I think with The Matrix specifically it has to do with the physicality. Late 90s Will Smith was in shape and could do big, bombastic action, but I can’t imagine him doing precise martial arts moves without it looking like a comedy.
Thats what we all said about Keanu. He was a joke at the time. Or rather basically type cast. Even in the more serious roles he was pretty goofy. Speed comes to mind. The Matrix gave me and many i know a bigger liking for the young silly Ted Logan.
Point Break? I think Keanu was a heart throb who could do action, but who had started in comedy. Will Smith was more a comedic actor who could do action, but was mostly doing action-comedy.
Some people are not set up for science fiction or fantasy at all. Will Smith is a borderline case, though.
I think with The Matrix specifically it has to do with the physicality. Late 90s Will Smith was in shape and could do big, bombastic action, but I can’t imagine him doing precise martial arts moves without it looking like a comedy.
Thats what we all said about Keanu. He was a joke at the time. Or rather basically type cast. Even in the more serious roles he was pretty goofy. Speed comes to mind. The Matrix gave me and many i know a bigger liking for the young silly Ted Logan.
Point Break? I think Keanu was a heart throb who could do action, but who had started in comedy. Will Smith was more a comedic actor who could do action, but was mostly doing action-comedy.