I remember seeing WarGames back in the 80s. I was 11 or 12 and had just discovered computers (ZX-81, for those in the "know"). Those little machines had me totally hooked up, mesmerized. So, when the movie came out, I rushed to the movie theater in no time.
In that moment, the film impacted me as the coolest movie ever. I mean, we have this kid, David, who is a total computer nerd and spends his time playing games (know anyone like that?), hacks into an ultra sophisticated military mainframe, almost screws it up but ends up saving the world and getting the girl (the totally doable Ally Sheedy!). What else can we ask for?
Ah, the plot thing. And the script, the acting and the technical aspects. Well, we have solid characters, supported by good acting; a credible storyline (for this kind of movie, of course; it's more credible than "The Net" or "Hackers", for instance) and good direction. No FX, no explosions, no bulls***. Filmmaking in its purest form.
Yeah, the film is outdated nowadays... but so is my old and faithful ZX-81! And my C64! And my Amiga! And my green-phosphorus monitored 640K PC clone! Any movie related to technology is doomed to be outdated some day. But what is NOT outdated is the sense of thrill and fun that permeates the film, and which differentiates a good movie from an opportunistic piece of crap.
In that moment, the film impacted me as the coolest movie ever. I mean, we have this kid, David, who is a total computer nerd and spends his time playing games (know anyone like that?), hacks into an ultra sophisticated military mainframe, almost screws it up but ends up saving the world and getting the girl (the totally doable Ally Sheedy!). What else can we ask for?
Ah, the plot thing. And the script, the acting and the technical aspects. Well, we have solid characters, supported by good acting; a credible storyline (for this kind of movie, of course; it's more credible than "The Net" or "Hackers", for instance) and good direction. No FX, no explosions, no bulls***. Filmmaking in its purest form.
Yeah, the film is outdated nowadays... but so is my old and faithful ZX-81! And my C64! And my Amiga! And my green-phosphorus monitored 640K PC clone! Any movie related to technology is doomed to be outdated some day. But what is NOT outdated is the sense of thrill and fun that permeates the film, and which differentiates a good movie from an opportunistic piece of crap.