SSC 114: The Matrix (Wachowskis, 1999)

In The Matrix, an unfulfilled computer hacker discovers that reality as he knows it is a simulated world created by machines, and that he may be destined to lead the resistance to free humanity from its digital prison.The Matrix was released on March 31, 1999, stars Keanu Reeves and was directed by the Wachowskis.Notes:Sam Altman on what "real" isKeanu reminisces about bullet timeTaking the Red Pill: An Analysis of Don Davis’ Score for The Matrix by Christopher James HeckmanFollow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd

In Jamaica, a disgraced sprinter and his unlikely teammates form the island nation's first-ever bobsled team to compete at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, defying skeptics and overcoming impossible odds.Cool Runnings was released on October 1, 1993, and stars Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, Rawle D. Lewis, Malik Yoba, and John Candy, and was directed by Jon Turteltaub.Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd

In Munich, a secret Israeli squad is assigned to track down and assassinate the Palestinian terrorists believed responsible for the massacre of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics.Munich was released on December 23, 2005, and stars Eric Bana and was directed by Steven Spielberg.Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd

Another season done! We wrap up in our usual fashion by comparing our rankings of the taglines from this year's movies. Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd

In Inception, a skilled thief who steals corporate secrets through dream-sharing technology is offered a chance at redemption by performing the seemingly impossible task of planting an idea into a target's subconscious rather than extracting it.Inception was released on July 16, 2010, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Elliot Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Tom Berenger, and Michael Caine, and was directed by Christopher Nolan.Links:Interview with Josh Safdie on Marty Supreme, (The Big Picture) The Inception Sound EVERYWHERE NOWRecommendations:Tim: Paprika (Kon, 2006)Tay: Looper (Johnson, 2012)Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd

In Die Hard, a New York cop must single-handedly battle a group of terrorists who have seized a Los Angeles skyscraper and taken hostages during a Christmas Eve party, including his estranged wife.Die Hard was released on July 15, 1988, and stars Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, and Reginald VelJohnson, and was directed by John McTiernan.Recommendations:Tim: Police Story (Chan, 1985)Tay: Behind Enemy Lines (Moore, 2001)Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd

During Christmas break, a group of sorority sisters at Pi Kappa Sigma begin receiving disturbing obscene phone calls from an unknown stranger. As the festive season continues, the mysterious caller's threats escalate from harassment to deadly violence.Black Christmas was released on October 11, 1974, and stars Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, and John Saxon, and was directed by Bob Clark.Links:"Recreating New York with Stanley Kubrick"TreevengeThe FearWhistle and I'll Come To YouRecommendations:Tim: A Christmas Story (Clark, 1984)Tay: Treevenge (Eisner, 2008)Kurt: "SCTV Staff Christmas Party" / A Ghost Story for ChristmasFollow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd

In Pan's Labyrinth, a young girl seeks her mythical royal heritage in a magical labyrinth during the Spanish Civil War.Starring Ivana Baquero, Sergi López and Doug Jones and directed by Guillermo del Toro, Pan's Labyrinth was released December 29, 2006.Links:ListersRecommendations:Tim: The Wizard of Oz (Fleming, 1939)Tay: Fantastic Planet (Laloux, 1973)Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd

In The Shape of Water, a mute janitor working in a government laboratory forms a bond with a captive amphibious creature. Starring Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones and Michael Shannon and directed by Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water was released December 1, 2017.Recommendations:Tay — The Lure (Smoczynska, 2015)Tim — The Elephant Man (Lynch, 1980)Follow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd

In Halloween, a masked killer returns to his quiet suburban hometown after escaping a mental institution and begins stalking a babysitter and her friends on Halloween night.Starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence and directed by John Carpenter, Halloween was released October 25, 1978.Recommendations:Tim — The Hitcher (Harmon, 1986)—where to watchTay — Halloween H20 (Minor, 1998)—where to watchFollow: SSC on Instagram Tim on Letterboxd