War Games

War Games (1983)
Director: John Badham
Cast: Matthew Broderick, Ally Sheedy, Dabney Coleman, Barry Corbin, John Wood
Memorable Line: "Want to play a game?

War Games is basically a popcorn movie and, yes, it's not really meant to be taken too seriously, but as an easy going, teen-targeted thriller it's still enjoyable.

The Plot of War Games
David (Broderick) is way ahead of the times in the race to computer nerdom. He knows how to hack and geek his way into the most complex systems in his quest to find the next computer game. And even how to change his slacking grades. But the real trouble starts when he hacks his way into a system that he thinks is the next coolest game system, but unbeknown-st to him, he's really gained access to a new computer system that controls the national defense system and starts a game that could end in Armageddon.

David figures it out to late to figure out what he's started and find himself in the custody with the custodian of the computer system (Coleman) who wants David punished for his intrusion. Being a cunny guy, David escapes and enlists the aid of his friend (Sheedy) to track down the designer of the computer system (Wood).

The designer of the system has a sinister plan and it's up to David and his friend to convince him that the human race is worth saving. All this leads to a showdown as nuclear missles stand ready to be launched to end the world.

The Performances, Writing and Direction of War Games
As I stated above, this is a popcorn movie and it's handled that way. There are huge gaps of logic and plot holes galore, but that doesn't really matter because we're not to take the movie seriously. Badham knows how to create tension when he needs to and when to ligthen up.

Broderick carries the movie with his infectious charm and precociousness. Broderick and Sheedy make a nice pair, but sometimes come across too cutsey. Still they manage to engage the audience in their plight. Coleman takes in his smarmy bad-guy role with typical style and deftness. Corbin is great as the puffed up and folksy general in charge of the either commending the end of the world as we know it and stopping it.

Summary Judgment on War Games
Again, War Games was created to be a light and airy thriller despite it's potentially serious subject matter. If you want a movie where you don't have to think hard, but is still enjoyable, War Games fits the bill.