AntiTrust Parent Guide

Milo Hoffman (Ryan Phillippe) and his three buddies are excitedly trying to attract start-up funding for their new software company. But no sooner are the computers hooked up in the garage-based business when the phone rings. Answering, Milo is greeted by computer tycoon Gary Winston (Tim Robbins), chief of a multi-billion dollar high-tech firm called NURV. When Milo accepts the dream job he offers, it creates a schism between the friends, especially with Teddy (Yee Jee Tso) who believes the business giant is unethical.

A lover of windows—in his mansion that is—Winston’s bizarre house is the hub of his new global communications network, while his company headquarters looks like a set reject from Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Giant computer mice and keyboards adorn buildings full of toys, potato chips, and pop machines. As Milo begins his new career, his boss eagerly contributes more computer code than Milo thought anyone person could possibly write. But when Milo learns of the death of two of his friends, one brutally murdered with a club (which we see two times), his life crashes down around him. Investigating, Milo discovers a diabolical plan that makes him the next target.

Attempting to create a movie with many twists, screenwriter Howard Franklin instead creates his own antitrust situation with the audience. Faster than you can format a floppy, characters change their intentions without any motivation explained on-screen. The plot holds “you can’t trust anyone” messages toward coworkers, friends, employers, and is particularly critical of big business. Of even more concern for parents will be the violent death portrayed and frequent use of profanities including a sexual expletive.

Obviously drawing on the Microsoft scenario for its story, and casting of the Winston character (although the script makes mention of Bill Gates in what appears an obvious disclaimer, likely suggested by the studio’s lawyer), AntiTrust doesn’t offer a lot of byte for the buck—unless you or a teen are familiar with, and trumpet the “open source” movement in the computer industry. However, if you think Linux is Charlie Brown’s best friend, this is not the show for you.

About author

Rod Gustafson

Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. His efforts also include writing and researching media in all its forms and observing how it effects society and culture. He and his wife Donna have four children.