland turned over probably my favorite performance of his since The Lost Boys. I also feel that The Matrix had great acting as well. This is sci fi so the actin g has to be at a certain level so that one can suspend disbelief fully. I feel both movies actors accomplished this. However I think Hugo Weaving was more remarkable than anyone in Dark City. I think he should be considered come awards time. I also feel that Keanu Reeves gets way too much criticism. I think he brings a certain energy to all of his characters. Sure some of his parts didn't fit him as well as others, but The Matrix was perfect. I can't see anyone else pulling Neo off as well as he does. Then there is the always good Laurence Fishbourne, and the now megastar Carrie-Ann Moss. Frankly, I don't see what is so much better about the acting in Dark City than The Matrix as one pointed out. I don't think they should really be compared, both are great films and both are classics.
The Matrix by leahorgana	May 4th, 1999 09:03:17 PM
I also loathe the so-called acting of Keanu Reeves. However, I think you perfectly described why I his Neo was not a distraction from the movie, but a clever utilization of his "acting" ability. A movie so kickass that Keanu can't ruin it!
Matrix was real, real bad. by mercator	May 10th, 1999 09:15:58 PM
Lawrence Fishburne looked cool doin' the Kung Fu, but the plot was half-baked, and the dialog was atrociously bad. I didn't even think the film looked that good either. I'm sorry, but the special effects were only so-so because the director didn't seem to have any visual inspiration beyond "look how cool this looks in sloowwww-mo." I was expecting to be blown away, but spent the whole film waiting for something interesting to happen. Nothing really did. Skip it.
The Matrix by Deni	May 14th, 1999 06:41:41 AM
Sorry but I cannot understand all the excitement for this film. Yes the effects looked good but most of the good ones were in the trailers/ads anyway. The storyline was excellent, so why didnt they use it better? The baddie was picked out STRAIGHT AWAY by not just me but half the audience I was with, and oh my god, that ending??? Looks like a great way to start a TV series!! (quoting my movie partner here). Lets hope film-makers realise soon that effects alone do not make a movie.
So I'm a little bit late. by Hamadryad	May 14th, 1999 10:45:37 AM
A few points: a) I thought "The Matrix" was fab. Good effects, well-thought out plot, good acting. b) Anyone who disagrees with me about the acting...all right. This is all about opinion. I agree that Keanu Reeves is a little bit wooden. The W brothers hired him largely in part because he was one of the only actors to whom they described the plot...AND HE UNDERSTOOD IT. They specifically said that they wanted actors who were able to understand what they were going for, and not just spout back Oscar-caliber acting of lines and situations about which they had no clue. Carrie Anne Moss (is that right?) was just as "wooden" in her performance, but a lot of you seem able to completely overlook that because she is a "babe." All right. Again, opinion. In my opinion, a "wooden" style of acting is perfect for this movie. Think about it: these people live in a world in which they are the few who understand that the "real" world isn't real at all. They can't dodge out to a movie when they get tense. They don't have mocha-latte frappuccino waiting for them after a hard day working at Burger King. They spend every day in a drab world where everything outside is against them and nothing inside will believe them. How animated would YOUR speech be?? c) Matrix vs Dark City vs Star Wars vs TII vs Blade Runner vs whatever other movie people liked more: Well, whatever, man. George Lucas is more grounded in reality than y'all (which is sort of pathetic if you think about it). While we little people with our butts in our chairs and our eyes bathed in the faint blue glow of our CRT's whine about this vs that vs the other and the relative "kick-ass-ness" of each, and accuse each other of blasphemy, anal fixation and scrotal fetishes (charming!), the person who actually MADE the movie that people call comparisons to "blasphemous" says...get this..."It's only a movie, get over it." Good advice for all, I think. d) I have to say this about the WWW trailer as well...good god. James West is black! There's rap music! And a huge motorized spider-thing is blowing up an old west town! Oooooookay. I was all about this movie until I saw the trailer...four times...and now I'm not interested at all. and no, I couldn't care less that Will Smith is black, nor that he's in this movie, but at that time, a black law enforcement officer would have a LOT more to get past than an evil bad guy or two (did anyone else see "Blazing Saddles?" "A BLACK SHERIFF?"). e) One more thing...that indie flick "American Pie" that they showed trailers for...my cousin's in it. I didn't know it until I saw the trailer. Not bragging, 'cause it's not like I put her there, but I thought it was kind of cool. :)
That Hilarious movie 'The Matrix' by Bonescan	May 15th, 1999 07:17:22 AM
A few interesting effects does not qualify an otherwise massively dull and stupid movie as "Great". Lets get real people, 'The Matrix' may very well be the worst movie of the 1990's (or at least in the top five). 2 hours of the usually cool Laurence Fishburne explaining everything constantly to goofus Keanu drove us nuts. I mean, by the time the "all knowing" Oracle shows up and turns out to be some old woman baking cookies in an apartment (I'm not kidding), this movie died. The ten minutes of action didn't even come close to the awesome scenes in 'Blade' and to say 'The Matrix' and the great 'Dark City' in the same sentence is almost a sin. The martial arts scenes don't even compare to the many great Chinese action movies that I own (get hold of Jet Li films and learn). I do have to admit though that 'The Matrix' was so bad that it was hilarious. Our moviegoing group of six laughed throughout this piece of crap. 'nuff said.
