41 - "WarGames" (1983)

     There are some people who believe that one day computers will destroy Earth. For those people, WarGames is either a dream come true of a movie...or a total nightmare. WarGames came out in 1983, when personal computers were starting to make their way into America's homes. Matthew Broderick plays David, a high school computer nerd, who hacks into the governments computer accidentally while looking for games to play. He finds one called Global Thermonuclear War and is determined to play it but he can't figure out the password to get into the system. He starts studying up on the creator of the program and eventually cracks the password. Along with his girlfriend, he starts simulating World War III, playing as the Russians. What he doesn't know at first is that his "game" is being seen by American defense forces as a true attack by the Soviet Union. When he hears on the news about what is happening he realizes that he caused that and starts to panic and cover up the information. The government eventually tracks David down, thinking he is a spy. He must free himself and prove his innocence, but there is an even bigger problem...the computer is still playing the "game". When it finishes, it will launch a real life counter attack against the Russians. Can David free himself and get the computer to stop playing the game in time to save the world? WarGames is a brilliant thriller of a movie and will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Matthew Broderick in the lead role has always been a very likable actor and he is at the top of his game here. He will always be remembered most for Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but I believe his acting here is superior. Dabney Coleman, John Wood, Barry Corbin and Ally Sheedy also give respectable supporting performances. If you want a great way to pass an hour and a half, WarGames would be a great choice.