What is it about this movie that makes it so easy to rewatch?

I agree with you, it is really re-watchable. Some movies are just like that. You mentioned that you've watched Hackers more than you have movies that you would rate higher on your list (and so have I). I say that's akin to the fact that I've eaten more Poptarts than New York strips in my life . For instance, I have a movie like Braveheart much higher on my list, but it's a nearly 3-hour epic. You don't just sit down and watch Braveheart lightly. Hackers is half the length and is fizzy like a soda pop. It's just easier to watch in that regard.

You're messing with my Zen thing, man!

It's in no way "realistic", but Hackers does a whole bunch of things really well. It takes a very technical topic and delivers it in a stylish and intriguing way. It takes the subject seriously while also maintaining a playful attitude. Most importantly, it very quickly became a period piece, watching the film even 5 years later drastically dated it, but nearly 20 years later we can see just how outdated their top-of-the-line hardware has become and we can get a sense of "oh, I remember those days" nostalgia. It's like the hate that is inspired by the sound of a dial up modem, while at the same time, it has become a fond memory because so much time was spent with it. It walks a fine line between earnestness and entertainment, so those who have even the slightest interest in the topic are catered to in a genuine way, while also being given the fun, Hollywood version.

For me, the soundtrack.

I remember when I was 19, I got on a plane for the first time and in my "coolness" played Halcyon by Orbital, time and time again.

The rest of the music sticks with me to this day, almost 20 years on. It introduced me to the Prodigy, Massive Attack, LeftField and so on.

Plus, I got to see Angelina Jolie nude, so that was a HUGE bonus.

Yeah, nostalgia definitely plays a role for me. I HATED the film when it first came out as I thought it was a gross affront to all things Cyberpunk but over the years I softened on it and now actually really enjoying it on a semi-regular basis and that's partly because it reminds me of the mid-90s in a good way.

Count me in, too. I love this flick. Always have, and always will.

"All great artist's that asphyxiated on their own vomit! You can't get this in stores, man."

"I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure."

'Hackers' is my favorite movie ever. It came out at the perfect time, right at the beginning of hackers becoming a mainstream idea, and it was at times good, while being so hilariously bad. It never once feels like it's self-aware, and that's why it's so easy to like: the movie tries to do the hacker thing in earnest, but keep it interesting to watch, and it really doesn't do that bad a job all things considered. If it were any more realistic, it would be too boring. And it helps there are so many memorable actors giving memorable performances. Argh! It's SO GREAT! I can't ever not watch this movie!

I just watched it for the first time. Yeah, I know, I know, I'm way behind in my movie list. Still, it popped up on Netflix and I said to myself, "Self, you've been wanting to watch this movie for years. Now it's a click away. Watch the movie."

So I pretended this was 1995, I was 15, and I fired it up. I loved it. The first thing that hit me was one massive wave of nostalgia, and then it was followed by another. By the time I heard "28.8 kbps modem," I was giddy with it.

The soundtrack is fantastic! So many great and emerging artists just laying down a fantastic techno soundscape from one moment to the next. The hacking scenes surprised me, but I figured those were stylistic interpretations, since it's much more visually exciting to see those renders than it is to look at a black screen with text on it for 15 minutes at a time.

I'm going to have to buy this movie. It makes me less depressed, and that's a good thing. If I have one regret, it's that I didn't watch it sooner, but even that is dulled by the fact that with 20 years behind it, I appreciate it all the greater.

Now I wish I still had my Laser 386.

------------------------------

-= J =-

It's a total guilty pleasure movie for me, watch it all the time. I can't believe it's 20 years old already. I like it more with each viewing.