Animatrix, The

Rating ***/*****, or 6/10

A total of nine short films makes up the whole Animatrix, which in itself is an expansion of the Matrix universe as seen in the trio of Matrix films. Released on home video (though one of these did make it to cinemas as a short film attached to Dreamcatcher) between the release dates of The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, the Animatrix seemed largely an attempt to cash in on the Matrix hype (like the video game Enter the Matrix did too, simultaneously) at its height when the second film has just been released and confused audiences worldwide, and before the third film would hit theaters and disappoint... well, everybody. The Animatrix does honor the many Japanese influences of the Matrix films, and is animated for the most part in typical anime style, while also directed for the most part by Japanese directors. The quality of the films varies. Of most interest are those films dealing with the origin of the machines and the Matrix itself (The Second Renaissance Parts 1 and 2), while some of the other films touching upon the Matrix world less directly range from being modestly entertaining (Beyond, Program) to utterly bizarre (Matriculated). A true mixed bag, but a worthy attempt.

Starring: a great number of voice artists, among them Keanu Reeves and Carrie- Anne Moss

Directed by numerous directors, including Peter Chung and Mahiro Maeda

USA: Warner Bros, Pictures, 2003