Colossus: The Forbin Project

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Colossus: The Forbin Project

PG

1969

1h 40m

Sci-Fi

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90%

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10 Reviews

76%

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1,000+ Ratings

Tucked away in a secret location in the Rockies, Dr. Charles Forbin (Eric Braeden) has developed a massive computer system, dubbed "Colossus," that is supposed to ensure the nation's safety against nuclear attack. But when Colossus connects to a similar Russian computer, "Guardian," the intelligent machines begin conducting a private dialog. Nervous as to what they might be plotting, Forbin severs the connection, only to have Colossus threaten a nuclear attack if the link isn't restored.

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Tom Milne

Time Out

01/26/2006

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.

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Vincent Canby

New York Times

05/09/2005

4/5

The movie is full of marvelous, absurd dialogue.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

04/09/2005

Above-average science fiction.

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Scott Collura

IGN Movies

04/04/2025

It remains one of the most gripping and prophetic films to ask the question: What happens when we create something that is smarter than us?

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

10/06/2023

The hardware may be dated but the intelligent screenplay from James Bridges constructs a sophisticated, continually surprising thriller that pits man against a globally connected computer network which couldn’t be more contemporary.

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TV Guide

12/14/2010

3/4

Taut, well-made sci-fi thriller about a massive computer.

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Gary S

@Gshaffer Aug 22

I saw this as an 18 year old when it came out in 1970 and loved it. I then caught it at The Film Forum 55 years later and it still held up. It was way, way ahead of its time. It wasn’t the first sci fi book or movie to raise the issue of "machines" thinking like humans and posing dangers, but The Forbin Project presents the issue in more down to earth and relatable fashion than, for example, 2001. Yes, there are a few leaps of faith in the story line, but they are minimal and more intelligently done than in 99% of any action movie with special effects, including the Bourne movies, which are pretty good. So if you can find this, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and remember, A.I. wasn’t even a gleam in chat gpt’s programmed eye when this came out.

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Ben W

@Username618 Aug 6

Did enjoy- haven't finished.

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Noel L

@RT15930389 Jul 12

So this is where Skynet came from

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Neil H

@RT78557639 Jun 10

The premise of this 1970 film (artificial intelligence's capabilities accelerating out of human control) makes it more relevant than at any other time in the last 50 years. While the film style may feel somewhat dated, it's message is very much up-to-date.

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Peter M.

@pmcguireumc Feb 2

Excellent and terrifyingly prescient movie. 20 years ahead of Terminator

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Stephen C

@bob25009 06/30/2025

Successful in 1 hour and 40 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Joseph Sargent

Director

Eric Braeden

Dr. Charles Forbin

Susan Clark

Dr. Cleo Markham

Gordon Pinsent

The President

William Schallert

CIA Director Grauber

Leonid Rostoff

Russian Chairman

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Synopsis

Tucked away in a secret location in the Rockies, Dr. Charles Forbin (Eric Braeden) has developed a massive computer system, dubbed "Colossus," that is supposed to ensure the nation's safety against nuclear attack. But when Colossus connects to a similar Russian computer, "Guardian," the intelligent machines begin conducting a private dialog. Nervous as to what they might be plotting, Forbin severs the connection, only to have Colossus threaten a nuclear attack if the link isn't restored.

Director: Joseph Sargent
Producer: Stanley Chase
Production Co: Universal/Universal Int
Rating: PG
Genre: Sci-Fi
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Nov 23, 2004
Runtime: 1h 40m

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