A young computer genius brings down a multi-billion dollar modern corporation in the cyber-thriller Antitrust. But that’s not what Milo Hoffmann intends when signing on as a computer programmer for NURV (Never Underestimate Radical Vision). In fact, he’s quite pleased at being recruited by Gary Winston, his professional hero. He thinks it’s a privilege to work with the brilliant, charismatic businessman.

However, Milo soon discovers evil secrets behind Winston’s plans for launching the world’s first satellite-delivered global communications system --- and he is the only one who can stop his former idol. Despite the film’s sometimes confusing techno-babble and its overemphasis on computer graphics, co-stars Ryan Phillippe and Tim Robbins play off each other as Milo and Winston with just the right amount of tension and admiration. They helped make this suspenseful movie work for me.

Phillippe (The Way of the Gun) displays a winning combination of vulnerability and strength as a modern-day David fighting against the forces of greed in today’s high-stakes computer industry. He looks truly amazed when introduced to the Egg, his new place of work. And why not? It’s designed with the joys of geek life in mind. There’s a sense of fun and visual stimulation that was missing from his lowly garage workspace. Phillippe also projects genuine enjoyment in scenes showing Winston giving Milo extra attention while working at his computer. The up-and-coming actor is equally adept at expressing fear when his situation becomes a nightmare.

In the role of Winston, Robbins (Arlington Road) has a rollicking good time. His eyes light up during motivational speeches to employees; his voice rises with excitement while commanding everyone to "Be creative; be luminescent!" But when things don’t go Winston’s way, Robbins seems to relish turning him into a frightening egomaniac who inspires terror instead of trust.

Playing the women in Milo’s life, Claire Forlani (Boys and Girls) and Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That) bring intelligence as well as physical appeal to their performances. Forlani portrays Milo’s artist girlfriend, and Cook is a gifted colleague at NURV. One of them helps Milo and the other betrays him, but don’t expect me to mention which is which and spoil it for you.

I will reveal, however, that the production design in Antitrust ranks among the best I’ve seen recently. Winston’s fabulous mansion is especially impressive. Who could guess its vast exterior design was done entirely with computer-generated graphics? And, I can’t wait to own a huge flat screen (like the one inside Winston’s den) that senses who happens to be walking by and immediately displays art by their favorite artists! Selection of the stunning Chan Center, a building used for performing arts at the University of British Columbia campus, as NURV’s main office location was an excellent decision. Sleek and oval-shaped, it provides an appropriate futuristic setting for the film’s timely story.

Although aimed at entertaining audiences rather than educating them, Antitrust explores two reality-based issues by focusing on private control of information versus open access and the limits of individual power (shades of Microsoft and Bill Gates!). Even "digital convergence," the incredible technology sought after by Winston is not as far-fetched as one might think. Many diverse communications systems --- computer, cable, telephone, etc. --- are linked already.

In my opinion, director Peter Howitt and screenwriter Howard Franklin make a great team. Howitt already demonstrated his flair for combining the real and unreal in Sliding Doors, while Franklin showed a talent for building suspense in Someone To Watch over Me and The Name of the Rose. Working together on Antitrust, they have created a gripping movie with considerable relevance in today’s high-tech world.

(Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and rated "PG-13" for violence and profanity.)