The Matrix (1999)

With science-fiction films, you usually find that there's one movie that defines the genre for their entire decade. The 70's had the first Alien; the 80's had Blade Runner. (And, OK, they both had the Star Wars saga.) In addition to massive success at the box office, these films were artistically innovative and, consequently, have a solid amount of staying power among movie fans. It took a while for the 1990's, but once the Wachowski brothers' The Matrix hit theaters in 1999, it became clear this sci-fi round table had found its newest addition.

The movie's success comes from numerous angles. It managed to make us temporarily forget the horrendous acting ability (or lack thereof) of lead man Keanu Reeves. It took a completely new idea and made its audience feel right at home, sending us right into the action without any patronizing introductory scenes. (The movie's long enough as is; they would NOT have helped.) Most importantly, it made us, in some cases, ask ourselves "what if?"

And unlike its sequels, The Matrix was set largely in the real world. Granted, there was a fair amount of special effects (it's sci-fi!), but not to the level of overkill of Reloaded or Revolutions. That's why the film is so captivating; it can take place in a normal environment (even though it was the "fake world" of the matrix), and STILL be unlike anything we've ever seen before.

That's the problem with most sci-fi flicks these days: they go so far out of their way to catch our eyes - to the point of becoming pure cheese - instead of realizing what would make them truly groundbreaking. The Matrix didn't make that mistake.

3 stars out of 4
7.5/10