SF/Fantasy fans: Is THE MATRIX still popular?

[DerekG]

I ask this because Entertainment Weekly recently compiled a list of the 25 greatest science fiction films/programs of the past twenty-five years. Although all the expected masterworks were showcased--Brazil, Blade Runner, the Battlestar Galactica revamp, etc.--I was shocked to see that The Matrix ranked #1.

Even when setting aside my low opinion of the original film--I sat through all of twenty minutes of the first sequel--I'd assumed the franchise fizzled out, that the "Star Wars of this generation" was judged a spectacular failure.

Was I wrong? How intense is the following?

[billyskank]

1. I can only speak for myself

The two sequels may as well not have been made, that can be said at the outset.

As for the first film, I really like it. It's extremely stylish, well paced, has a reasonable if uninspired plotline (betrayal, etc) and good action sequences. It may not be a Great film but it's certainly a good one. It is spoiled somewhat by the fact that every action film that came after had to copy it stylistically, but that's not really its fault.

Just my £0.02.

[Deja Q]

2. The original was shallow and simplistic, but fairly worthy (and glossy). But the sequels?

Each one that follows is thrice the garbage of its immediate predecessor.

[Book Lover]

3. Consider the source

Since when has ET been a fountain of SF news? Um, never.

[DerekG]

5. Point taken

Why include The Matrix and not Dark City or Gattaca--the latter two just as provocative, but bereft of gratuitous violence?

And in what universe is this film comparable, let alone superior, to the output of Ridley Scott and James Cameron?

[Book Lover]

7. I had very much the same questions...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=6481100&mesg_id=6483054

[Anarcho-Socialist]

4. I don't know how the list was compiled

The Matrix is OK for standard action fare but its number one position is unwarranted, indeed I would not see it in the top 25.

[AmyDeLune]

6. It was a "reader poll",

so I'm assuming a lot of Matrix fans sat and voted and voted and voted...

[mduffy31]

8. Here is the thing about the Matrix

It changed how movies were made for awhile, there wasn't a movie out there that didn't do the whole bullet time thing.

[NewJeffCT]

9. I loved the movie, but it's not #1

Blade Runner has been more influential over time than The Matrix. Brazil was probably a better movie, but didn't have the influence.