3. THE MATRIX (1999)

The key to a truly phenomenal futuristic action flick is a total command of special effects married to a fresh vision of the future. If you can throw in a bad-ass plot, you're golden. The Matrix is pure platinum. Together with T2, this film represents the pinnacle of its genre. The effects - which are being copied on a daily basis (even for Gap commercials) - are unbelievable. The vision of the future is philosophically profound and intellectually challenging. The plot is butt-kicking. We've got a keeper here.

The Wachowski brothers are like the Puff Daddies of cinema: they've pulled in all the coolest bits of stuff that's gone before. So in The Matrix, we have the cool "what is the future" enigma sampled from Total Recall and Strange Days, we have the long-overdue martial arts sequences from Jackie Chan's best work, and the blazing guns of Heat and Arnold's Predator. It's a powerful brew, and you're likely to be thrilled by the fact that Keanu and the brothers will be back for Matrix 2 in another year or so.

For many, this film was the first DVD they bought, and for good reason. On DVD, you can isolate the action sequences - who are we kidding, it's all action - and revel in riveting ultra-slow-mo cinematography set to autobahn-driving music. Oh, and lest you think that the visual effects are confined to computer generated images, remember that Keanu and Carrie-Anne Moss are the leads . . . and they're almost believable. Now that's good filmmaking.

Notes:

  • Nominated for 4 Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects and Editing

  • Made over $150 million