UK Version of The Matrix Cut by 13s by Jenz	May 25th, 1999 07:31:29 AM
Jeez the Nanny state strikes again. The UK Version of The Matrix has been cut by 13 seconds to achieve the Warner Brother desired 15 Cert. The restrictions of the BBFC Classifications would have forced an 18 Cert. If you dont think 13 seconds is much, close your eyes and slowly count to 13. Then imagine the footage missing from the film... Guess we'll just have to buy the Region 1 DVD ;)
The Matrix & Blade by stephens	May 27th, 1999 12:18:48 PM
Hi I'v have The Matrix and Blade on VideoCD (Blade on normal Video) and have watched both of them loads (had the Matrix 3 days and seen it 5 times, had Blade much longer seen it more). I admit there are similaritlys but the original message on this topic stated that the guy didn't know of any other film that used the same stlye of shots, try Blade Runner. Blade Runner has very similar styles in its shots. Also after watching both films loads, I can say for sure that the Matrix is better than Blade. Not tring to put down Blade or anything its absolutly brilliant but The Matrix just has something it doesnt that you just cant put your finger on. Sure Blade has one of the best end sequence fights in film history but it is overshadowed by The Matrix's 'resucue attempt' sequence. thats about it really David UK
Even though the Wachowski's don't... by NaturalSelection	May 31st, 1999 10:19:24 PM
I've always liked "Assassins". How about an appearance from Corky in "The Matrix: Part 2" ?
HUGO WEAVING??? by Owen Meany	Jun 6th, 1999 11:29:08 PM
NO ONE SEEMS TO BE AT ALL INTERESTED IN THE CHARACTER OF AGENT SMITH, AS PLAYED BY HUGO WEAVING. DAMN, HE WAS GOOD. THIS IS ONE ACTOR WHO DESERVES MORE ATTENTION - NO I AM NOT A RELATIVE. IT IS INTERESTING TO CONTRAST HIS PERFORMANCE TO THAT OF LAWRENCE FISHBURNE. ONE BECOMES HIS CHARACTER AND THE OTHER ENFORCES HIS OWN PERSONALITY INTO THE CHARACTER. IF YOU DONT THINK SO, CHECK OUT PROOF, THE INTERVIEW, OR PRISCILLA (QUEEN OF THE DESERT) YOU'LL SEE WHAT I MEAN.
The Matrix by gdpayne	Jun 12th, 1999 02:23:20 PM
I HATE Americans Do you not get it? The beginning and end of the movie are about setting youself free from the restrictions placed on you my your society. Forget the restrictions and GROW. So many writeups have focused on the martial arts. Hell, that was there for you, "Whoo, its cool", but it didn't actually say anything, did it? The Matrix was a great Cyberpunk film. If you don't get it, you probably didn't get it. Take yourself out to some hillbilly town and try not to inflict yourself on the future of mankind. The world is bigger than it seems you can understand. No loss.
Short But Sweet by Frenchy	Jun 15th, 1999 05:45:35 AM
I Just Wanted to say... HOW THE HELL COULD YOU NOT LIKE THIS MOVIE...DAMMIT! All you people out there really have NO appreciation for a good movie. Finally someone decides to make something NEW, not a CRAP REMAKE of some foreign movie, or of an old classic that was fine untouched!!! It has thought, it has humour, it has anything you want. But most of all it has MIND BLOWING special effects. How could you not like it... Oh, i get it, your favourite movie was the Horse Whispere...ahh No Wonder!(Robert Redford looks like he's advertising for dental floss or something with his Cheesy Smile!) Well, i guess there has to be stupid people on this earth or it would just be boring, wouldn't it...
matrix....... ;p by Luc`Pion	Jun 20th, 1999 02:36:24 PM
Hi, I just saw the matrix in the theatre and what you wrote is just like i felt. ___ i'm from holland and you've been on tv here a 'long' time ago. I bookmarked the page then but i never really looked deeep in it After the matrix i could only think of this page... And you're right about everything! Keep it going! + respect for the way you describe it all bye Luc Pion
THE MATRIX by HornyBitch	Jun 21st, 1999 02:04:20 AM
OK, so Keanu isn't the world's greatest actor but my god does he look hot in this {thoroughly enjoyable} film. Let's just say I want him to Fuck me so badly!
