"I WANT THOSE CONSCRIPTS!"
My sister loved Barbies. I loved video games, so while she still maintains her disdain for Disney's (literal) venture into the world of computer programming, director/co-writer Steven Lisberger's magnum opus was on constant rotation whenever I could get the VCR to myself. Even had the fancy white clamshell VHS case. Very chic.
Watching it again, I was stunned at how visionary it is. I remembered so much (the games, light cycles, energy water, that kooky dragonfly-looking transporter, the MCP), yet what struck me most this time around was how impressive most (not all) of the effects were in terms of existing in a palpable reality. Perhaps it's the blocky designs or the use of darkness and shadows, but many of the constructs have a heft and feel as though they're actually there. It runs out of steam in the mid-section and Jeff Bridges, while still fine, makes a few bizarre acting choices, including high-pitched screaming. Then again, anything with David Warner as the villain is OK in my book.Oh, and the MCP also makes an appearance in South Park's 'Jewbilee' episode. "I desire...macaroni pictures."
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