Mazes and Monsters (1982)

24% of users liked it
(4,131 ratings)

Remember that controversial participation game of the 1980s called "Dungeons and Dragons"? Remember how sociologists warned us that the game was potentially dangerous to those who couldn't altogether separate fantasy from reality. This is the premise of Mazes and Monsters, a made-for-TV film based… More Remember that controversial participation game of the 1980s called "Dungeons and Dragons"? Remember how sociologists warned us that the game was potentially dangerous to those who couldn't altogether separate fantasy from reality. This is the premise of Mazes and Monsters, a made-for-TV film based on the best-seller by Rona Jaffee. Future Oscar-winner Tom Hanks portrays one of four college students who become so deeply involved in a Mazes & Monsters session that the results may turn fatal at any moment. Despite its potential for silly sensationalism, the film is based on a believable premise, and arrives at a logical conclusion. When first aired December 28, 1982, this Canadian-American production was titled Rona Jaffee's Mazes and Monsters. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 40 min.
Directed By: Steven Hilliard Stern
Genres: Drama, Television, Mystery & Suspense

On DVD: Nov 1, 2005
Studio: Lorimar Home Video

Critic Reviews

James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
Although intended as a cautionary tale, it's far more likely to inspire snickers than shudders.

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A badly made movie with a confusing story and a silly plot. I'd say stay away from this one unless you're a huge Hanks fan.
Justin Y

Steven Hilliard Stern has a big resume of TV movies and Mazes and Monsters is one film that can be quite an interesting watch for fantasy and gamers alike.Based off of Rona Jaffe's novel, by the same name, the concept of the story involves the topic of… More
Steven Hilliard Stern has a big resume of TV movies and Mazes and Monsters is one film that can be quite an interesting watch for fantasy and gamers alike.Based off of Rona Jaffe's novel, by the same name, the concept of the story involves the topic of a game taking over a person's life. The story is a little out there, but that's not to say that it can't happen. The 1 hour 40 minute movie will not fly by as the pacing is a little slow. The character buildup is there and the "Mazes and Monsters" game concept is quite intriguing.The first half of the film shows the change in Tom Hank's character as he gradually begins to cross the line between fantasy and reality. Once he crosses over, the film becomes a cat and mouse chase in New York. It is the first half that has more going for it. Some scenes can be a bit dark, but it is tolerable.As far as the fantasy elements go, there are very few costume creatures and this is a shame. There is room for so much more, however the movie does keep it real with only a few of these things.The acting is OK. A young Tom Hanks isn't winning any awards, but he gets the job done. A cute Wendy Crewson provides a decent female character, while Chris Makepeace fits right in to this story.Mazes and Monsters may seem corny at first, yet this movie can be of interest to some.
Alexander W

Dungeons and Dragons overview in a movie not documentary but truthful and honest portrayal of the side effects of fantasy roleplay.
Lafe F

The dangers of the mentally unstable (Tom Hanks) playing a fantasy role playing game "Mazes and Monsters". I dunno about that game, but we D&D players thought this was pretty cool - we wish we had some of those caves available for our gaming sessions. The visit to the… More
The dangers of the mentally unstable (Tom Hanks) playing a fantasy role playing game "Mazes and Monsters". I dunno about that game, but we D&D players thought this was pretty cool - we wish we had some of those caves available for our gaming sessions. The visit to the Twin Towers in New York City was a hilight. It's a bit condemning of a hobby which many were engaged in at the time, with a very slim percentage of players going nutso. If it weren't for the game, the boy in the movie would've been triggered by something else likely; 80's New Wave Music or Pac-Man perhaps. I remember when this was on TV, "Rona Barrett's" name was plastered all over it.