Keanu kung-fu fighting?! by Lilpilgrim	Jun 24th, 1999 12:15:57 PM
Okay, over in the UK, films arrive a little slow. But boy are some films worth the wait... The first half hour was worrying for me. I thought of the good money I had wasted to see this pap. Then, suddenly, it began to pick up. Things began to make sense. The plot began to unfold...Granted, it took a few guffaws and chortles to overcome the sight of Keanu Reeves splaying his arms about in Martial Art fashion, but by the end of the film, even I believed he was 'The One'. The coolest, most spectacular scene though, was the shootout with guns, glasses and lots of PVC, all set against the backdrop of a pounding, scorching soundtrack. Not perfect, but very, very cool. I came out of the cinema frothing at the mouth (not unusual considering my mental incapabilities), and several days later, am still completely in awe of this superbly entertaining film. Adrenaline city, folks.
MATRIX by SD	Jun 28th, 1999 01:04:30 PM
The Matrix is a brilliant movie worthy of comparison to the classics -- Blade Runner, Star Wars and Terminator. It is the only sci-fi film I've seen in the past decade that will long outlive its initial notoriety. Although I respect everyone's opinions, I have to say I believe that most people who reject the Matrix as a great film, are not aware of deeper meaning of the film or the myriad allusions to the story-telling tradition. I'll start my critique of the film with things that are easily defensible. 1) The special effects were amazing, innovative, fresh, and jaw-dropping. 2)The film looked incredibly good. The actors were toned, fit, and each came off as impeccably cool -- from the 3 Agents to Mouse. The casting director did an excellent job. Costumes: HOTT! Enough said. Leather, vinyl, innovative clip-on shades, what else do you need? Cinematography: Did you notice the slightly green tint every shot had that corresponded to the computer sequences of the Matrix itself? This film was beautifully shot and rendered. I could get even more detailed in my praise of the mechanics of the film but I won't. What I'll do now is present my case for how brilliant this film is. First of all, The Matrix tells us the tried-and-true story of the Savior. It corresponds exactly to the Hero Cycle as described by Myth-Guru, Joseph Campbell. Neo is chosen for reasons unbeknownst to him. This is his mark of strangeness. He rejects his quest and denies that he is the one. In the greatest time of trial however, (his faux death inside of the Matrix) he is re-animated by the infusion of self-less love (Trinity) and vanquishes evil. Then there is the triumphant return depicted by the monologue at the end of the film with the closing shot of New flying from the ground into the heavens. The reason this story resonates with us is because it is the story of Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, King Arthur and almost any other mythic hero you can think of. Each one of these figures must face his human limitation his mortality (Jesus does it on the cross, King Arthur against Mordred, Buddha in his quest for enlightenment),each one must transcend his mortality to claim the mantle of greatness and to be truly named Savior. Neo is a perfect example this type of hero. Then there is the point of the story which goes beyond The Savior myth to relay some genuine information about the current state of mankind. The Matrix could easily be demonstrated as a metaphor for various societal constructs like race, gender, and class. Each of these constructs depends not only on the laws and policy that supports these categories but the individual belief systems of the people contained therein. Question: is a person who thinks he's not black, black? Is a person who thinks he is black, black? Ex. Tiger Woods, Michael Jackson,Jennifer Beals, Mariah Carey. The status of honorary white afforded to African-American Stars in South Africa like Whitney Houston. Is a person who thinks he's rich, rich? Or one who thinks he's poor, poor? Ex.Mother Theresa, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe. If the individuals should somehow gain the ability to see these constructs(THE MATRIX) for what they really are(artificial classifications devoid of innate truth), then their power over these individuals disintegrates. This is precisely the meaning of the film. When Neo abandons the belief structure of the Matrix he is able to see its component parts and deal with it accordingly, subsquently reconstructing it as he sees fit. How marvelous it would be if real people were able to throw off the restrictions and limitations imposed on them by the "real" matrix, that of society. The Matrix ultimately is an incredibly well-thought out critique of the world in which we find ourselves, not the one in which we will and should be addressed as such. Keanu Reeves was perfect as the clueless, "golden child". I don't suppose many of you recall the awkwardness of King Arthur in The Once and Future King or the vunerability of Paul Atreides of Dune. There were many more allusions and nods to other genres like The Western, and Anime. But if I were to continue this would become a dissertation instead of a simple email posting designed to give you some food for thought. The Wachowski Brothers have made an awesome film one that will certainly give future generations an accurate critique of late 90's popular culture. If you didn't understand the Matrix the first time, I suggest you see it a second one.
