Halo folks, Harry here and happy to report that it looks as if MATRIX might be a very very fun film from the Wachowski brothers. Their script was reminiscent of the same cool feel that DARK CITY had, but when they cast KEANU, my interest began to wane.... well, my interest is perking back up again as the results from the first test screening began pouring in in the A.M. today. I've had 12 positive notes about the film this morning, but only 2 full blown reviews. With the fullest review coming from the Feral Kid here. There are no spoilers in this review so it's safe to continue, alrighty? Cool...
Harry, Feral Kid here again with some breaking news: a review of "The Matrix"! Like everyone else, I've been greatly anticipating this movie ever since I heard it was the Wachowski brothers' next project. So, when Aunty Entity (who will be giving a review to you soon) put a ticket for the first test screening of "The Matrix" into my hand, you can imagine my joy-- like I just received a new music box. I did a backflip and gave a few grunts, and ran off clutching my new treasure.
Earlier tonight, I hopped into Aunty's methane-powered beast of the road, and we made our way out of Barter Town, into the Wasteland, final destination: Pasadena. After waiting in line for an hour, we finally squeezed into the theater, taking the only two seats available: front row left. Not my preferred seating arrangement, but, hell, I never get to go to the movies since the Gyro Captain left, so I'd be happy anywhere. After ten minutes, some suit told us it was a rough cut, with unfinished effects and no final music. Then the lights went down.
And "The Matrix" started. Now, I never read spoiler reviews myself, because I don't want to ruin the movie, and I see them as pointless. So, I'm going to give a spoiler-free review. Expect Aunty Entity's review to be loaded with spoilers.
My review of the Wachowski Brothers' sci-fi masterpiece. Yes, this is an extremeley positive review.
This film is a mixture of many great genre films: "Dark City", "Blade", "T2", "Ghost in the Shell", the list goes on. But this film isn't merely a rip-off of those films. It just feels like you threw all those movies into a big bag, shook it up, and pulled out a whole new film. "The Matrix" has its own ideas, and, while it may not feel original, it takes us places we've never been and shows us things we've never seen, and tells us things we've never heard.
I'll review all the different parts of the movie: The Plot- This film has a great story. It's thought-provoking and very smart. Not a futuristic cyber-punk thriller, but a story that's set in the present day (sort of), these events could be happening right now, and the movie succeeds in making us think even after we leave the theater. IMO, this is a much better paranoia film than the overrated "Enemy of the State".
The Action- Some of the best action sequences ever caught on film. Some of it is reminiscent of "Blade", but not too much. The shootouts are over-the-top John Woo-style ten-thousand bullet extravaganzas. But the best parts are the fight scenes. The fights come straight out of a kung fu film, with a twist: the fighters move unlike any fighters before. They jump and twist and do things that the laws of physics don't allow. kinda reminded me of the Thunderdome. The fight between Keanu and Laurence Fishburne alone is worth the price of admission. Of course, the coolest sequence involves a helicopter and the side of a building. Doesn't it always?
The Players- Keanu is competent. He doesn't screw anything up, and he always looks cool. Damn if he ain't a lucky bastard for always finding himself in good movies. Laurence Fishburne is always good. Joe Pantaliano is definitely an actor who should be getting more work. The rest of the cast gets the job done, although there's not much in the way of characterization, but the plot makes up for that.
The Direction- When I went into this movie, I was expecting a lot. I loved "Bound"a great deal, and there was no way the Wachowski brothers could top that one, being the sophomore jinx and all. And this trailer was definitely the most ass-kicking trailer around. I was totally blown away. This movie succeeds on every level.
To sum it all up, SEE THIS MOVIE! This is the most thought-provoking, well-made genre film since, well, last year's "Dark City". Of course, if you don't like to think, I'm sure there will be about fifty genre films for you this year. But for the rest of you, do not let this film slip away like "Dark City" did!
Of course, this being a spoiler-free review, I can't really prove that I saw the movie. I could have just made everything up, using info I got from the trailer and news I heard. So, use this as a companion piece with Aunty Entity's upcoming review.
By the way, the movie was almost complete. About 85% of the effects were finished, and the score fit perfectly. I don't know when this will be released, but I'll definitely be there on opening day.
Then we have this second review right here that also liked the movie.....
Saw The Matrix screening at UA Theatres Old Town Pasadena. It's actually pretty good. Great HK style action sequences. Lots of high energy wire-fu action a la Wong Fei Fong with a pinch of John Woo double-fisted gunplay of love. A little too much slowmos though. But overall, pretty exciting stuff. CG effects are around 80% done but the movie still looked great.
The story was interesting at first but got kinda weak and a bit cheesy as it went on. It started out like an onion-pealer (my favorite form of story telling) but the mystery of The Matrix was revealed a little too early in my opinion. This made the latter part of the movie a little draggy since the dialogues revealed nothing new and I actually yearned for more of that excellent action sequences. But I'm sure it'll be tightened up. The ending also has its share of cheap parmesan garnishing and it's open ended enough for a slight possibility of a sequel.
Although I came out sounding negative, I gave it "Very good" on that handout thingy at the end and I'll definitely check out the finished product.
