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      This isn't really my style of movie, so this film was already at a disadvantage when I went to see it.  I don't like high concept movies for the most part.  I don't like action flicks that much.  I've never been drawn to kung-fu films.  And I especially didn't want to see a Keanu Reeves movie.  He has proved over and over again that he cannot act well unless he's playing someone really stupid.  We'll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that he's not being type-cast.  However, after hearing everyone rant and rave about it...I had to see it.   Well..............it was alright.

    The story was more creative for an action flick than most are.   I was intrigued by the idea of the Matrix.  I think it's an interesting idea to think about.  I think it would've made a great Twilight Zone or Alfred Hitchcock story.  Now, I don't want to give too much away because part of the interesting idea of this movie is finding out just what the Matrix is, so I won't elaborate a whole lot.

    I was terribly impressed by the martial arts and various other techniques used by the actors.  I respect them for working as hard as they did to become prepared for this movie.  For those of you who didn't already know, yes, the actors do almost all of their stunts.  They trained for 6 months prior to the shooting in order to learn martial arts.  People who work that hard, i.e. Linda Hamilton for T2: Judgement Day and Billy Zane for The Phantom really do earn my respect for the dedication to their field, whether they're the best actors or not.   Atleast I know they're trying.  Those who I lose respect for are people like Demi Moore who only trained 2 weeks for G.I. Jane.  I'm sorry, but if you're going to be one of the strongest people in the US, you'd better be in the best shape you can possibly be in.  Anyway, enough venting...My point was that the actors' dedication was impressive and it paid off.  The stunt scenes are very unique and eye-catching.

    Now, the dialogue is really what hurt the movie the most.  I know most people would think it would be Keanu's acting, but no, he actually doesn't have that many lines even though he's on screen for much of the movie.  Thank goodness he doesn't have any dramatic dialogue.  Back to what I was saying, the dialogue really needed help.  The story is good but the lines weren't there to add the same crisp thought.

    I cannot tell if it was his fault or as I just mentioned, the dialogue's, but I was really disappointed in Laurence Fishburne.  I really like him as an actor and he's been in great movies like Deep Cover, The Color Purple, and Searching for Bobby Fischer.  Every now and then though he gets into really cheesey movies or movies that don't challenge him like this one.  Almost all of his lines are delivered in this monotone voice that makes me want to catch a nap.

    Anyway, my overall thoughts on this movie are: Story is interesting, action sequences are impressive, acting is ok, dialogue stinks.