The Oracle didn't lie by Bivith	Jul 16th, 1999 09:23:17 AM
The Oracle didn't lie when she said Neo wasn't the one. She said if he was the one he would know it. Then she said "Maybe in another life". Neo had to die to become the one (christ metaphors abound in this film), and when he was resurrected he knew he was the one. He could see the Matrix as it truly was, and thus knew he was the One, "in another life". Credit to the wife for getting that, cos I didn't. Nearly every line, and action in The Matrix has some significance. I wan't to see it again.
AM I THE ONE??? by MATRIX FANBOY	Dec 15th, 1999 08:20:46 AM
HOLY TALEEDO!!! The Wachoswki Bros. had fun! I have been forever changed thanks to The Matrix. Someone prove me wrong (or try to) when I say the Matrix is the greatest action-sci-fi movie ever!!!! Keanu Reeves (Ted) is annoying in just about every movie he wanders into but as Neo he made me take another glance at his past efforts (I don't see him as Ted anymore, now he's Neo).
the matrix????? by albowski	Feb 19th, 2000 07:07:51 PM
I didn`t get to see this in a theatre but I have just watched it on video.........mmmmmmmm...very disappointing. Keanu is better than usual and the story is good but they failed to do anything with it. The fight scenes in slow motion were stupid and the agents too dull to be even slightly scary. I may be in the minority but this film is verging on being totally shit!!!! I may be a glutten for punishment, but i`ll give it a week and give it another chance.
The Matrix Got Me by Andymation	May 23rd, 2000 12:11:01 PM
Hell yeah,Harry, Matrix is one of the best movies that is ever gonna' be made by mankind. Even though some of the same ideas was introduced in Alex Proyas impressing "Dark City", "The Matrix" is one of the most original, philosophical and just straight up cool flicks I've ever ever seen. The effects were great too, except from the bug that they put in Neo. It looked kinda' fake. Anyway, that's not the point. I say "The Matrix" deserved the Oscar for best picture and that it was an offence to the Wachowski brothers that it wasn't awarded in that cathegory (The cathegory who really matters, anyway..)
Matrix review, I'd like to add... by DreamWeaver	Nov 12th, 2000 09:03:01 AM
Matrix has within it a statement about the world today, and a very accurate one in my eyes. Besides all of the "cool" and exciting elements that make the first Matrix movie a very entertaining film, there is a huge metaphysical element that draws on Alice In Wonderland (pretty obvious), Wizard of Oz, Christianity and Buddhism. I'm not talking about the obvious things like the mirrors, the white rabbit, the whole Neo falls in, the spoon bending, or the idea of a savior. I'm talking about the underlying theory that life is a manufactured reality that only few people ever decide to let go of or get beyond. That is what holds my mind. I am not a huge movie fan or comic book fan and I dislike watching violence, but I was able to excuse -- and see the point of and excitement in -- elements of Matrix that I would not have excused in other movies because of the incredible underlying messages. Matrix, viewed as a template for both current society and metaphysical reality, can be seen repeatedly and still be exciting. If the film left you with a bad taste in your mouth, don't worry. You'll soon feel right as rain.
HAN SOLO YOU ASSHOLE QUIT IT WITH THE MULTIPLE POSTS! I THOUGHT by matrix_sux	Aug 21st, 2001 09:23:29 AM
Jeez what an asshole
MaTRIX is part of a balanced breakfast. by Wolfpack	Jul 16th, 2006 08:08:36 AM

Last by Kristian66	Nov 23rd, 2006 09:48:36 AM
Unless anybody reads this!!
Actually, Kristian66, you would still be last... by thebearovingian	Apr 29th, 2008 12:36:56 AM
unless someone else posts after your post. And ENTER
I am a time traveler from the year 2009 by bobbofatz	Nov 19th, 2009 01:26:00 PM
The Matrix is a sci fi classic. Sadly its sequels and the Star Wars prequels suck. The towers will come down soon and change the world forever. Be well friends. See you in another time and plane.

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