Antitrust

Rating:
Summary: Not a major classic but Worth a look
Review: I'd hardly call this a contender for one of the best pictures of the year, but if you don't let your expectations rise too high, watching it might be time well spent. It's a quirkily offbeat little movie that, after a perhaps slow start, develops twists and turns that keep you watching and should make you glad you hung with it. There's not much more I'd be inclined to say that wouldn't get into the realm of spoilers, so I won't go there. But watch it, and I wouldn't be surprised if you find you've seen much duller movies.

Rating:
Summary: Good For A Few Thrills, But...
Review: Like an earth with two moons, the world in which we live has evolved toward a schizophrenic level of dual realities, one sensory based, tangible; the other a reality of the mind that can be found in the dimension we know as cyberspace. And maintaining the latter has become big business in the former: Providing software that changes the parameters of that reality on a daily-- even hourly-- basis. It's a big, and moreover, a binary industry, a business in which (according to this film) you are either a "one" or a "zero," and it's therefore imperative to stay ahead of the competition at any cost. Which is exactly the position explored by director Peter Howitt in "AntiTrust," a thriller that puts something of a paranoid perspective on the world born of the microchip.

Based in the Pacific Northwest, N.U.R.V. (Never Underestimate Radical Vision), the empire of software magnate Gary Winston (Tim Robbins), is on the verge of achieving a quantum leap forward in the realm of global communications. Their "Synapse" satellite system, once operational, will make global communications through any medium a reality. All they need is one more all important piece of the puzzle to implement it, and toward that end Winston has recruited Milo Hoffman (Ryan Phillippe), a young computer genius, one of maybe twenty programmers in the world who can accomplish the task before the targeted date set by Winston to launch Synapse.

The carrot on the stick that Winston dangles in front of Milo is too tempting to refuse, so Milo abandons his plan of starting up his own company, in which he would have been partners with his best friend, Teddy (Yee Jee Tso), to accept the position-- and the challenge-- at N.U.R.V. Very quickly, however, this apparently perfect world into which Milo has entered begins to implode on him, beginning with the tragic death of Teddy, apparently the victim of what looks to be a racially motivated hate crime. But then something happens which causes Milo to question the truth about Teddy's murder, as well as the methods Gary Winston employs to keep N.U.R.V. at the top of the charts. And he is determined to find the answers at any cost; whatever it takes, he will know the truth before it's over.

With this film, Howitt succeeds in putting a fresh face on the concept of the "computer nerd," and though overall it may be a bit to slick for it's own good, he does provide some thrills with it and manages to maintain enough tension and suspense throughout to keep it interesting. As pure entertainment it works, but it's not one into which you want to delve too deeply; just sit back and enjoy the ride. If you do insist on looking closely, you'll discover a plot that is something of a cut-and-paste job, into which an element is injected purely to move the story in a certain direction, and it does, but at the cost of compromising the film's credibility somewhat. There is an "All is not what it seems" aspect to it that is fairly obvious from the outset, but Howitt fails to mine it's potential to the fullest, and it leaves you wondering how much better this would've been in the hands of a Hitchcock or Mamet (and, granted, that's pretty exclusive territory). Howitt does well enough, but he's still playing at "Triple A" level, not quite ready for the "Show." What he does have going for him are the performances of his personable and very watchable stars, Robbins and Phillippe.

The character of Gary Winston is Bill Gates, roman a clef, and is well served by Robbins' portrayal of what could be called Gates' fictional evil twin. Robbins sells the character with his natural, charismatic personality and makes the image of Winston as a leader and motivator believable. And he adds some nice, personal touches-- his penchant for potato chips, for example-- that fleshes out the character and gives you the whole package rather than just a surface-will-suffice representation. Though with a completely different character, Robbins has been down this road before, in "Arlington Road," and now, in creating Winston, proves beyond any doubt his adeptness at playing to the dark side and making it real.

Phillippe, too, gives an engaging performance as Milo, lending an air of introspection to his character that really brings him to life. It's an earnest portrayal and very well presented. Phillippe has a genuine quality that makes him stand out, even as he did as part of the ensemble cast of "Playing By Heart," in 1998, in which he shared the screen with the likes of Sean Connery, Angelina Jolie, Dennis Quaid and Ellen Burstyn. His performance here, in fact-- along with Robbins-- is a big part of what makes this film so agreeable. He's a fine young actor who has already demonstrated he has what it takes to carry a film on his own, and he's definitely one to keep an eye on as his career develops.

As Alice, the woman in Milo's life, Claire Forlani looks elegant and has an ingratiating quality that draws the eye to her, and her character, though less than detailed, is believable. Rachael Leigh Cook, on the other hand, is attractive, but her character, Lisa, lacks definition, and what you get is something of a "Cliff's Notes" version of who she is. With both characters, Howitt seems to have had trouble getting a handle on how best to present them, especially Cook, who ultimately serves as little more than window dressing.

The supporting cast includes Douglas McFerran (Bob), Richard Roundtree (Barton), Tygh Runyan (Banks) and Tyler Labine (doing a Jack Black take on his character, Redmond). "AntiTrust" may not equal the paranoia induced by "Enemy of the State," but it does raise some questions about where technology is taking us, and more importantly, who is in the driver's seat. It's a cautionary tale, good for some thrills; but again, just don't look too deep.

