Movie Guys: 'Matrix' features sci-fi effects at their best

Synopsis: There are two realities: One that consists of the life we are living every day, and the other that lies behind it. One is a dream. The other is "The Matrix." Neo (Keanu Reeves) is desperately seeking the truth about "The Matrix," something he's heard of only in whispers; something mysterious and unknown; something that has unimaginable and sinister control over his life. Now Neo is offered the truth that will change his perception of life.

Dave: If the world you know was actually a computer-generated program for the human race to believe as reality in order for some sort of artificial intelligence to milk our bodies for the very energy it needs to exist, you might begin to wonder about your fate in life. Which is exactly what our protagonist, Thomas A. Anderson (the always reliable, one-dimensional Keanu Reeves) -- better known as Neo to the real world -- begins to question as he is faced with the harsh fact of alternative realities.

My question, however, is: How did the Wachowski Brothers (writer/directors Larry and Andy, respectfully) develop such an elaborate sci-fi scheme as "The Matrix" after their breakthrough 1996 indie hit "Bound?" Whatever the answer, they produce an impressive display of visual stunts and dazzling action that will have you believing in "The Matrix."

Jeff: For those of you who couldn't comprehend Dave's explanation of "The Matrix" in the paragraph above, don't worry, I couldn't begin to explain exactly what was going on, either. I think it would take at least a couple of viewings of "The Matrix" to really get a feel for what's happening (and a course in quantum physics wouldn't hurt either), and to fully appreciate what the Wachowski brothers have created.

What is real, and how can you determine what is real, are the questions posed to you. Is your perception of reality based on the senses only? Forget what you think is real, for the surreal world of "The Matrix" is a winning combination of elements from "Tron," "Dark City" and "The Borg." It's a world of virtual reality, and the fight for basic human freedoms against a futuristic world run by computers that takes "The Matrix" to a new level of action and amazing special effects.

Dave: It all starts as soon as Neo is contacted by Morpheus (an enigmatic Laurence Fishburne), the leader of a band of hackers battling the villainous electronic universe, who simply offers the truth. "No one can be told what The Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself," Morpheus explains, as Neo learns his fate, which is more important to human existence than he knows. Looking to destroy any human threat, a group of sunglass-wearing agents patrol the world, hunting down every hacker who may be hip to "The Matrix." Playing the primary invincible law enforcer is "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert's" Hugo Weaving, whose enunciating act and soulless demeanor are excellent qualities for any memorable baddie. There seems to be no match for him, except for "The One," whom Morpheus believes to be Neo.

Jeff: This is heavy-duty science fiction. It's a world where gaining knowledge is as simple as taking a program and downloading it directly into your brain. Want to learn kung fu? It only takes seconds. It's a world of mechanical beings (that look like they were designed by H.R. Giger) that seek out and destroy any being that threatens the existence of The Matrix.

The film puts to good use extraordinary special effects of computer animation and all-too-familiar moves for anyone who has seen the Gap commercials. The movie does have it slow points -- an unnecessary love plot and a double agent storyline -- but when the bullets start to fly, "The Matrix" really picks up Pentium-like speed, with gory and explicit violence and an incredible showdown between good and evil. The moment of truth for mankind will be fought in a world that only exists in our minds. Reality check required. This is one awesome ride.

Dave: This is a ride that consists of nothing but ground-breaking effects and breath-taking action sequences never before seen, incorporated around a highly sophisticated concept with techno-babble to describe it. Production designer Owen Paterson deserves kudos for creating the film's dark graphic culture; and veteran martial arts stunt specialist Yuen Wo Ping exploits his respected, stylistic kung fu choreography and wire-stunt work to its fullest potential. Along with the film's dynamic camera movements and use of slow-motion, "The Matrix" is the harmless brain-candy that makes for terrific sci-fi suspense -- and also, it is way too cool!

Movie Buzz

Take off, eh, it's a sequel!: Break out the Molson's and the back bacon! It's been 16 years since Dave Thomas (no, not the Wendy's guy, the comedian) and Rick Moranis brought their oafish alter-egos, the McKenzie Brothers, to the big screen in "Strange Brew." Now, the pair is working on a sequel called "Home Brew." According to the Hollywood Reporter, Thomas will be produce the film through his company, Maple Palm Productions. Thomas also revealed to the trade paper that he is in advanced talks with Dan Aykroyd to co-star in the production. Paul Flaherty, another SCTV alum, will direct the film, which starts shooting July 12 in Toronto.

There's Something About 'Mambo': The Farrelly brothers, who wrote and directed "There's Something About Mary," are taking the plunge into feature animation by producing the black comedy "Frisco Pigeon Mambo." The Fox project follows the adventures of three city-dwelling scavengers (a rat, a pigeon and a squirrel) who are test subjects in a New York City alcohol and tobacco research lab, where they spend their days chain smoking, drinking sherry and hitting on lab technicians. It's a good life until a group of pesky animal rights activists decides to liberate them from their cushy lifestyle, hurling them into the cold, harsh city. Eventually, the trio sets out to find their way back to the lab. Sounds like fun!

Spielberg kisses up to 'Tulips': It looks like Steven Spielberg has another project on his already crowded slate. Spielberg and DreamWorks beat out Miramax for rights to Deborah Moggach's upcoming novel, "Tulip Fever." The book, set for publication in May, is a story of desire and deception set in the household of a tulip speculator in Amsterdam in the 1630s. "We were set to sign with Miramax when Steven Spielberg rang up out of the blue and said he wanted to direct the film himself for his own studio, DreamWorks," Moggach said. Spielberg is currently prepping the sci-fi flick "Minority Report" with Tom Cruise. After "Report," the director will helm "Memoirs of a Geisha" and possibly another "Indiana Jones" film.

Name That Flick

"You've got two empty halves of coconuts and you're banging them together." Vance McGyre was the first to call and identify the quote from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," spoken by Michael Palin. Way to go, Vance!

For this week, what actor said this and in what film: "I like a girl in a bikini -- no concealed weapons" ? Does it sound familiar? If you think you know, call The Movie Guys Hotline at 225-9026 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Be sure to spell your name and leave your daytime phone number, and if you're the first correct caller/e-mailer, we will print your name right here in our column for the entire Las Vegas Valley to read. See you next week.

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