“This movie is very beloved at MIT. I don’t know if it’s still the case (God I hope so), but back in my day, it was kept alive with screenings at LSC (the student group that showed movies every weekend) and various copies roaming the dorm halls. References to the movie were common, especially around Mystery Hunt. One longstanding team was even named Setec Astronomy. Even though the film was rather dated by the time I first saw it (prolly at an LSC screening), it’s not hard to see why my fellow nerds are so drawn to it. Puzzles and computers and intrigue, oh my! Keep in mind, this came out long before the days of geek chic, where the nerds rule the earth and it’s okay (even cool) to be a techie freak. This was one of the rare glimpses where our kind are not only portrayed, but we’re the likeable heroes and not just a punchline. Kinda like what Big Bang Theory has done for us in recent years, but even more genuine.
IMDB summarizes the plot as “”Complex but lighthearted thriller about computers and cryptography, government and espionage, secrets and deception and betrayal.”” It’s kinda hard to give anything more detailed without tail-spinning into a full recap. There’s just too many secrets (not so subtle wink to those who know this movie). It sure as hell is a lotta fun though!”