The Matrix 4DX review: "Immersive experience forces you to take the Blue Pill"
The Matrix returns to cinemas for its 20th anniversary and the Cineworld 4DX experience really takes you into the system
Lewis is a TV and Film writer for Mirror Online. He loves cinema, with a particular penchant for cerebral sci-fi, grim euro art-house, and Nicole Kidman's filmography. Along with an obsession with television and books, he is a connoisseur of the breakfast vegetable samosa and advocate of ketchup living outside of the fridge.
"What are you trying to tell me? That I can dodge bullets?"
Neo may be able to, but if you see The Matrix in Cineworld 4DX then you'll need to dodge some exhilarating bursts of air yourself.
The Matrix is a landmark film in cinematic history, not just for its impact on computer-generated and practical effects, but also for the wave of analysis and copycat franchises and film stylistic techniques that it inspired, and seeing it re-released for its 20th anniversary this year only serves to remind us why it was so huge.
Keanu Reeves stars in his role as Thomas Anderson aka computer hacker Neo who is approached by a mysterious woman named Trinity (Carrie Anne-Moss) regarding a life-changing secret that must be delivered to him from the infamous figure known as Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne).
The secret concerns the nature of reality and Neo's future in the destiny of mankind. But it is not an easy path, as various suited individuals, including an Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) are intent on bending Neo to their will.
Regardless of thoughts on how well the sequel films The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions continued the franchise that the 1999 film from The Wachowskis, the original remains a beloved and incendiary text.
It remains action-packed, involving, smart, funny, and even a bit cheesy but always tongue-in-cheek.
The epic slow motion action sequences are made even more immersive as the Cineworld 4DX experience takes you further into the already reality-bending film by exposing you to the elements and invigorating your senses.
With added scents (but not to an overpowering extent), gusts of air on you and past the sides of your head to imitate bullets, the breeze of the wind on the screen, your seat rotating and turning with the camera, blasts of water with the rain, and digs in the back during the fight sequences - you are a part of The Matrix whether you like it or not.
Even if you are not a fan of the film, the fun and unpredictability of the added effects in your seats ensure that you have a light-hearted and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Verdict
The Matrix 4DX screenings at Cineworld are an immersive experience that forces you to take the Blue Pill.
The Matrix in 4DX is released in select Cineworld cinemas on July 17, 2019.
Tickets are available here for a further screening on July 25, 2019.