Hackers

Directed by Iain Softley, Hackers follows a computer whiz (Jonny Lee Miller’s Dade) as he and his friends, including Angelina Jolie’s Kate and Matthew Lillard’s Cereal, as they go to battle against a smug security consultant named The Plague (Fisher Stevens). Filmmaker Softley, armed with a screenplay by Rafael Moreu, delivers a slick, basically watchable endeavor that benefits from its compelling performances and smattering of engrossing set-pieces, with, in terms of the former, Miller’s appealing turn as the affable central character ultimately going a long way towards smoothing over the erratic narrative’s deficiencies – although it’s clear, ultimately, that Stevens’ moustache-twirling work here remains a continuing highlight within the proceedings. And while the whole thing never really adds up to much, with the 105 minute running time riddled with palpable lulls, Hackers generally gets by on its unabashedly ’90s vibes and proliferation of familiar faces within the cast.

**1/2 out of ****