The Matrix (DVD 1999)

The special effects changed film making forever, the story, although nothing sparklingly original in sci-fi and cyberpunk circles, was carried off in such a brilliant manner it is the most convincing sci-fi film I've seen since Dune (1984, David Lynch) and the original Terminator film.

As far as the actual acting goes it did suit Keanu Reeves pretty well, although his dialog does let him down on occasions but in some ways it reflects the 'panic - I'm feeling a little lost' element of his character Neo/Thomas Anderson. The support is fantastic, Laurence Fishburne as Neo's mentor, Morpheus, and Hugo Weaving as the insidious and evil Agent Smith are supreme in their roles carrying off their dialog with great aplomb and really adding atmosphere for the film. Carrie-Anne Moss carries off her part well, being a good balance of looks and brawn. The sets and cinematography are also fantastic as are the cityscapes, provided by The City of Sydney Australia.

The choreography and action in the film is unparalleled and helped widen the appeal of what might have been a slightly cliquey film had it not been carried off right. As it is the mix of cyberpunk style black clothes, cool sunglasses (I especially liked Morpheus's clip-on-the-nose ones) and huge black boots and the Kung-Fu fighting, gun totting fight scenes as well as the now legendary bullet-time effects really make this film scream to lovers of action and sci-fi alike.

All this is capped by, one might say most importantly, a great dramatic score by Don Davis (which I have just bought the CD of) and punchy metal/punk/techo soundtrack (which I have also just bought the CD of) that really conveys the mood excellently.

All in all it is, in the truest sense, a great film. If you've got the money and you love the film buy one of the special edition double-packs with the 'Matrix - Revisited' documentary DVD in. I have not seen the documentary personally but have it on good authority that it is a really nice addition. If you have not seen the film yet and like the sound of it prepare for stomach churning edge-of-the-seat action that will have you sweating right until the final scenes.