Rating:
Summary: Not Just for Computer Geeks!
Review: Ryan Phillipe stars as Milo, a computer genius who is invited to join the head computer company of the world, "N.U.R.V." (equal to our Microsoft), to work in "SNYAPS", a new program going to be launched soon. Timothy Robbins plays the man who created "N.U.R.V" (equal to our Bill Gates). Milo joins the team and discovers that Robbins will stop at nothing to be at the top, even if that means murder! Milo must find a way to stop what is happening, after divising a plan with his girlfriend to stop Robbins, he discovers what kind of real operations are going on.

From double crosses, to murder to cyber domination, AntiTrust is a non stop thrill ride, from start to finish. It is a great flick, espically for a movie that is only PG-13. The writer must be proud of himself, because I really enjoyed this movie. I am very satisfied with this and I hope you are too with this great film.

Rating:
Summary: Bad science fiction, but interesting for historical reasons
Review: The idea of this film is that Bill Gates is secretly murdering young open-source and Linux programmers. The DVD ends with commentary by the director about how software should be open and free. The DVD begins with an FBI copyright warning. Think about it...

It's bad science fiction, but historically interesting because it was produced with the help of SUN Microsystem, to help make their most hated competator look bad in the public eye. A snapshot into the greed and machinations of a contentious industry, timed to coincide with the antitrust trial of Microsoft.

Rating:
Summary: reeks...
Review: Wow. If you're over thirty years old and possess an I.Q. greater than a potato you will abhor this assault to your intellect. If you work in the industry you'll find it too painful to watch. If you find films like Hackers, The Net, or the remake of Charlie's Angles too embarrassing to admit to having watched - you might consider skipping this one.

The production is clean. The acting is quite good. The direction is fine. The soundtrack works. However, the moronic premise is less intellectually satisfying than any episode of Sponge Bob Square Pants or Dexter's Laboratory (the latter probably having more realistic computer science than the preposterous despotism portrayed in the film.)

The film takes itself far too seriously and tries to deliver a dramatic message by oversimplifying and vilifying the complexities of the computer industry. This is an appalling disinformation campaign that delivers almost no suspension of disbelief.

This sensualization of insipid technical minutiae propped up with the old delusions of persecution plot is, in my humble opinion, a waste of everybody's time.

If you're looking for just entertainment - Swordfish is a fun film.

I suppose this will appeal to the "script kiddies"

Rating:
Summary: An entertaining cyber thriller.
Review: Software writer Milo (Ryan Phillippe) leaves his buddies from a Start-Up Computer Company. He goes to a Mutli-Million Software Company, his boss is a Bill Gates like Personality (Tim Robbins) but when Milo`s friend is murder and a Conspiracy starts in the Mutli-Million Software Company and His Boss is not what he seems.

Directed by Peter Howitt (Silding Doors) brings an entertaining Suspense-Thriller. It was a Box Office Flop in the winter of 2001. This is a underrated film. DVD`s has an strong anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an clear Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD Extras are:An running commentary track by Peter Howitt and Editor:Zach Staenberg. Deleted Scenes with/without Commentary. Alterative Ending with/without Commentary and More Extras. One of the Best Cyber-Thrillers since The Net. Super 35. Grade:B+.

Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: i saw this movie and thought it was awesome...it kept me in suspence on how things were working and everything....you didnt know what was gonna happen next or if people would get away with what they are doing....this movie will keep you guessing who did what and whats gonna happen next....recommend seeing it soon....its great

Rating:
Summary: Great Movie
Review: I am 16 years old and I am very much into computers. Now anyone who likes computers I recommend this movie because this is one of the best movies I have ever seen dealing with computers. With the exception of the 1985 movie Hackers. Also another great movie. So I suggest you buy this movie.

Rating:
Summary: Linux enters Hollywood
Review: I wish I could have liked this film. It's the first Hollywood film that pushes Linux into the mindset of moviegoers. Aside from its many references to the open source model of software development (...), Gnome desktops (...) also features prominently on all the computer screens in this film. In fact, if you go to the film's website, it features interviews with Linux gurus like Miguel de Icaza from the Gnome project and Joe "Maddog" Hall from Linux international. Never have I seen a film that so openly taken up the cause of open source movement.

This of course would probably have escaped most watchers of this films, who are simply looking for entertainment. In this sense the film is quite flawed. Aside from the fact that most hackers don't look like Ryan Philippe or Rachel Leigh Cook, the plot requires a serious suspense of belief. First of all, we are asked to believe that a software monopoly is killing off potential budding programmers who might threaten its commercial success. I hate Microsoft passionately, but not even Microsoft is that evil. This undermines the premise of the film, because it sets up an unbelievable monster, when in fact the real monster is far more complicated in its monopolistic evil.

There are also many inconsistencies in the character development in this film that screams for attention. For instance, consider the security guard at NURV who seems hell bent at catching Milo in the act. All of a sudden at the last minute he turns around and assisted Milo's attempt to destroy the company. No explanation given for this unbelievably sudden twist in the plot.

This film is apparently one of the few hacking film that is reasonably accurate in technical details. If it has also spent more time in character and plot development, it would have been a perfect advocate for the cause it espouses.

Rating:
Summary: Movie with Cool Tech Stuff
Review: Tim Robbins what were you thinking? The plot was mediocre at best and all the characters are not at all representative of those working at a true computer corporation. No one that looks like Rachel Leigh Cook or Ryan Phillippe and works with computers. Those actors are best suited for the teen drama or love or whatever movies, one of them would be alright, but all of them being a bunch of pretty teens? Not really plausible.

This movie is a little too straightfoward and but the ending oh thats the killer! This movie is way too outrageous, but its filled with colorful sets and a bunch of geeks having fun in the office. Since I am a geek, I'll give this two stars instead of just one.