# So who didn't like "The Matrix" **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 30, 2002, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192 "2002-09-30T02:45:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/21 "2002-09-30T11:57:42Z")
Yeah, the entire concept was just too damn stupid for me to get past. It could have been a worthy commentary on the hold technology has on lives in the west (America mostly) but it’s just another dumb effects film. Too bad. ---
**Author:** ![plnnr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@plnnr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plnnr)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/22 "2002-09-30T12:04:13Z")
I never watched it. It starred Keanu Reeves and that, to me, is the kiss of death. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/23 "2002-09-30T12:46:18Z")
I saw it. It was ten minutes of a good action sequence, followed by an hour and a half of bordom until the final first-class action sequence. Most of the movie was just plain dull. It also assumed the audience had an IQ of about 35, repeating the concepts over and long after it was obvious what was going on. The plot was ultimately all “by the numbers” – nothing I hadn’t seen a dozen times before. Further any chance of suspense was completely wrecked. Did anyone not think that Reeves wasn’t going to be the One? And once we saw that that guy was going to betray them, the film dragged the whole thing out as though the betrayal was supposed to be a big surprise. (The scene with the traitor eating with the enemy was the most badly judged and unnecessary in the history of film.) The popularity of the film just shows how uncritical movie audiences are. Show enough flash and the fact that the rest of the film sucks doesn’t seem to matter to them. ---
**Author:** ![Legomancer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/779978/32.png) [@Legomancer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Legomancer)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/24 "2002-09-30T13:05:41Z")
I find it to be very overrated. I get so tired of having to hear about how “smart” the movie was and all its “Symbolism”. Biblical references aren’t symbolism, if they don’t actually symbolize anything. “Neo” (it’s an anagram of “ONE”, GET IT?) isn’t clever. It’s what Hollywood thinks is clever. I’ve been told it’s a Christian parable, a Jewish parable, and a Buddhist parable, which leads me to believe it’s none of the above. I think it may have started out more symbolic at some point but eventually the references were so troweled on that the original idea was obscured. Keanu’s performance didn’t bug me too much; since he’s supposed to be a clueless idiot for most of the film, it kind o worked in his favor. But there’s no way I can buy him as the messiah for these next two movies. I have no idea how they plan to pull that off. But yeah, it was a standard action movie with slightly above average effects, the usual plot full of gaping holes, and incredibly wooden performances (and not just from Keanu - if you thought Carrie-Anne Moss was sexy, I’ve got a rice cake over here you’ll want to check out!). Now I’m just waiting for someone to come along and tell me it wasn’t supposed to be Citizen Kane. ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/25 "2002-09-30T13:39:15Z")
I never saw what the big deal was about it. It’s ok. I never understood why the bad guys gave us such a sucky life where we have to work and all. Why not some sort of garden of Eden type setting. ---
**Author:** ![Baldwin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baldwin/32/7264_2.png) [@Baldwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baldwin)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/26 "2002-09-30T13:44:40Z")
It was fascinating visually, but kind of a dumb-ass script. It starts with a viable science fiction premise (although, as noted, one with huge holes in it) and then, for no reason, brings in the “Oracle” and the “One”. WTF? Why do Hollywood writers think that if something’s science fiction, you can bring in all sorts of mystical stuff? Good science fiction is rigorously logical. Don’t talk to me about artificial intelligence for an hour and then tell me there’s going to “The One” because it’s been prophesied. Besides, haven’t Messianic cliches been done to death? Another thing that bothered me is the total lack of sympathy for the cops in this movie. According to the premise, these people don’t know they’re living in a false, computer-generated reality, and they’re not evil villains; they’re just cops. But when the “good guys” mow them down like ninepins, it’s clear that the movie sees cops as being as expendable and unimportant as extras in a video game. ---
