In 1983, writers Lawrence Lasker and Walter F. Parkes made the big time with their script for WARGAMES. Released at the height of 1980s Cold War uncertainty, the film told the tale of a Seattle High School student, David Lightman (Matthew Broderick), whose natural gift for computers leads him to try and play some upcoming video game releases, only to find he has hacked into the NORAD defence system and inadvertently triggers a series of events that could lead to World War III.
In 1992, the writers teamed with FIELD OF DREAMS director Phil Alden Robinson for SNEAKERS, which is getting a Blu-Ray reissue.
In 1969, college friends and computer geniuses Martin and Cosmo are using their in-house terminals to transfer money from top official bank accounts to charitable causes in their opinion. Sneaking out to get pizza, Martin manages to escape arrest whilst Cosmo is sent away to prison.
Years later, Martin (Robert Redford) heads a group of private security experts who attempt to expose the lax in security at banks for example. Approached by two National Security agents, Martin is cajoled in exchange for clearing his outstanding arrest warrant from 1969 to get close to a top mathematician who seemingly holds the key to some priceless codes that could alter the world….
At the heart of SNEAKERS is an interesting reflection on how technology and desire for power can corrupt and stimulate against the background of a story that is part espionage and part tech-thriller. Redford is at his best in the film, leading a top-notch cast including the likes of Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, David Strathairn, Mary McDonnell and the late River Phoenix in one of his last roles before his tragic death in 1993.
The film is playful and thought-provoking with a solid screenplay that is both suspenseful and witty and echoes Redford’s 1975 classic THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR.
Another top name in the credits of SNEAKERS that is sadly no longer with us is composer James Horner, who was making it big in the 1990s with scores like APOLLO 13, BRAVEHEART and his Oscar-winning score for TITANIC. Here, his score compliments with the signature style of the other films mentioned.
Still as engaging to watch as it was on its’ original theatrical and home video release. SNEAKERS is good fun.
Sneakers will be available on Blu-ray from 28th June exclusively on Film Stories and is available to pre-order now
