The internet was still in its relative infancy when Iain Softley's "Hackers" got released. Now that we have Anonymous exposing all sorts of government information, the actions of the characters in this movie look tame. Nonetheless, the movie is not only a cool look into the world of hacker subculture, but also a look at corporate malfeasance (I wouldn't put it past any corporate exec to do what Fisher Stevens's character does).

Obviously I can't vouch for the accuracy of anything depicted here; movies tend to play with reality a bit. Even so, it's a brisk ride from beginning to end. At this point, it's also known for early appearances of Angelina Jolie and Matthew Lillard (of "Scream"). Also appearing briefly are Felicity Huffman (now disgraced for her bribing of a college) and Ravil Isyanov (who played a supporting role on "GLOW").

A young boy is arrested by the U.S. Secret Service for writing a computer virus and is banned from using a computer until his 18th birthday. Years later, he and his new-found friends discover a plot to unleash a dangerous computer virus, but they must use their computer skills to find the evidence while being pursued by the Secret Service and the evil computer genius behind the virus.

I grew up in the 1980s and 1990s and was involved in computer culture. I was never a "hacker" but I understood what "phreaking" and other hacking-related activities were. We knew what "war driving" was. The stuff depicted in this film was unrealistic then and remains unrealistic today (for the most part).

It serves as an interesting nostalgia piece, if anyone can be nostalgic for the 90s. Also, this has to be one of Angelina Jolie's breakout roles. Who knew in 1995 that she would go on to be a celebrated director and something of Hollywood royalty?

Dade (Jonny Lee Miller) is a young hacker who got caught when he was younger. He's in yet another new school, and soon he's fallen for Kate (Angelina Jolie). Little did he know, she's an elite hacker also. Together with other hackers, they intend to stop a security expert (Fisher Stevens) from stealing a big stash of cash and hide it by sinking oil tankers thru a computer virus.

The story is kinda silly, the clothes are stupid, and the graphics is ridiculously silly. At least there's some cool music, and a hot young Angelina Jolie. No wonder Jonny Lee Miller put a ring on it. I guess there's some cult status value in this movie.