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10 out of 13 people found the following review useful:
Remarkable and criminally neglected drama of mind-games andcomputer truths., 26 August 1999
Author: simon-118 from London

This is to me a masterpiece. It is brilliant plotted, as one would expect from this writer, yet shares little with her other work, particularly in the way the police are very much a background presence helpless in the invasion of newer more sophisticated menaces such as the internet, which even their own computer experts cannot keep up with. The acting is particularly noteworthy, from the naive but so believeable Tam Williams to his maternal flatmate Emily Woolf, but best of all is the amazing Paul Bettany as rugby playing, arrogant Joe, who delivers a scene in part four so well you cannot help but gasp as you watch. Another star of this is the music, which is superb, doomy yet very catchy. Of special mention is the inspired use of the Linoleum track "Twisted" at two key points in the story, the fusion of music and drama making them the two strongest moments in the series, they work so well. The series was poorly publicised in Britain and many perhaps just expected an ill informed cautionary tale about the internet; even worse was the video release which gave the entire plot away on the inside sleeve notes! The direction by Geoffrey Sax is what really lifts this drama into the level of masterpiece though. The performances he wrings from the cast is amazing, but the depiction of the game and the pacing (amazing for scenes of just Scott sitting playing a computer game) are breathtaking. The point of view shots of Scott drunk in part two are remarkable, and the whole production glistens with a flashy, gimmicky finesse and sophistication which matches the game itself. A true classic comparable with a Nigel Kneale or Dennis Potter drama. One interesting point to ponder however...the internet is so criticised because it is new, whereas books and plays are "respectable". Does the television not offer as much virtual reality violence in this production as the internet? And in that sense the internet is censor-friendly, since you have to request to view explicit materiall. If it was somehow restricted when young children are viewing it, it would surely be less criticised, because a game like Killer Net, believeable addictive and thrilling, is just as bloodthirsty as watching this!

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7 out of 10 people found the following review useful:
Kept Me Awake., 22 June 2003
8/10
Author: theumpire

Watched it last night on late night TV. Engrossing film. Not recommended for the very squeamish. The film contains some nudity and drug use, as well as vivid violent allusions. Wasn't too bad, took me to about 30-45 minutes before the end to know who the killer was and work out everything that was going on. Which is longer than most of the movies out and about today. Some interesting twists and turns mixed with some subtle humour. Kept me from going to bed until the very end. (I just had to know if they caught the killer!)

Worth watching at least once.

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1 out of 2 people found the following review useful:
From 1998...., 15 December 2006
10/10
Author: zippy_gives_great_head from United Kingdom

I sneaked out of my room to watch this on TV - i was 12...

What a great show.

4 series drama on a game based on real life killing. Enough to make anyone sit upright in their seats.

I think it portrays the world to which we are now in - it seems dated on the film now, but that was nearly 10 years ago - technophobes.

Great acting from some young stars (and old!), great plot, bad ending - what happened next?! I had the video bought for me a few years back - i still watch it frequently as well.

Some of it was filmed very basic, but with intent - and it seemed to work perfectly, perfect shots/angles, everything portrayed fantastically, in my opinion.

A must see for anyone, and Paul Bettany does a fantastic performance.

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6 out of 12 people found the following review useful:
Laughable, but I kept watching, 29 December 2002
7/10
Author: Darkfalz

Saw this on TV last night as one long movie (had no idea it was originally 4 minis, no wonder it draaaagged).

Original, I suppose, but that's because it's a ridiculous plot. But it was sort of interesting anyway, though the "game" was a bit of a joke. Actually it was a lot of a joke.

An anti-climactic ending (well, it was a "twist" of sorts) left me feeling kinda annoyed at having sat through 4 hours of TV-quality acting, but I guess it could have been worse.

Fairly standard British murder mystery drama in the end... but that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you have a lot of spare time and you happen to catch this it's a good way to kill a few hours.

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0 out of 1 people found the following review useful:
Killer not filler. A quality cult series., 14 September 2008
7/10
Author: ninjaalexs from United Kingdom

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Killer Net was written by crime writer Lynda La Plante best known for Prime Suspect. The series revolves around a student called Scott who gets addicted to a violent video game (Killer Net). The player must plot and perform the perfect murder without leaving evidence or getting caught. As Scott plays the game his house-mates become interested and start playing it as well. Unfortunately for them a real-life murder takes place which they get accused of.

Killer Net is clearly inspired by adult "interactive video" games (such as Harvester, Phantasmagoria and interactive sex games) which were popular around the time of the broadcast. The graphics used on the Killer Net game footage now look dated. This sort of makes it slightly nostalgic as it reminded me of old video games I've played. The series also references Chat Rooms and the fears surrounding them. I do not think the series makes any major social comments but is interesting how it tapped into media scare stories involving video game violence and chat rooms which are still relevant today.

The series is also noticeable for containing a young Paul Bettany. His acting is decent and he clearly had screen presence then. Tam Williams plays the naive Scott well but overacts in places. Emily Woof is excellent throughout. It is notable for featuring Jason "Take That" Orange as a thuggish DJ. Unfortunately his delivery of dialogue is a bit wooden and almost camp making the character's "hardman" image unconvincing.

The series was panned on its initial release but it has gained a cult following. It has a good plot. Some decent acting and makes good use of the Brighton location. Despite its 18 certificate and reputation, if your expecting a gorefest you'll be disappointed; it is however disturbing but the violence is very brief.

DVD Review: Sharp picture quality. There's a few sound dips but nothing serious. The limited extras include: Actor biographies and a trailer for Lynda La Plante's series: The Commander. It would have been good if the original Channel 4 trailers were included. This version is Re-Edited and runs around 5 minutes shorter than the VHS release. Worth owning especially as it can be picked up reasonably cheap. Recommended.

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