It was intriguing to watch how the NORAD workers in the film had such a high reliance on computers and the computer war plan. It is hard for me to think back to a time when computers were so primitive by todays standards and yet still had such an immense impact, like in this movie. Today with technological advancement at such a peak it’s easier to understand that so many people are in fact being replaced by functional machines. Is there a sub-text about technology here?

No doubt technology was an important subtext! Artists have been fascinated by -- and sometimes repelled by -- machines for as long as there have been machines.

I like how, in the beginning of the movie, the second officer hesitates to turn the key. This goes along with the whole idea that computers are based in binary code. Things are either yes or no for a computer. In my opinion, it would be extremely difficult--if not, impossible--to emulate hesitation in a machine that only recognizes two options.

That being said, Joshua--unlike the human--doesn't hesitate; he either plays or doesn't play. This is an interesting look into the political rhetoric of the American Culture Wars (you're either for us or against us).

I think this film transcends its date. The message, like you said, Dr. Jerz, comes very clearly: "the only winning move is not to play."

PS: It's Easter in Europe?! ;-)

Good point, Evan. Computers are fast and powerful because they don't have to think in shades. But even when survival is at stake, we are programmed -- sometimes -- to hestitate when faced with a binary choice: flight or fight. Sometimes, the action of fleeing will draw the attention of a predator; sometimes pausing to think one's way through a problem is the most sensible course of action.

Of course, much of military training is designed to get soldiers to follow their training without pausing to think. This is necessary for the smooth operation of the military unit. And the US military has in recent years begun relying on games for recruitment and basic training. (The ethical and geopolitical issues raised by the military-funded game "America's Army" would make a great paper topic.)

Did you see the stark contrast in the arcades between the movies Tron and WarGames? WarGames had a spacious, well-lit arcade while the arcade in Tron was crowded and dark.

I also noticed that in Tron, there were people watching other people playing games, but not in WarGames. I like the two very different interpretations of an arcade. This shows much about the perceptions these sceenwriters have of the gaming culture.

Do you think this was intentional, subconscious, or pure coincidence?