 The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes gave it a " fresh " rating of 92 % based on 37 reviews , while Metacritic gave it a score of 61 / 100 based on 19 reviews . The Wachowskis ' direction was praised , being described as clever , sophisticated and stylish . Roger Ebert said that their skillful film making showed virtuosity and confidence . Marjorie Baumgarten writing for The Austin Chronicle called it an impressive debut saying that the Wachowskis have " style to burn " . James Kendrick called it a darkly comical and stunning film , saying it signalled the arrival of the Wachowskis on the film scene . Detractors of the film included Todd McCarthy for Variety , who said that the directors had no sense of humor and lacked depth , that the film was pretentious , superficial and heavy @-@ handed . 
