Sneakers
From Metaverse
Contents |
Plot
Sneakers (1992) is the story of Martin Bishop and his business partners, who are hired to break into high-security buildings such as banks and government-controlled areas to test the security measures. Each member of The Sneakers are highly skilled in various fields of computers and electronics. They are eventually hired to steal a "black box" from a mathematician who does research on encryption. The Sneakers find that the contents of the box are able to decrypt high-security computer systems. The Sneakers must protect themselves and the box from anyone willing to go to great lengths to have access to such a powerful weapon.
"A burglar, a spy, a fugitive, a delinquent, a hacker, and a piano teacher... and these are the good guys."
Characters
The Sneakers
- Robert Redford as Martin Brice (alias: Martin Bishop)
Lead character. In college, hacked computer systems with his friend Cosmo in order to redistribute wealth. Escaped being caught by police while Cosmo was arrested and sentenced to prison time. Changed name to Martin Bishop and started The Sneakers, a group that is hired by large corporations to test security systems. He is constantly on-guard, fearing the day that he can no longer keep his past a secret.
- Sidney Poitier as Donald Crease
A former CIA operative. His role within The Sneakers is guidance and pulling strings dating back to his CIA days. Disputes several statements made by Mother.
- David Strathairn as 'Whistler' Emory
Whistler is blind but that does not stop him from helping The Sneakers. He has sensitive hearing and can also work with computers and other electronics.
- Dan Aykroyd as Mother
An electronics wiz. He is called Mother by The Sneakers because he acts as a back-bone. Without his use of electronics and sound devices, they would not be able to do the things they do. Has a love-hate relationship with Crease.
- River Phoenix as Carl Arbegast
A young but gifted computer hacker (actually caught hacking into his school database to change his grades by The Sneakers). He helps The Sneakers by hacking computer systems and also going under-cover to survey the area.
Other Characters
- Mary McDonnell as Liz
A former love interest of Martin, Liz has allegedly left that life behind and now teaches gifted and talented kids.
- Ben Kingsley as Cosmo
Former college buddy of Martin. Always wanted to change the world through hacking. Despite all they've been through, him and Martin still have a mutual respect for one another.
- Timothy Busfield as Dick Gordon
Hired by Cosmo to trick The Sneakers into stealing "the black box."
- Eddie Jones as Buddy Wallace
Hired by Cosmo to trick The Sneakers into stealing "the black box."
Themes, Symbols, Motifs
Themes and Motifs
- Hackers
- Encryption/decryption (the backbones of hacking)
- Government Control
- Hidden secrets
- Global security (post Cold War)
- Detective story (what is the black box? who is trying to obtain it?)
Symbols
- The black box
- Scrabble
Discussion Questions
1) Is it OK to steal from the rich and give to the poor in the manor that Cosmo and Bishop do?
2) Why does the NSA want "the black box"?
3) Has Martin "grown up" since his college hacking days? Has Cosmo?
Related Links
AllWatchers.com Movie Review and Information
