When my friend and I entered the theatre, we raised the average age by at least 20 years. We are over 60, you see. Of course, the kids loved the flick. It was loud and violent, yet full of the most advanced special effects around. As my friend observed, "It was candy for the senses!"

But he liked it better than I did. Albeit, the plot was surreal. (We always knew that reality was an illusion.) But MATRIX presented details regarding the cosmos and its ontological implications in a much different manner. Humans are mere crops being fertilized by machines who have evolved as our superiors.

My friend gives the movie an 8/10 for style, creativity, and sensual intensity. I looked forward to going home and listening to soft, soothing music. If MATRIX is candy for the senses, I must be a diabetic. To me the dark and stark violence was more invasive than satisfying.

But, what the hell! That's why we have two thumbs.