OZ is the worlds widest internet programme, with features ranging from shopping links to the real world, sports competitions, stock markets and travel control information. Everyones personal information is contained by an avatar that they can use to interact with people across the world. However one day an Artificial intelligence programme bent on causing mayhem is released into OZ and proceeds to steal everyone information and cause chaos in the real world. The only one who can stop it is Keiji Koiso (Ryuunosuke Kamiki) a math nerd whose avatar was infected 1st. At the same time, he has to pretend to be the boyfriend of his science clubs attractive senior Natsuki Shinohara (Nanami Sakuraba) and impress her family of samurai descendants, who may yet prove vital allies in the war against the AI programme.
So it basically Digimon; the Movie, meets Die Hard 4.0 meets Meet the Parents. All the more reason why this animated feature is so entertaining. A lot of the humour is typical of Japanese Anime and may be lost on most audience members, as will all the links to Japanese culture. But that should not stop anyone. Anyone who loves the 'computer virus causes real world problems' genre will love this film, coupled with the 'nice guys meets the family of his dream girl' genre in the real world setting. The story is both heartwarming and tension grabbing as with every second things get worse. And as if that weren't enough, the action sequences with the world of OZ are spectacular, as we see randomly created characters face off against the AI, especially the martial arts master King Kazuma, avatar of Kazuma Ikezawa (Mitsuki Tanimura)
All in All, Summer Wars is the must see companion to any Japan Fan, animation fan, rom-com fan or 'threat to the world' fan. Although the creators might have come up with a better name for the villain - the AI is known as 'Love Machine'. Not very fear inspiring is it.
