I was eager to watch this hacker film from the early 80s again, especially considering how much the computer landscape has transformed since then. Because of that, the movie can seem a little awkward now, given the primitive technology—the games, computers, and toys all look quite outdated. But putting aside any sentimental feelings I have about it, it still works well as both an interesting story and a genuinely suspenseful thriller. Matthew Broderick plays David Lightman, a young computer enthusiast who’s remarkably skilled with PCs. He can alter his school records and access systems he shouldn't even be viewing. During one session, while hacking into a machine called Joshua and playing Global Thermonuclear War, he jokingly chooses to represent the Soviet Union and initiates a nuclear attack on the United States. The problem is that the game turns out to be real, and events are set in motion that could lead to World War III. It's important to recall when this film was created—particularly for those who remember it—as it was during the Cold War era, when the possibility of nuclear conflict felt very present. I believe that now, when computers control so much of our lives, the movie remains relevant not only as a cautionary tale about tampering with technology but also as a subtle commentary on defense systems and the people responsible for managing them. While the film is something like a simplified version of 2001: A Space Odyssey tailored for an 80s audience, it’s still effective, although its main flaw is a superfluous romantic subplot involving Ally Sheedy (why couldn't they just have been friends?) and those dated devices. The ending is superb; the suspense increases steadily as we watch a game of Tic-Tac-Toe—which sounds straightforward, doesn't it? It’s really not. It’s genuinely good, thoughtful entertainment. 7.5/10

Source on TMDB