Mazes and Monsters (1982)

Mazes and Monsters is a 1982 fantasy drama film directed by Steven Hilliard Stern, based on the novel of the same name by Rona Jaffe. The film stars Tom Hanks, Wendy Crewson, David Wallace, and Chris Makepeace. The film tells the story of a group of college students who become obsessed with a role-playing game called “Mazes and Monsters” and one of them, played by Tom Hanks, becomes so engrossed in the game that he begins to lose touch with reality.

The film is a cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming too immersed in fantasy worlds and losing touch with reality. Tom Hanks gives a strong performance as the lead character, and the film does a good job of building tension and exploring the themes of escapism and mental health. The film also explores the relationship between fantasy and reality, and how the line between the two can become blurred.

The film was not well-received by the critics when it came out, and it was criticized for its heavy-handed and melodramatic approach to the subject matter. Additionally, the film had a poor box office performance, which is a shame, because the film is still a thought-provoking and well-made film that explores some important themes.

Overall, Mazes and Monsters is a film that is worth checking out for fans of Tom Hanks and for those who are interested in exploring the themes of escapism and mental health in film. It may not be a cinematic masterpiece but it is a well-made and thought-provoking film that is worth watching.