Fifteen years ago everything changed. On March 31, 1999, we all woke up to discover that reality wasn't real. "The Matrix" had us.
The action film, written and directed by The Wachowskis, not only gave us one of the most deliciously mind-bending sci-fi stories ever, but also utterly stunning, groundbreaking visual effects that, while dated, still make us awestruck today. "The Matrix" turns 15 this week, and here's why Neo (Keanu Reeves) is still the most badass hero from the big screen.
Neo is a true hero because he never sought out to become one. He's just a average guy.
He's so much like us that the Matrix even confused the hell out of him at first, too.
He made the daring, heroic choice to take the red pill.
He wasn't just good at one type of fighting, he specialized in them all.
He did a one-armed handstand while firing a machine gun and dodging bullets.
He jump kicked a security guard likes it was no big deal.
He could stop a helicopter with his body.
But he still had a deep, philosophical side.
He went through some pretty terrifying stuff, and still stayed strong.
Like we said, some pretty freaky stuff.
He could stop bullets (no biggie).
... And he wasn't even fazed by it.
He fought Agent Smith with one hand, as if just swatting a fly.
He also died ... and came back to life.
He got the girl, as all heroes do.
Last, but not least, he did this. True hero status.
