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Summary: A lone star, as a reminder of what is real
Review: The mythical rise of the loner-as-hero which constitutes much of « The Matrix » has certainly attracted its share of reclusive techno-geek types, as the many twists in the plot might have rung a bell or two, encouraging strong identification with the main character ; but, ultimately, the movie carries little food for thought, apart from a bunch of cheapo socio-philosophical concepts thrown together to impress and flatter. The staged rebeliousness, the fight against the « system », the whole concept of the movie is a gigantic smokescreen, a Dr FeelGood sort of thing, that has proven able to keep millions of generous souls soundly asleep, as the world keeps running its reckless course, spinning out of control, like a toy in the hands of a bunch of kids, too stupid and selfish to even bother about anything else than their own amusement. True, the movie is an apt metaphor of our world. But who are the machines ? « them » or us ? « They » are truly human, after all : greedy, arrogant, and utterly senseless. On the other hand, we have become predictable clockwork mechanisms, rushing to get our share of stimuli. So, basically, we are being fed the stuff to keep us quiet. Don't be fooled by it : understand it for what it is. And remember, as Lenin said -and in that case he was quite right-, capitalists will sell us the rope to hang them. The Matrix, which is, for « them », only a money making machine, might well prove to be that rope, if only anyone could see it. Think about those execs summing up sales figures in their cosy offices. Think about that newly released second episode. You've read the raving reviews ; you've seen the crowds, eager to get their share of « action », desperate to know where the story goes ; you've witnessed friends and relatives, hopelessely addicted to sequels. Do you like it like that ? Do you really think you've discovered something ? What is « real » ? So, why not forget about the Wachowskis for a while, and read Chomsky. You should know better.
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Summary: The Matrix has you!!!
Review: The new Matrix DVD is reloaded with awesome bonus features and cool new scenes! The Matrix is the coolest action film ever!!!!!
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Summary: A groundbreaking film
Review: The number of features on the DVD make it an absolute must. Very few DVDs available right now take advantage of the possibilities. In terms of seeing what a DVD can do, this is definitely one to buy. The movie itself is stunning. "Bullet-time" scenes, and the speed of action make this a fun movie to watch. Kudos to the Wachowski brothers for taking the risk to make the story a reality.
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Summary: One almost fatal flaw.
Review: The one problem I have with this film is that the main idea that humans would be used as batteries seems far-fetch. I don't mind far out speculation if it is made plausible, which there is no attempt to. Surprisingly this flaw is not critical, and the is very good desptie of it. Anyone used to mindless FX movie probably won't care. I really didn't either. There are plenty of cool things in this movie: gunfights, explosions, and kung fu. The story actually has more than one layer (most movies rarely have half a layer) to it. References to the Bible, Taoism, greek mythology, the cyberpunk writers of the '80s (those really cool glasses that Morpheus and Neo where where a trademark of such writers as Bruce Sterling and William Gibson), _Alice in Wonderland_, and Neil Gaiman's Sandman comic books.
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Summary: Are you the one?
Review: The one who hasn't seen The Matrix? Well do yourself a favor and buy one of the best science fiction films of all time. This is a definite BUY recommendation. It's one of my favorite films.I saw this the first time in a sparsely occupied theatre. And it really was a random pick at the dollar show, because I hadn't heard anything about it during its first release at the larger theatres. When the film was over, I was in awe. It was probably the coolest things I had ever seen on screen. I was blown away. How many films (in your lifetime, even) do that to you??? To try to explain the story would be too difficult and confusing here. Let me just say that it's set in the future and machines and software are ruling the earth. Now, what does that tell you? Not much, huh? Even to the people in The Matrix, they had to experience it to get an understanding of it. And even then... Keannu Reeves is perfect for this role. His cool attitude really fits the character. Hugo Weaving is great as Agent Smith. Really, the whole cast is good. The cinematography, colors, costumes, sets, and special effects are great. And there's loads of special effects. Some of which have been copied ad nauseum since its release. It's fast-paced, engrossing, and intellectual. That's pretty rare. It was directed by the Wachowski brothers. They also directed Bound, another under-rated film. Although the transition to The Matrix was pretty phenomenal. I can't imagine how they'll top this with the sequel. A major reason why this was so awesome was that it was so original. Granted, seeing it on the big screen and seeing it on your tv is a big difference, but nowhere near worth downgrading it. It's still an awesome. And the DVD is loaded with interesting extras. Buy it.
