Starring:
Skeet Ulrich as Kevin Mitnick
Russell Wong as Tsutomu Shimomura
Angela Featherstone as Julia
Donal Logue as Alex Lowe
Christopher McDonald as Mitch Gibson
Master P as Brad
Tom Berenger as McCoy Rollins
Jeremy Sisto as Lance Petersen
Amanda Peet as Karen
Ethan Suplee as Dan Brodley
Dorit Sauer as Shelley
Mark Joy as Committee Chairman
Scott Cooper as Mark Seiden
Ned Bellamy as Tom Piori
Sarah Melson as Rachel
Special Features:
Behind The Kevin Mitnick Story
Other Info:
Widescreen (1.85:1) Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Spanish Subtitles
Running Time: 96 Minutes
Synopsis:
This film is based on a true story.
In the early 90’s, Tsutomu Shimomura is celebrated as the top computer security expert in the U.S.. Formerly a computer hacker, Shimomura now owns a successful computer security company. He starts having problems, though, when he attracts the attention of infamous computer hacker Kevin Mitnick. Mitnick is known throughout cyperspace as the best hacker there is. He’s also managed to successfully evade capture by the FBI.
When Mitnick steals files from Shimomura, the security expert takes it personally. To make matters worse, Mitnick swipes a file containing a powerful virus that could give him control of air traffic control systems, banks, e-mail, and more. Fortunately, he doesn’t know what it is yet.
Thus begins an intense game of cat and mouse through cyberspace and across the United States. But will Mitnick be able to stay ahead of the FBI with Shimomura helping them?
“Track Down” is rated R for language and some sexual content.
The Movie:
I had never heard of this film before or the true story behind it, but I found it to be quite interesting. As a computer geek, I was really intrigued by the subject matter. I’ve dealt with cyber stalkers and hackers before, so this was right up my alley. I also experienced firsthand the fact that the FBI, in the mid-90’s, didn’t have a firm grasp on internet crime.
You don’t have to be a computer geek to appreciate this story, but it certainly helps. There’s a lot of techno-speak about tracking users down, cell phone technology, etc. If you’re not familiar with it, the terms will go right over your head. However, you get the gist of what they’re talking about without much problem.
Skeet Ulrich is very good as computer hacker Kevin Mitnick. He captures just the right mixture of intelligence and arrogance that seems to be typical of the hacker elite. Mitnick spouts dialogue about how he’s a hero freeing information in the spirit of the First Amendment, but at the same time it seems that he’s motivated more by ego than a sense of justice. We also see his human side in this film. He is a celebrity among the hacking community yet he can’t seem to hold a relationship with people in the real world.
Mitnick’s nemesis is played by Russell Wong as Tsutomu Shimomura. Wong is excellent in the role. He displays a great mix of intelligence and arrogance as well while tempering it with a sense of responsibility. Mitnick and Shimomura are similar talents when it comes to hacking and security, yet they are on two very opposite sides of the law. It’s an interesting examination of what makes them so different.
Track Down does a good job of capturing the thrill of the cat and mouse game. As Mitnick and Shimomura chase each other, it’s an interesting game as one tries to stay one step ahead of the other. The resulting film is an entertaining, suspenseful drama. It stands out among cyberspace thrillers.
The Extras:
There’s only one extra included on this DVD. It’s a featurette entitled “Behind The Kevin Mitnick Story”. You would assume that it would feature real photos of the people involved, interviews, etc. Unfortunately, that’s not the case at all. The cast and crew talk about the real folks, then you get a little info on the director and his style. There’s nothing about the true story, how the movie compares to it, etc. Overall it’s your standard “making of” feature and nothing more
The Bottom Line:
I think this film will be interesting for computer geeks and fans of Skeet Ulrich. It’s an entertaining tale of a modern game of cat and mouse and cybercrime.
