I remember when this came out and how much it freaked people out. Could we really be living in such a surveillance state? Could the government really be monitoring us whenever they want?

Well, over 20 years later and... Yeah, that's probably all true and then some. Still, this was a fun movie with a compelling enough story, solid acting and a surprisingly deep cast of comedians playing serious computer nerds.

Biggest downside to me was the tech itself. Movies of this nature can't help themselves from reaching into the nonsense handbag and pulling out things like the "zoom and enhance" cliché or the ability to tell exactly where someone is at all times with pinpoint accuracy among others.

Dated though it may be, this was still a pretty enjoyable watch. I'd say it's worth checking out if you have it streaming somewhere.

Watching Will Smith become the inadvertent target of the National Security Agency and the way they monitored him so closely, I couldn't help thinking, how could 9/11 have occurred? Should you feel all warm and secure we've got all this monitoring or should you be afraid, be very afraid?

Will Smith was already in enough of a jackpot trying to deal with Mafia hoods muscling in on a labor union he's representing. But he accidentally comes into possession of a tape showing the murder of a member of the House of Representatives played in a brief cameo by Jason Robards. Robards opposes further monitoring that NSA bigwig Jon Voight is fighting for and Voight is right on the scene. That could embarrass a whole lot of people.

Fortunately Smith comes to the attention of old CIA guy Gene Hackman who helps him figure out his predicament.

As for the rest of the film it kind of has an ending, a bit more complex to be sure, but an ending like a plan coming together on one of those old A Team television episodes. As for the surveillance all I can say is George Orwell's vision is coming close to reality.

Interesting film, non-stop action when it gets going like an Indiana Jones film. Fans of the principal cast members should find it pleasing.

I watched ENEMY OF THE STATE when it first came out at the cinema a couple of decades ago and remember really enjoying it. Seeing it today, the film has hardly dated at all and in fact feels more relevant than ever in a world dominated by surveillance technology. I think it's a criminally underrated movie that never gets talked about enough, possibly the highlight of Tony Scott's exciting career, and up there with THE BOURNE IDENTITY (which it feels like it inspired a lot) in terms of screen excitement.

I love thrillers that are full of energy and ENEMY OF THE STATE is certainly that. There are some holes in the plot but it all moves so quickly and vibrantly that it doesn't matter at all. Will Smith plays the classic wronged man protagonist and, while he wouldn't be my first choice for the role, he's not too bad here, keeping the comedy aspects to a minimum. The supporting cast is even better, featuring a beautiful role for the excellent Gene Hackman which harks back to THE CONVERSATION, a good baddie in the shape of Jon Voight, and tons of familiar talent in the tech team: Seth Green, Jamie Kennedy, Jack Black, Jake Busey, Scott Caan, Ian Hart, Jason Lee, the list is endless.

The film is expertly directed and still feels fresh; more importantly, it still looks good, unlike something like MAN ON FIRE which feels really dated these days. There's a ton of incident in the plot and some great paranoid scenes involving bugs everywhere. The physical action is very strong as well, with exciting chase scenes by foot and vehicle and great twists involving Hackman's character. The ending harks back to TRUE ROMANCE and feels a little blatant, but certainly ties up those loose ends nicely.