203. The Matrix Turns 25 and X-Men ‘97 X-Ceeds X-Pectations

The Matrix turns 25 and Socially Distanced is here to take the red pill and go down the rabbit hole to discuss this iconic science fiction masterpiece. Pop Break's Editor-in-Chief Bill Bodkin is in the hosting seat to discuss the film along with "The Human Star Wars Encyclopedia" Amanda Rivas, "The Voice of God" Marshall Stevenson (co-host of Blerd Watchers) and Emmy Award-winning producer of the Netflix series Hilda (and Bill's best friend of 30 years), Victor Reyes -- who is making his podcast debut. In the episode, the quartet throw it back 25 years to the first time they saw the film which stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie Anne Moss and Hugo Weaving. Vic and Bill reminisce how they saw the film together before their junior prom, Amanda talks about the amazing inspiration she got from Trinity and Marshall talks about how the film blew his mind watching it on VHS. They also dive deep into the impact the film had on not only their personal lives but on cinema in general, what makes this film a timeless classic, how the sequels paled in comparison, why the the 2021 film Matrix Resurrection feels like a pandemic fever dream, the brilliance of the Animatrix, and what scene from the film still makes them go, "Woah." In the pre-game segment they discuss X-Men '97 -- why they all love it, why it's resonating so much with people, and their hopes for the franchise.