Review of Antitrust

Introduction

Computer geeks have generally been given a bad name in the 90’s: they’re either causing worldwide mayhem in ‘Hackers’, or are gullible suckers in ‘The Net’ (although Sandra Bullock does look good in a bikini). Antitrust is another such ‘cyberthriller’ that casts keyboard wizards as the heroes, but is it any good?

Video

As expected for a new release, the picture is excellent. It is both clear and sharp, with strong colours throughout.

Audio

The DD 5.1 track is, like the picture, of good quality, with good spatial effects and bass when it is called for. And most importantly, the dialogue is clear throughout.

Features

MGM have included a good set of extras here. Starting with the commentary, director Peter Howitt comes across as very eager to please, but frustratingly tends to describe the on-screen action as if narrating, instead of being more entertaining. The featurette `Cracking the Code` is a more interesting, clocking in at 23 minutes long, and covers subjects such as the actors’ points of views and the difficulties in trying to gain technical authenticity. There is also a generous selection of deleted scenes, available both with and without commentary. Rounding things off is a trailer and a music video.

Conclusion

Antitrust is a good evening’s entertainment, with some strong performances (especially from Tim Robbins, in his idea of a psychotic Bill Gates) and some great, tense scenes – a little reminiscent of ‘The Firm’ perhaps.

However, the movie does tend to fall a little flat in certain areas: there are at least one too many plot twists for example; also the jargon may be too complex for some whilst not completely satisfying the full demands of computer geeks, falling in dangerous middle ground. The anti-corporation message is also just a little too one-sided for me, not to mention that the plot is extremely far -fetched. But in the end, if you are having any doubts remember that this is a Hollywood movie which unlike so many others is reasonably intelligent, that it is very enjoyable and that the DVD is excellent.