Mazes and Monsters, Ronna Jaffe's

Mazes and Monsters is a chilling, intriguing American made-for-television drama film that was originally aired on CBS in 1982. The film, directed by Steven Hilliard Stern, is based on Rona Jaffe's novel of the same name and stars a young Tom Hanks and Wendy Crewson. It masterfully spins a compelling tale that shows the dangerous and encompassing world of role-playing games, and its potential repercussions on the players' mental health.

The film introduces us to four college students: Jay Jay (Chris Makepeace), Daniel (David Wallace), Kate (Wendy Crewson), and Robbie (Tom Hanks). Each hailing from different backgrounds, their shared hobby of playing a board game called "Mazes and Monsters" unites them. Although the game starts off innocently enough, the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur as they portray their in-game characters in real-life scenarios.

Robbie, played by the acclaimed actor Tom Hanks, is a talented yet troubled individual with a rich imaginary world. His character is crucial to the story, as he becomes so immersed in the game that he begins to lose touch with reality, plunging him into perilous circumstances.

Wendy Crewson also delivers a strong performance as Kate - a smart, attractive girl who is not afraid to show her intelligence. She provides some semblance of stability to the group, though she, too, becomes increasingly engrossed in the fictional world of "Mazes and Monsters."

"Mazes and Monsters" takes a noticeable turn towards the intense and suspenseful as the group ups the realism of their game and decides to play in an actual labyrinth-like cave system. The game allows the intricate characters to experience temporary respites from their respective real-life struggles. However, this escapism turns treacherously real as they encounter unanticipated consequences.

In this film, Tom Hanks brings intricate depth to the character of Robbie. With a maturity beyond his years, Hanks hauntingly portrays Robbie’s struggle between fantasy and reality, demonstrating his ability to evoke a haunting sense of dread and sympathy.

The film does not shy away from tackling the hard-hitting topic of mental health. It explores the group's stress, fears, and insecurities, and how an innocent game can evolve into a stimulating yet hazardous coping mechanism. The slippery slope of losing their grip on reality amidst the complexities of their game and real-life problems allows viewers to delve into the intricacies of mental health. It portrays the stark contrast between a harmless hobby and unhealthy addiction.

"Mazes and Monsters" is distinctly atmospheric, making good use of its unique plot to build a sense of suspense and unease. The mastery of Steven Hilliard Stern's direction allows for a nuanced relationship between the characters and their alternative realities. His prolific storytelling techniques produce a commendable air of mystery and constant suspense, keeping viewers intrigued.

The appearance and popularity of such a film during the rise of Dungeons & Dragons and other role-playing games may have played a significant role in bolstering the controversial reception of these games in the early '80s. Framing the narrative around the dangers that could result from a deep obsession with these games, the film showcases the careful line between escapism and reality.

"Mazes and Monsters" is a captivating view into a group of young adults fighting their personal demons, both real and imaginary. It's a haunting portrayal of the thrilling allure and potential dangers of the escapism that role-playing games can provide. It serves as an early showcase of Hanks' talent and charisma as an actor, offering an interesting look at the beginnings of his impressive career. It's a film that certainly leaves a lot to think about, even after the credits roll.