Hackers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A group of teenagers with brightly colored hair and rollerblades use computers to stop an evil adult from sinking oil tankers and stealing money, all while dodging the Secret Service and falling in love.

🍿 Hackers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Dade’s Arrival and Hacking Duel

Years after being banned from computers for a major hack, Dade ‘Crash Override’ Murphy moves to New York and immediately dives back into the hacking world. He encounters Kate ‘Acid Burn’ Libby, a rival hacker, leading to a competitive hacking duel. Their skills are showcased through stylized, visually engaging sequences, highlighting their individual talents and setting up their eventual collaboration. The initial conflict establishes the competitive spirit within the hacker community and hints at a deeper connection between Dade and Kate.

The Ellingson Mineral Company Hack

Joey, a novice hacker within Dade’s group, breaches the Ellingson Mineral Company’s system to prove his worth. Unbeknownst to him, he stumbles upon a scheme orchestrated by Eugene ‘The Plague’ Belford to siphon money from the company using a sophisticated virus. The Plague, aware of Joey’s intrusion, frames him and the other hackers for a crime they didn’t commit. This sets off a chain of events that puts the group in the crosshairs of the Secret Service and forces them to uncover the truth.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

As the Secret Service closes in, Dade, Kate, and their friends work together to clear their names and expose The Plague’s scheme. They use their combined hacking skills to gather evidence, navigate the complexities of corporate security, and outwit the authorities. This section showcases the collaborative aspect of hacking, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges. The group faces numerous obstacles, testing their loyalty and forcing them to make difficult choices.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dade (Jonny Lee Miller): A prodigious hacker known as ‘Crash Override’ who returns to the scene after years of being banned from computers.
• Kate (Angelina Jolie): An elite hacker with the handle ‘Acid Burn’ who becomes Dade’s rival and eventual love interest.
• Joey (Jesse Bradford): An inexperienced hacker who unwittingly stumbles upon a corporate conspiracy.
• Cereal (Matthew Lillard): A quirky and energetic member of the hacking group, known for his eccentric personality.
• The Plague (Fisher Stevens): The main antagonist, a corrupt computer security officer who is stealing money from his company.
• Nikon (Laurence Mason): A cool hacker who use photographic memory to capture and use data.
• Phreak (Renoly Santiago): One of the members of the main group, with a funny personality and style.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dade: “Hack the planet!” – A rallying cry used throughout the movie to express their rebellious spirit and dedication to hacking.
• The Plague: “Mess with the best, die like the rest.” – The Plague says this as a threat when he feels his plans are being threatened by the young hackers.
• Cereal Killer: “Never send a geek to do a job of a system administrator.” – Cereal Killer makes this comment highlighting the differences in their approach to computers.
• Dade: “There is no right and wrong. There’s only fun and boring.” – Dade expresses his philosophy on life and his motivations.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,563,728
• Worldwide Gross: $7,563,728

💥 Hackers Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and thinking it was the coolest thing ever! The fashion, the music, the idea of these rebellious teenagers taking down the system was so exciting. Even now, I still get a kick out of it, even though I know the hacking is totally unrealistic. It’s pure 90s nostalgia and a fun, guilty pleasure.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of cyberpunk”
  • “Viewers interested in 90s tech culture”
  • “Angelina Jolie fans”
  • “Those who enjoy stylized visuals”
  • “People looking for a lighthearted thriller”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Some violence”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Hackers tries hard to be hip, but the over-the-top visuals and techno-babble ultimately distract from the story. While the cast has energy, the film lacks substance, making it a visually interesting but ultimately shallow experience.
• Variety: “Though the technical aspects are far-fetched, Hackers is a fun and energetic ride, with a vibrant soundtrack and a charismatic young cast. Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller have great chemistry, and the film’s visual style is undeniably appealing.

Audience Reactions

The soundtrack is amazing and introduced many to electronic music.: Many viewers love the soundtrack and the overall aesthetic of the film, despite its technical inaccuracies.

Angelina Jolie’s performance is captivating, even if it’s not her best.: Angelina Jolie’s presence and performance are frequently praised, marking an early highlight in her career.

Overall Consensus: Hackers is a visually stylish and entertaining film that is often forgiven for its technical inaccuracies due to its energetic cast, great soundtrack, and nostalgic 90s vibe. It’s a cult classic that is enjoyed more for its fun factor than its realism.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s depiction of hacking is highly stylized and unrealistic, but director Iain Softley intentionally chose visually interesting models over accurate computer graphics.”
• “Many of the actors, including Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller, were relatively unknown at the time, but went on to achieve significant success in their careers.”
• “The soundtrack features a blend of electronic music genres that were popular in the mid-90s, contributing to the film’s distinct cyberpunk atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hackers?

Hackers is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable broadcast options. Subscription services may occasionally include the film, so keep an eye on streaming libraries.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hackers, you might like these similar films:

• WarGames (1983): A classic early hacking film that explores the dangers of technology and accidental nuclear war, sharing similar themes of young people challenging authority with their computer skills.
• Sneakers (1992): A group of security specialists with unique skills is hired to steal a top-secret decryption device, leading to a thrilling adventure filled with twists and turns and showcasing the power of information.
• Mr. Robot (2015-2019): A modern TV series that delves into the world of hacking with a darker, more realistic tone, exploring themes of social alienation, mental health, and the power of technology to disrupt society.
• Takedown (2000): Based on the true story of the hunt for Kevin Mitnick, once the most wanted computer hacker in the United States.

🛒 Hackers Related Products

• Hackers (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the iconic 90s vibes with the full digital soundtrack. Includes tracks from The Prodigy, Orbital, Massive Attack, and more.
• Hackers Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or office. Captures the vibrant and retro feel of the film.
• Cyberpunk 2077: Immerse yourself in a vast open-world RPG set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour, and body modification. Explore the themes of hacking and technology.
• HACK THE PLANET T-Shirt: Show off your love for the movie with this ‘Hack The Planet’ T-shirt. Comfortable fit and stylish design.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hackers features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Halcyon & On & On” – performed by Orbital
• “Protection” – performed by Massive Attack

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Honest Trailers | Hackers

Ever wondered if ‘Hackers’ is *actually* a good movie or just a fun, cheesy mess? Screen Junkies breaks it down in their Honest Trailer, and trust me, it’s hilarious. Prepare for some nostalgia mixed with brutal honesty!

Top 10 Hacker Movies

Curious where ‘Hackers’ stacks up against other iconic hacker movies? This video ranks the top 10, and it’s always interesting to see where your favorites land. I was surprised by the top pick!

✨ Rate