When the computer program, R.I.P.L.E.Y, realizes that it can protect the U.S. better than it’s own government, she becomes self-aware and starts making drastic decisions on her own, with deadly results. This War Games sequel is Enemy of the State meets I, Robot in that an artificially intelligent computer thinks it knows what’s best for humanity.
     Dogged at every turn by undercover agents, Will and his special lady friend find themselves running through every alley way and every side street like Matt Damon in another Bourne movie, played by Matt Lanter and Amanda Walsh. The movie was actually a lot better than I thought it would be. The cars chasing our two main characters who are on foot is a pretty intense scene. The movie is also humorous at some points and almost seems like a plausible scenario in this post 9/11 world. Though, I’m sure a few liberties were taken with how our government finds terrorists. But anything’s possible.
     Colm Feore plays R.I.P.L.E.Y.’s designer and the ultimate no holds barred bad guy who’ll do anything to protect his country and see that he has a bigger budget for his department. But Lanter’s and Walsh’s characters aren’t the only ones fearing what R.I.P.L.EY. could become. Soon, even her operators begin to suspect that the computer program may need a reboot. And the overprotective agency does seem a little brash with the voices of reason being silenced.
     In its references to War Games, in this version you become more involved and remember how much fun the original really was. Sadly, yet understandably this one doesn’t live up to the Matthew Broderick vehicle. But this movie deserves what it got, a straight to DVD release. And if you’re looking for a fun technological thriller, that pays respects to the original you’ll definitely have a good time with this one.