In the ‘60s, Big Brother was the government and the youth of America had a growing paranoia that Big Brother was attempting to guide their every step. Now Big Bro is a multi-billion dollar computer geek. And the paranoia rages on. Not without some validity, I might add.

While finding superb film fodder in current events, director Peter Howitt unfortunately struggles to put suspense and plausibility on the screen. What truly strains the film’s credibility, however, is the casting of so many leads who resemble high school sophomores. Poor Tim Robbins, he looks like the ancient mariner compared to his junior cast mates. He’s a sinister Bill Gates type under fire by those who want to break up his dominance over the software marketplace. But Robbins’ villainous genius also steals the work of others, and then kills the young competitors.

There’s little subtlety or nuance in either the story or the characterizations. And some may object to the casual misuse of Christ’s name on four different occasions, as well they should.