Have you checked out our new section devoted to movies? Well, here's our
intro. And, just to start it off, we include our review of the somewhat
cryptic smash hit, The Matrix. The movie is definitely intriguing for it's
amazing special effects and philosophical ideas, but is it worth your time?
Our Ben Forrest spells it out for you. Enjoy!

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THE MATRIX (1999)
by Ben Forrest

The Matrix, regardless of the fact that it features Keanu Reeves and
Laurence Fishburn (two lifeless and uni-dimensional actors who deserve to be
on Hollywood's B-list) and the visibly complacent Carrie-Ann Moss, has to
rank as one of the coolest movies of all time.

I may be perpetuating the myth that all website types are drawn only to
science fiction flicks to whom any reference to another dimension, cool
laser guns or neat looking spaceships constitute a thumbs up (and endless
hours of dissecting and freeze-framing the DVD), but who cares? Most of us
are geeks around here and will freely admit it. The Matrix is a film that
will warp your mind and cause you to question reality. The kicker,
though-and this is an anomaly in a Hollywood film-is that it will make you
think.

The Matrix is the story of Thomas Anderson (Reeves), a white-collar Silicon
Valley type who moonlights as a hacker who under the alias "Neo," has broken
virtually every computer-related crime in the book. Throughout his life, he
is haunted by one question-"What is the Matrix?" One day he is given the
opportunity to find out. He is clued in to the fact that the world, as he
sees and experiences it, doesn't exist. Through the guidance of a select
group of "enlightened" individuals, he is shown that all stimuli in life is
actually directed by a network of artificially intelligent (and man-made)
machines, who breed humans for the purpose of harvesting their energy. "Neo"
is one of a select few who break free of their bondage as glorified D-cell
batteries, and is believed to be a Christ-like character who can free his
race by overcoming The Matrix and the machines who run it. As far as we
know, however, he's not required to die in order for this to happen.

What makes this movie beautiful is not only the cerebral way the
screenwriter approaches the script (many novels have been published with
less substance and depth than this), or the stunning and revolutionary
special effects that are used so artfully (tragically, some of the same
techniques used here have been utilized in GAP ads and as an unfunny gag in
Shrek). It's the fact that it demands you use your idiot box; it meets you
where you are, but takes you to places you've likely never been. To borrow a
phrase from Audio Adrenaline, "If this were a chemical, I don't think it
would be allowed."

Viewers should beware, however. Regardless of the spin placed on it by some
critics, this not a Christian movie. There are a few tidbits that will leave
you drawing connections to Biblical truths. But the theology presented is
equally as Buddhist, Hindu or New-Age as it is Christian. Don't be fooled.

The film is also rated R for good reason. There are at least two dozen
profanities and the violence, though not graphic, borders on being
gratuitous. This is definitely worth your while if you're mature enough to
handle it (you should probably be at least 16), but shouldn't be seen by
children.

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