The Matrix

The first time I watched this film, I remember realizing that my jaw had dropped and I was gawking at the screen. The Matrix was ground breaking, and raised the bar for all sci-fi movies. This movie consists of three very important aspects of superb movie making: a creative and unique idea partnered with excellent filming and incredible special effects. The only thing I would have changed about the film if I was in charge would be the casting. I am not a Keanu Reeves fan, never have been, never will be. I read that there were several actors considered for the role of Neo (including Tom Cruise, Leonardo Di Caprio, Will Smith, and Nicholas Cage) and that Ewan McGregor was offered the role, but declined so that he could work on the Star Wars films. And as much as I do like Laurence Fishburne, I came upon the information that Gary Oldman had been considered for the role of Morpheus...and I LOVE Gary Oldman! But I do believe that Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano were perfectly cast...Pantoliano makes an excellent weasel (he is super weaselly in The Sopranos and The Goonie). The Matrix was nominated for 4 Academy Awards and won them all (Best Sound Effects, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Editing), and it was also nominated for several other awards from several other notable organizations (including my personal favorite...the MTV Movie Awards). This film will always be remembered as one of the greatest sci-fi films of it's time...and worthy of 4 1/2 pigs from me (due to my concerns about the cast, I can not give it 5...I'm sorry!)