Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4021 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-09-20
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: NTSC
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 101 minutes

On the DVD
Fullscreen presentation
English 2.0 Dolby Digital
Scene selection
Digitally mastered
Interactive menus

Synopsis
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, All Movie Guide

DVD Menu

• Disc #1 -- Mazes and Monsters
  • Play Movie
  • Scene Selection

Customer Reviews

Kate, I think I killed somebody!...redux
This was originally written by me and one other, as craven6 (from the VHS copy):
"Those haunting words. One only a young Tom Hanks, with his emotionally cracking voice, could pull off. It's a wonder as to how many varieties of plaid shirt was worn during the 80's as well as the varying sizes of bad hair. I mean really, every scene was getting ready for a hoe down. But, I digress. Hanks, of course would go to greater triumphs (Bachelor Party, The Man with One Red Shoe, The Money Pit) but this was the stick at the beginning of the popsicle my friends. Who else but Hanks could say, "What's a fecalite?" with coviction, or am I quoting the book. Who cares, "brilliant" dialogue nontheless. A young unknown Chris Makepeace (as opposed to the old unknown Chris Makepeace) delivers a performance worthy of praise by extras everywhere. Bravo, Chris, bravo. That being said, he's head and shoulders abouve the rest of the cast, except Hanks, whom he stands at elbow height (at least in this movie). In conclusion, 'Mazes and Monsters' is an enjoyable diversion after a pizza, a few random encounters with some elves and an heated debate as to who is the better captain, Kirk or Picard? Delicious!"
And I think that review still holds up today. Yeah, the "crazy" aspect of gaming is bollocks, but as a gamer (for over 20 years mind you) I find this film very entertaining, both because it's low budget, but also strangely captivating, and honestly, although I can only speak for myself, I take no offense whatsoever from the negative aspect it presents of table top rpg's.

In search for the Great Hall
Yep, first there was "Reefer Madness" (1936) telling of the pitfalls of smoking reefers. Now there is mazes and monsters madness. An undetectable force that you are powerless to resist.

Tom Hanks as usual fits comfortably in any role he plays. The theme may be a little dated, but it is still fun to watch and speculate "There but for fortune go I".

As you have guest the story is about a role-playing game that gets out of hand. Tom Hanks plays a person that might not be quite stable and the addition of this game feeds his fantasies. This leads to a mysterious disappearance. This is more of a physiological movie than a blood and guts type. Before people say what is real or not, different people will come to this movie from different backgrounds, and go away a little closer.

Classic 1980s anti-RPG hype, made-for-TV style!
There's a great update on this movie, runs by the title "BenX" and it's not quite as sucky.