**Author:** ![NYR407](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/bbe5ce/32.png) [@NYR407](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NYR407)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/27 "2002-09-30T13:51:54Z")
_ **Possible Spoiler** _\* I was enjoying the movie until they decided to make such a crappy ending. All I kept thinking about was Tom Cruise and Nicole Kiddman in Far and Away. Wow talk about shitty endings. I can’t stand KR but as stated above he didn’t need to act in this movie. All he had to do was look stupid and confused. Not a stretch for him. All in all I thought it was a decent movie and I have watched it a few times. Try turning it off just before Neo “dies” and turn it back on right after he “reserects” and pretend that part never happened. ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/28 "2002-09-30T13:53:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Raygun99 \* > \*\* > That said, Brandon Lee would have been unfathomably better in the role had he still been alive. \*\* I think Brandon Lee _dead_ is probably still a better actor than Keanu Reeves. > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Smeghead_ > \*\* > It was made for stoners that will be distracted by the flashing lights and think the repackaging of day one of Intro to Philosophy is, like, really deep and stuff. > \*\* I once had someone try to convince me that _The Matrix_ was actually superior to Plato’s cave allegory from _The Republic_. Not just that it was a more interesting modern reworking (and even that I’d have found hard to buy), but that it made deeper and more significant philosophical points. These are the sorts of things people feel compelled to say to you when they find out you’ve got a major in philosophy. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/29 "2002-09-30T13:54:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Baldwin \* > \*\*It was fascinating visually, but kind of a dumb-ass script. . \*\* **Baldwin** - I think that pretty much says it all. It established a new look for fantasy movies - much more akin to comics or live-action _anime_, than other movies did. It was so visually innovative that it captured most peoples’ attention (and certainly the industry’s) and that led to people looking past plot holes, Keanu’s acting/lack thereof, etc. Only a couple of other movies in this genre have done this that I can think of - _Star Wars_ and _Blade Runner_. You may not like these movies, but their influence is clear. Beyond that, the movie is a silly ride, not much more. ---
**Author:** ![Glory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7cd45c/32.png) [@Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glory)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/30 "2002-09-30T14:45:14Z")
> [@](#): > > I didn’t like it. The very first sene set the wrong tone for me…a phone number is mentioned, and it starts with “555”. If the viewing audience weren’t such MORONS as to actually attempt to call numbers mentioned in film/TV there would be no need for a set “fake” number. ---
**Author:** ![slortar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6bbea6/32.png) [@slortar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slortar)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/31 "2002-09-30T14:56:54Z")
Thank God I’m not the only person who dislikes this movie. The only reason why I enjoy the film are the special effects and action sequences and they’re already beginning to look dated. The plot and dialogue were both awfully flat. I actually laughed out loud at the ending, when the princess kisses Sleeping Beauty awake…with fireworks. Watching the trailer, Matrix 2 is going to be even worse. I can’t wait. It’s going to be the sequel that Matrix fans so richly deserve… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Drastic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Drastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drastic)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/32 "2002-09-30T14:57:59Z")
Enjoyable silly action scenes, but far too much padding in between them–sort of thing that makes chapter skip such a boon on DVDs. It is mildly depressing to me just how much I hear about it being “deep” and/or “confusing,” but, enh. To each their own, and it’s not like it was meant to be Citizen Ka…ow! Stop throwing things! ---
**Author:** ![Debaser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3da27b/32.png) [@Debaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debaser)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/33 "2002-09-30T14:59:11Z")
Ya, what’s wrong with a 555 number in a movie? Don’t all movies do this? What’s the alternative, using your phone number? I am surprised to see so many that hated this movie. I liked it. The plot had some wholes, but nothing that was to distracting, IMO. Everyone is refering to this terrible ending: explain please. How did it not make sense? This movie has been out long enough I don’t think we have to worry about spoilers anymore. For the record, I too hate Keanu Reeves. I just didn’t mind him in this, cause the movie was good enough for him not to ruin my enjoyment of it. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/34 "2002-09-30T15:08:44Z")
