Colossus - The Forbin Project (1970)

88% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
73% of users liked it
(1,843 ratings)

The granddaddy of all "computer run amok" films, Colossus: The Forbin Project concerns a huge electronic brain designed to control the American missile defense system. Colossus' technicians do not count on the computer developing an intelligence of its own. Communicating with its Russian… More The granddaddy of all "computer run amok" films, Colossus: The Forbin Project concerns a huge electronic brain designed to control the American missile defense system. Colossus' technicians do not count on the computer developing an intelligence of its own. Communicating with its Russian counterpart, Colossus decides to take over the earth, threatening global destruction should anyone try to pull its plug. The film's climax is unsettling, but no more so than the actual state of world affairs in 1970. Colossus: The Forbin Project was filmed in Canada. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Joseph Sargent
Written By: James Bridges, D.F. Jones
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1970 Wide
On DVD: Nov 23, 2004
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Vincent Canby, New York Times
The movie is full of marvelous, absurd dialogue.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Above-average science fiction.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Taut, well-made sci-fi thriller about a massive computer.
Ian Berriman, SFX Magazine
A crisp, well-crafted movie that achieves its effects by calmly stating the facts, with the bare minimum of histrionics.
Tom Milne, Time Out
After an excellent beginning, the craven script (based on DF Jones' novel Colossus) develops cold feet, injects some tiresome comic relief, and gradually begins to drag the whole thing down.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Harrowing and truly gripping despite an obviously paltry budget.
James O'Ehley, Sci-Fi Movie Page
Shoddy treatment on DVD . . .
James O'Ehley, Sci-Fi Movie Page
Will remind you just how much movies from the 1970s differ from the ones making their way to the megaplexes nowadays . . .
Scott Collura, Now Playing Magazine
Cautionary tale, thriller, and speculative sci-fi all rolled into one...