Net, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: -1 1/2

Angela Bennett (Sandra Bullock) is a computer expert who "debugs" software for companies. One night a program disk containing a new computer virus is sent to her which allows user access to such top secret databases as the Federal Reserve Board, the IRS and the Atomic Energy Commission. Not fully aware of the power of the program, Angela takes the diskette on vacation with her. While in Mexico, she meets Jack Devlin (Jeremy Northam), another computer programmer. He is also an assassin hired to kill her and recover the virus program. When he botches the job, he turns Angela's life into a nightmare by changing all of the computer information about her, thereby changing her identity. Her keys, passport and identification papers have also disappeared. She is now known as Ruth Marx, a convicted felon. On the run from the police as well as Devlin, Angela must fight to stay alive and to find someone who will believe her outlandish story. Though the plot is fairly predictable, THE NET is a wonderful suspense-filled movie that just doesn't relent. It is sure to be a summer blockbuster hit.

The filmmakers apparently attempted to keep a lid on objectionable elements. Even the violence is restrained, considering this is an action-mystery-drama complete with a cold-blooded killer and potential victim. However, one man comes to a violent end by being knocked over a railing. A gratuitous view of him hitting the ground below could have been left out. Unfortunately, Angela does have a brief affair with Devlin, but she deeply regrets it and feels like she has been manipulated. Their one sexual encounter shows the unmarried couple in bed together. Foul language, like a virus in the script, runs wild with obscenities and profanities. The bedroom scene and offensive dialogue might have easily been left out without harming the plot or lessening the intensity of the movie. But Hollywood understands that the general public will pay to see a good movie even if it includes these ingredients. THE NET works as an exciting movie, but should be deleted for the bad programming it may cause in viewers' minds.

Preview Reviewer: Greg Wilson
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232