Critic's Grade: B

Directed by Vikram Jayanti captures the turmoil, conflict, and controversy in his version of the classic story Doctor Frankenstein and his monster. Well not the monster that stands up on two legs or slithers across the floor with huge fangs. This tale of deception, greed, and overwhelming sense of domination just harnesses the story all too well. Garry Kasparov, the most dominating chess player to ever sit in front of the chessboard faces off with the monster IBM Deep Blue computer.

The film captures the corporate giant at work to bring down Kasparov no matter if it meant bending the rules. Award winning Director Vikham Jayanti fiercely penetrates both sides as he uncovers the story behind the "man vs. machine" encounter in this highly volatile cinematic flick. Chess has been always a board game of strategy and constant rethinking of where the pieces are on the board. The game is confined to the strategy and the art of war brining your opposing King off his thrown. But this film takes the game and it's two competitors far past even a simple game of thought or strategy. During a 1996 battle Kasparov comes away with a solid victory over IBM's Deep Blue computer, which leads to several rematches over the years ahead.

Yes, it's something out of a science fiction novel where the machine all of a sudden develops it's own brand of superior intellect to take over the world. It's a conflict since their historical match who truly was the victor that day? Is it possible the machine/monster can actually learn with such accuracy?

In this particular case Gerry Kasparov during one of the longest matches with the Deep Blue computer loses ground. He begins to become emotionally angry, frustrated, and at times enraged over some of the counter moves the machine is making. Kasparov asks IBM to show him the printout of the spreadsheet during the course of the matches. This is where things turn ugly especially for Kasparov. They refuse then change their minds later it certainly tells me that they don't want to leave without the gold trophy in their back pocket.

In documentaries like "The Corporation" opens up the sickening depiction of corporate giants including IBM. Would a major corporation like IBM go so low to the point where not even a "fair game" is thrown out completely? It just begs the question "Why would a major tech business feel the compulsion or need to blind side just one man?" also "Has it gotten to the point where money and glory are more important then being honest and straightforward?" Game Over is devastating and one to certainly remember on your list of films to see.

Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine is an intelligent look back because what happened to Kasparov shouldn't have ended in chaos.

Dan's Review **1/2 star(s)

All Reviews by Dan Berman
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