The Tower

This TV movie is proof that machines can't and shouldn't run the world. Here, an employee named Tony goes to his first day of work at a corporate high-rise, whose security system is run by a main computer with a mind of its own. When it fails to identify Tony as the new employee, and after several security breaches, it deems Tony as a security risk and attempts to terminate him.

A bit of an interesting plot with some thrilling moments in and there. But, the plot doesn't really hold its own as there is really no suspense built-up or character development. Paul Reiser appeared to be miscast in this movie, showing no real drama or emotion; he acted like everything was a joke around him. The female characters were OK and were humorous at times. The romantic subplot between the two character leads didn't mix in well with the main story, though.

Basically, this film appears to be a somewhat well-budgeted flick, but put together with haste.

Grade C-

Even though this film is really dumb and unoriginal there is a fun feel to it. Sides, you got to love a movie where a computer really hates Paul Reiser and tries to kill him. (after those damn phone commercials I don't blame him. Candice Bergen is still worse) It's great for a night were you and friends want to heckle movies. Enjoy this little cheese ball. I did.

Unfairly trashed little telemovie I feel. Sure its derivative and non too brilliant in its execution (as it were). Simplistic tale of a computer techo who is taken on in a high-rise that is the domain of the computer-in-charge.....a la GREMLINS 2. The computer takes an instant dislike to Reiser and after multiple "violations" marks him for "deletion"

Sure, just about everything you see has been done before...but hell its still entertaining in a B-Grade, got-nothing-else-to-do-anyway kinda way! OK, the script is crap....the fx somewhere between acceptable and less-than-average but Reiser's infectious attitude keeps the thing's head above water!

A solid 5 which makes the thing not a total loss. Watch it, have a laugh!

You should wait nothing deep from this movie, and nothing is what it delivers. There are times though where you're looking for just a pass-time and it's quite good at this. In fact I found it rather pleasant, as the directing is adequate and the acting not too pompous. The main idea could produce a very good thriller, but as another reviewer noted Stanley Kubrick has already taken care of this.

I saw another version of this movie about 8 years before this one was released. There was a computer named Lola that was absorbing human energy and trapped a bunch of people inside a building. The newer version 1994 differed greatly from the original but the same theme was used. I like movies where computers take over some of my favorites are Demon Seed and Colusus the Forbin Project. I think one day computers will be smarter than humans possibly in our lifetime. I mean in my fathers day going to the moon was science fiction but today its an every day occurrence, these movies show the dangers of science and technologies continual progress and are to be noted.