War Games (1983)

It could have happened

War Games with Matthew Broderick. Interesting to see what computers & floppys looked like when this picture was filmed. The real Brainiac, if properly programmed, might just as easily started the countdown. November 19, 2008

An Engaging Little Tale About Nuclear War

In this quintessentially 1980s movie (it co-stars Dabney Coleman, so that pretty much qualifies it right there), a young computer-hacker (played by a very young Matthew Broderick) accidentally hacks into the U.S. defense missile control center (while trying to forge his high school grades!) and initiates a game of "war" with a supercomputer that is used to formulate possible outcomes of thermonuclear war with Russia. Broderick's character initially plays the "side" of Russia, prompting the computer to be the U.S. and eventually push the real military generals to the brink of starting an actual war based on the faulty information the computer is giving them.

I won't spoil the end of the film here, but suffice it to say that it is, at the very least, an interesting little morality lesson on nuclear proliferation and mutually-assured destruction. I began watching this movie at home on my couch one morning I was off from work and got hooked, ending up watching it to its conclusion. It just has that perfect mix of playfulness (you really can't get too serious with Broderick as your star) and serious issues that plague our current world.

Suprisingly, this is probably the best film I have ever seen that deals with very serious, terrible issues (like nuclear weapons) in a dramatic format. Rocky IV was a little too weepy, and Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country was a bit too political (both in their takes on U.S./Soviet relations), but this film had the right blend of entertaining scenarios and moments that really made me think.

I would recommend this movie to two types of people: 1. Those who grew up in the 80s and still love the styles/themes/films of that decade and either want to re-live them or experience this one for the first time; and 2. Children with an interest in history or politics, as they will love the simplistic messages inherent in the film's conclusion. Also, if you are an adult who can suspend his/her cynicism for about two hours, then you will find this film worthwhile as well. November 19, 2008

War Games

An older movie starring a young Matthew Broderick. A boy decides to get into a hidden spot on the computer and taps into the military computers. When he starts to play this game, the computer thinks it is real. November 3, 2008

(In early 80's computer voice!) SHALL WE PLAY A GAME???

Classic 80's movie with a brand new 25th Anniversary Ed. DVD!!! Great transfer of this classic film with great sound and a nice heaping of extras!!! Thanks MGM Home Entertainment!!! A worthy upgrade from the original DVD release from the late 90's A+ Classic stuff indeed!!! September 24, 2008

Delightful revisiting of Enjoyable Film

The extra features add to the enjoyment of a well done film. Young, at the time stars, Broderick and Sheedy tell of this an early film in their careers. Director's and technical comments reveal how innovative and revolutionary this film was. Story of the plot's research and development process is fascinating. Shared this film with spouse and friend and we enjoyed the look back and the well told story again. September 10, 2008

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