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Summary: One of the best i seen
Review: the only complaint i have is DVD doesnt come with standard format
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Summary: NOT just an action movie- Matrix has great spiritual depth
Review: The only people who don't like the Matrix, are those who are either unwilling or unable to understand it on a psychological level. I've seen this movie eight times and every single character, every line, every scene is part of an intensely complicated metaphor that incorporates elements from Christianity, Zen, Buddhism, the hacker subculture, the drug subculture, various martial arts, etc. Those who dislike the Matrix, are probably also uninterested in those subjects. Such individuals are probably subconsciously unnerved by the message of the film, which is that unless you find a way out, you are merely a "copper top," I.E. battery that fuels the machines that enslave you. The thing you have to realize, is that this is not meant to be taken in a literal way but is instead intended to be a psychological metaphor for the way we are enslaved by mechanical thought processes that ultimately serve corporate interests and not our own. The bad guys all wear business attire, the good guys wear gothic-styled clothing. One must only venture onto the Matrix bulletin board, to witness the vast outpouring of analysis of this incredible motion picture. Even the acting (considering who they had) is quite good. So, if you like to watch movies in order to furthur hypnotize yourself away from the reality of your situation, then I recommend against watching the Matrix, reading any books by Gurdjieff, trying to understand the Beastie Boys, or meditation.
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Summary: 5 Stars - You've got to be kidding!
Review: The only reason I gave it 1 star was because 0 was not an option. I love SciFi as long as there is at least an element of believability in it, but The Matrix had a lousy plot, no semblance of reality or possibility, and completely boring. One would have to be totally wasted to enjoy this movie. The highlight of the movie was the credits signifying the end of this sorry movie. Don't waste your time!
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Summary: Ying, Yang and Bang Bang
Review: The only reason I went to see this movie was to see the Episode One trailer that had been advertised in it newspaper being sh own with this movie and I was so impressed with it that the Episode One trailer took a backseat to my excitement!
I'm sure everything that I like about this has been said before and I could not think of a better film to recommend to someone. It has something for everyone. As for extras, this one is a bit light compared to the Electronic Press Kits that are standard fare these days, but this DVD was released at a time where DVD's weren't that popular and were still outsold by VHS. In fact I think I remember reading somewhere that this is the first DVD to sell over a million units!
I think a director's commentary would have been a great tool to help get around the philosophy of the film instead we have the effects guy and Bulletime(TM) creator John Gadea and Joel Silver and Carrie Ann Moss providing some insight but it's intermittent and can really be distracting sometimes
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Summary: Free Choice or Pre-Destination
Review: The Oracle tells Neo the flower vase will fall. Neo responds to the falling by causing the flower vase to fall and break. The Oracle says, "if I told you that the vase was going to break would it have made a difference." The advocacy of the Pre-Destination debacle is purely irrational, for an individual to be capable of acting or to be acted within their sphere of influence is intelligence. Intelligence demands and only operates with the confines of free will or choice. Without free will and choice man would act irrationally. Man must have the ability to choose. Is the Oracle insane priestest herself or is she trying to get Neo to realize the power of free will? The paradox of the matrix is the battle between good and evil. The matrix personifies evil within the reality that the artifical intelligent believes it is capable of controlling and manipulating human reality by removing the their ability to act within an independant sphere. The overall worth of a human is reduce to biological matter and humans into becoming the batteries of the matrix - maintaining a parasidical relationship. The artifical intelligence entity has decided freedom is defined by the machine and that life in the matrix is a better reality. Yet Agent Smith hates the matrix. Neo's desires to maintain a freedom to choose and provides the idealogical foundation to build a revolution against the matrix. The matrix is not flawless. The matrix's need for redundancy allows it to emerge duplicate humans within its world. Hidden inside the complex interweaving of people are numerous duplicates. Originally, the matrix was powered by the sun. Humans tried to destroy the matrix which resulted in the destruction of the surface of the earth. After the earth's surface was destroyed, the skys darkened, and humans were connected at birth to the machine; life was transformed into virtual reality so completely emerged they did not notice the manipulation. The freedom to choose chained them like slaves to a slave ship. Neo represents a Messaic deliverance hope. Morphesus declares Neo to be the "chosen one", as one crying repentance in the wilderness. Is Morphesus consciously or unconsciously aware of this concept. How does Morphesus know the Matrix is so vulnerable. The directors make Neo's miricleous powers capable of transcending human abilities: 1. power over death 2. the defeat of agent Smith; in contrast, Neo does fail in the leaping across the builds, affirmation as the chosen from the Oracle, and releasing the humans from the matrix. What will Neo lead the people too, since, the earth surface has been destroyed. Will they live in claves of steel? Does Neo have the power to restore the earth? What valuable information does the zion mainframe contain? Why couldn't the agents get the encryption key by hacking Morphesus's brain? I think its because no weapon can prosper against Zion. Zion is a refuge from the enemy. Zion can not save its people, only a Messah can save its people. If the agents penetrated Zion what do they hope to gain? Morphesus believes in Neo and as Neo defeats Agent Smith, Morphesus declares, "He's starting to believe." I interpreted him to mean that all this Pre-Destination garbage could not surpress the brilliance of the mind and the power free choice in believing free choice will overpower the control of the matrix or Predestination.
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