The Animatrix: Kid's Story

The fourth of the Animatrix shorts, this is one of those of them that ties closely into the trilogy, specifically, the sequels. This provides the background for The Kid, seen in the second two movies, and he's genuinely not irritating in this(no, seriously). The concept is highly interesting, although, for obvious reasons, this should not be seen by anyone too likely to imitate it, anyone whose behavior is that easily influenced. The animation is well-done and quite interesting, with a style of limited motion in the drawings, and the camera being responsible for a lot of the movement, in a way that feels reminiscent of regular, live-action films. The atmosphere is impeccable, and the pace is spot-on throughout. The voice acting is great, Watson does well with what few lines he has, as do Anne-Moss and Reeves. The idea and execution of this are excellent, and this is a remarkable addition to the overall universe. This has a making of, shared with Detective Story, which is well-done and informative. It's 9 and a half minutes, same as the short itself. This has one disturbing aspect, nothing objectionable beyond that. I recommend this to any fan of The Matrix franchise and/or science fiction in general. 7/10

Kid's story is a good short that sadly doesn't have a lot going for it. It's completely fine in its own married and an interesting idea in terms of exploring themes, but it doesn't really have more than that. Top that off with a pretty weird art style, and you overall have a short that speaks to me on some levels and not on others.

A kid is trying to find out what's wrong with his dreams. A mysterious person called Neo is alluring him.

I don't know if I like the animation here. The way people look and move here dosn´t look good to me. It's a bit too wild. At the same time, the drawn feel of the short is interesting, but it clashes with the backgrounds too much. The mixture of art styles once again affect my enjoyment of the Animatrx shorts.

This is a great short about mental health and I guess a hit against Matrix extremist. The short follows a kid that clearly has some issues and are looking for a way out or some sort of higher reason in a meaningless world. I wish the short used more time on the kid and his backstory to really make the story stronger. Course, there isn't a lot going on here. Except for a cool action sequence towards the end, not much happens here.

While it can feel a bit eventless and the art style did not land with me, Kid's story is still a great short with some great subjects and a grim yet uplifting finale depending on how you read it.

I don't know what is is but the whole short was very cool. One of my favorites. Even thought it had had-draw pictures that were all wavy and stuff is was still very fun to watch. Also the sound was too notch when he was falling through the sky and past the railing.

some have commented that this is plot-light, and in some ways it is, but it doesnt need a plot. this episode of the animatrix is pure philosophy and lead in to a great character in the films. the key to overcoming reality in the matrix is to unlearn everything you know. if you can learn that gravity is meaningless, then it is meaningless, our minds hold total power. and if we can make ourselves believe that death is not the end....well.. brilliant philosophy, amazing, unique animation. great stuff.

The Animatrix is a very entertaining, very interesting experience. But of all the short movies, this is simply the best.

What makes it so obviously superior? Is it the swishy-swooshy animation that is incredibly alive and dynamic? Is it the constant mood of bewilderment that seeps through the entire movie? Is it the subtle, yet suitable score? Or is it the story about the most exceptional character in the matrix universe so far?

Yup, thats what the story is about - in my eyes. It's not about Neo or Morpheus or Trinity or any of the other cool people we already know (though Neo and Trinity cameo) - it's about the least likely character, the annoying side kick from Reloaded who made some of the Zion scenes so awkward. Watch "Reloaded" without seeing this first, and you may not like his character, or his very presence in the movie, one little bit (I did not). Yet this touching short movie shows a totally different side to him, and hints quite strongly at a powerful relevance for the matrix universe - even if that is not capitalized upon in Reloaded or Revolutions, this character and his unique story have the potential of an own spin-off. Why? Well I won't spoil it, but the ending of the short is quite powerful, creating the ideal finale for a perfect short animated movie.

Stunning, absolutely stunning, and easily the best matrix-related merchandise you are likely to see this year!

10/10