The Matrix

Some movies make you think, some make you laugh, and others move you. And then there are those that make you go, "Whoa." The hotshot Wachowski brothers, Andy and Larry, directors of the overrated lesbian caper, Bound, pull out all the stops with this cyber-thriller that puts a state-of-the-art spin on the old Memorex question: Is it real, or is it computer simulation? Keanu Reeves gets his dormant career back up to speed as a computer hacker, who receives the enigmatic message, "The Matrix has you. Follow the white rabbit." And what is the Matrix? In the words of the mysterious Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), "No one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself." Maybe we should just leave it at that. The absolutely mind-boggling special effects and kinetic Hong Kong-style action lose little of their impact on the smaller screen. In fact, awestruck viewers will appreciate the luxury of rewinding, if only to exclaim, "How did they do that?" Recommended. [Note: The Matrix will be re-priced for sell-through at $20.99 on Nov. 23.] (K. Lee Benson)