The Matrix

INNOVATION ''Bullet-time'' -- the catch-all term for the movie's innovations, but in particular the scenes of bullets rippling through the air in slow motion with 360-degree perspectives, made possible by digitally sequencing a series of cameras placed around the subject of the shot.

MEMORABLE MOMENT Neo (Keanu Reeves) does the limbo to dodge an agent's gunshots.

POSITIVE IMPACT Despite countless imitators, the effect still looks cool in action sequences when done right.

NEGATIVE IMPACT Became enough of a cliché to be spoofed in Scary Movie and Shrek.

EW GRADE C+

You Might Also Like

• DVD Commentary Our favorite dystopian movies | Joshua Rich
• Movie Review The Matrix (1999) | Lisa Schwarzbaum
• Video Review The Matrix | Marc Bernardin
• Video Review The Matrix | Marc Bernardin
• Movie Review The Matrix (1999)
• PHOTO GALLERY 21 horrible sci-fi futures (Dec 14, 2007) | Joshua Rich