In 1999, sci-fi nerds everywhere were mimicking the bullet-time back-bending scene made famous by Keanu Reeves' performance as Neo in "The Matrix." For its time, it was a ground-breaking film that challenged the viewer to contemplate their own existence. The story tells of an apocalyptic future where machines have forced humanity to live in a virtual world called the Matrix where they believe they're leading normal lives. The purpose? The machines simply use the unaware humans as batteries. Once again, the real world is shrouded in darkness and ruled by merciless machines who patrol the derelict ruins of an Earth that once thrived. By comparison, the virtual world inside the Matrix might be a much better place to hide.
Imagine if you had to make the choice to forsake everything you thought you knew about the world and learn a far more sinister truth about existence, would you accept? Neo, of course, goes down the rabbit hole. Fortunately, the virtual world is one that can be manipulated to great effect, and the film doesn't shy in its special effects portrayal of mind-bending martial arts and gravity-defying gunplay. "The Matrix" is a remarkable icon that will inevitably stand the test of time. Even as the special effects age poorly, the strength of the film's narrative and imagination enables the film to achieve lasting immortality in the realm of pop culture history.