It’s funny. I thought it was a good popcorn movie, but I did have problems with it. Except my problems weren’t any of the same problems mentioned here. Keanu Reeves isn’t THAT bad an actor, and frankly, he was fine in this one. The deus ex machina didn’t bother me that much. What I found amazingly transparent was the fact that “The Matrix” was specifically written as a marketing exercise. It was essentially a script treatment of An Internet Geek’s Wet Dream. If you could sum up all he waltermittyisms of the North American computer nerd in a 2-hour movie you’d have The Matrix: - A computer geek - In a dead end life - Who is a super-duper world-feared hacker - Turns out to be living IN a video game - In which he is granted A) Incredible martial arts skills B) A ridiculous array of high-powered firearms C) The right to kill dozens of people D) Cool clothes and shades - And meets a pretty chick who likes computers too - And turns out to be a really special, important person Can you possibly assembled a more accurate, perfect summary of every geek’s wet dream? An absurd level of self-importance instead of being a faceless nobody? Check. Pretty girl? Check. Superhuman physical prowess? Check. Guns? Check. Computer skills pertinent to survival? Check. World’s a video game? Check. It’s all there, folks. ---
**Author:** ![Raygun99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Raygun99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raygun99)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/35 "2002-09-30T15:33:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by RickJay \* > \*\* > Can you possibly assembled a more accurate, perfect summary of every geek’s wet dream? An absurd level of self-importance instead of being a faceless nobody? Check. Pretty girl? Check. Superhuman physical prowess? Check. Guns? Check. Computer skills pertinent to survival? Check. World’s a video game? Check. It’s all there, folks. \*\* Yeah, I mean, who goes to the movies to have their fantasies answered? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![CyberPundit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/76d3ee/32.png) [@CyberPundit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CyberPundit)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/36 "2002-09-30T15:59:55Z")
I thought the first half, which sets up a series of mysteries and then solves them, was excellent. However soon after the Reeves character is brought into the “real world”, the movie fizzled out and in particular the plot about which character was “the one” and about the correctness of the prophecy. Also the final action sequence was too long and got rather boring. Overall quite a decent film. ---
**Author:** ![cainxinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7bcc69/32.png) [@cainxinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cainxinth)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/37 "2002-09-30T16:37:52Z")
It’s true, I looked past the mediocre acting, the thin and cliched metaphors, and the numerous plot holes. At the end of the day there were people walking on walls and dodging bullets and that’s all I needed. **RickJay** ’s analysis pretty much sums up what I like about the film. What can I say I’m an unabashed scifi nerd. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lamia \* > **I once had someone try to convince me that _The Matrix_ was actually superior to Plato’s cave allegory from _The Republic_. Not just that it was a more interesting modern reworking (and even that I’d have found hard to buy), but that it made deeper and more significant philosophical points.** People like that have no place in literate society, which is why they usually run for office. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Banger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@Banger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banger)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/38 "2002-09-30T16:51:51Z")
> [@](#): > > But, of course, the movie wasn’t made for people who think. It was made for stoners that will be distracted by the flashing lights and think the repackaging of day one of Intro to Philosophy is, like, really deep and stuff. I liked this movie, so evidently I don’t think, I smoke pot, and my B.A. in philosophy is worthless. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/39 "2002-09-30T17:09:52Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lamia \* > \*\*I once had someone try to convince me that _The Matrix_ was actually superior to Plato’s cave allegory from _The Republic_. Not just that it was a more interesting modern reworking (and even that I’d have found hard to buy), but that it made deeper and more significant philosophical points. > > These are the sorts of things people feel compelled to say to you when they find out you’ve got a major in philosophy. \*\* I trust you now learned to keep that information a deep, dark secret. 🙂 “The Matrix” had less depth than your average wading pool. ---
**Author:** ![Legomancer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/779978/32.png) [@Legomancer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Legomancer)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2002, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192/40 "2002-09-30T17:15:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by cainxinth \* > \*\*It’s true, I looked past the mediocre acting, the thin and cliched metaphors, and the numerous plot holes. At the end of the day there were people walking on walls and dodging bullets and that’s all I needed. **RickJay** ’s analysis pretty much sums up what I like about the film. What can I say I’m an unabashed scifi nerd. > > People like that have no place in literate society, which is why they usually run for office. 😉 \*\* Well you DID specifically asked to hear from people who didn’t like it… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-didnt-like-the-matrix/130192.md?page=3)