"The Matrix" is a decent and entertaining movie that is only viewed as something more than that by those who haven't seen better.

The story borrows heavily from other films and tries real hard to convince it is more than your average sci-fi/action movie. It's not. Keanu Reeves' acting is better here than in anything he has done before or since, but that's not saying much. He does not make a good leading man and is easily eclipsed by the supporting cast (mainly Laurence Fishburne).

My suggestion is if you want to see The Matrix then see it and enjoy it, but then go out and see far superior movies like "12 Monkeys" or even the "The Cell".