Masterminds (1997): Dir: Roger Christian / Cast: Vincent Kartheiser, Patrick Stewart, Brenda Fricker, Matt Craven, Bradley Whitford: Certainly not the work of a mastermind. It is a pitiful embarrassment about a battle of wills between a deviant kid and a security adviser. Patrick Stewart plays the security adviser who will take over a school with his ruthless recruits and hold an auditorium full of children hostage. While his troops hold off police he makes a demand for cash. A young computer hacker will damage those plans and the film along with it. Very stupid with director Roger Christian going totally overboard. Vincent Kartheiser comes off as a really bad Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation as he repeatedly messes up the villain's plans. None of this is believable and Kartheiser's action scenes leave little to desire. Stewart is way too talented for this. His villain is reasonable but seems too intelligent for the foolish antics pitted against him here. Bad supporting performances by Brenda Fricker and Matt Craven who should regret this film decision. This is pretty much ranking as one of the dumbest ideas presented to viewers in a film all year. Fine location but story is pointless without a shred of realism but then again the film seems aimed full steam ahead at stupidity. The only hacker who will want any part of it is one carrying a hatchet. Score: 2 / 10
Review of Masterminds
