Best movie of this year hands down!

You won't be disappointed!

Very disappointing...

disgusting, overrated, pointless

Well this one will certainly take you back, back to an era when a computer wasn't a computer unless it filled an entire room and had all those blinking lights. You know, like the ones you saw in the original 'Twilight Zone' and 'Star Trek' series. An interesting concept was presented here, because in today's age when identity theft is as ubiquitous as the household PC, a group of college students attempts to create an identity in order to use an errant credit card, and the computer hijacks the information and takes off on an agenda of it's own. Dean Stockwell as the mastermind programmer was pretty good here, but he could have cracked a smile every now and then to lighten things up. It's been a long time since I've seen Stefanie Powers in anything at all, going all the way back to her 'Hart to Hart' days with Robert Wagner. And it looks like James Stacy just blew in from his Johnny Lancer gig on that well received TV Western. I was surprised to read how many viewers were terrified by the possibilities presented here for computers to take over and rule the world. I suppose it could happen if things get really out of control. If that's the case, we'll all end up just like Tina Chen who couldn't outrun the program and wound up getting the shaft.

When a super computer apparently turns on a group of naughty tech students who've created a bogus identity to essentially commit credit card fraud, the student who wrote the programme (Stockwell) becomes prime suspect in the series of bizarre accidents that follow. Stefanie Powers, James Stacy, Elliot Street and Tina Chen initially profit handsomely from Stockwell's handy-work, but the sheriff (Ross Elliot) suspects that Stockwell may not be as introverted and shy as his reputation suggests. As the "accidents" escalate, a twisted nerve is revealed that might identify the culprit. While it's dated, the concept of the super computer becoming an all powerful entity of destruction is a theme that's as prolific as they come forty years later. Stockwell (sporting an epic bouffant) is suitably suspicious (and not unlike his character in "Compulsion"), while Powers is an attractive and sympathetic psychology graduate, ex-Marine Stacy the stereotypical jock, Chen providing the ubiquitous ethnicity and Street a likable, computer geek, perhaps creating the "nerd" mould. James Olson has a key supporting role as the computer technician.I saw the 90 minute version, and the suspense builds nicely to a climax that while not entirely telegraphed, isn't going to shock most armchair sleuths. Nevertheless, the acting is watchable, the dialogue realistic and the narrative consistent. Dated but entertaining mid-week movie.

Times have certainly changed and that makes this dated "techno-thriller" rather interesting in spite of its early 1970's trappings. Stacy, Powers, Street and Chen (all close to over well over 30 years in age!) play a quartet of college students who are unable to get credit due to their age/lack of employment. Through the school's super computer, they create a fictitious persona and, with the aid of grad-student Stockwell, fabricate an entire background and history for him. They then apply for credit in his name and go about charging things all over town like a deluxe chess set and a "new spring coat"! These are honorable thieves, however, as they intend to pay back their purchases with money sent from home! Unfortunately, the entire situation spirals out of control when they are forced to continue tweaking the situation and eventually it becomes clear that the "paper man" they've created may actually be a real person. And he isn't happy! Soon, people begin dying and all eyes are on Stockwell since he programmed the computer and has a history of mental imbalance. Powers give a solid performance, even though she (and everyone else) is far too old for this movie. Stacy, just a couple of years before his devastating motorcycle accident, is interesting and handsome, though his character isn't particularly likable. Street and Chen are less involved in the story, but Chen does have a memorable sequence in which the computer seems to be targeting her, even stalking her. Olson appears as a technician who vies for Powers' attention with Stacy. In an age of identity theft and when credit cards come in the mail to everyone with promises of low interest and other perks, it's fascinating to see these folks desperately trying to get credit and to see how things were done in the pre-ATM and pre-electronic charging era. It's a rather predictable tele-film, but has the benefit of a decent cast and some nice, creepy atmosphere to help it along.

This is a TV movie, whose idea, should have been snapped up for a theatrical release. An updated version might work very well in today's more computer oriented society. It's surprising that no one has thought of doing just this. Prankish college students use their computer knowledge to create a "person" to get around credit restrictions on students. Somehow, getting out of hand, their made-up "person" won't allow himself to be "uncreated"!Suspense! Murder! Finger pointing!!! This movie keeps you guessing till the end and then is still not finished with you. I don't expect "Paper Man" to be shown often or in daylight hours, but if you come across it in the late night TV listings, set the timer on your VCR, it's worth it.......