Product: Startup.Com (2001)
Rating: 4.0
Excellent viewing...
I originally rented Startup.com because of a lack of worthwhile selections at the local Blockbuster. Also, a guy I grew up with worked at GovWorks from the early days. My expectations were low. Most dot com company cultures and techies I've come into contact with are overly quirky and boring- definitely not entertainment value.I was pleasantly surprised when I viewed the dvd. The story is enthralling and the content is timely. The founders, Tom Herman and Kalil Isaza Tuzman, are friends from childhood with radically different personalities (exacerbated by the editing). Tom is the uptight techie tinkering in the shadows with remedial social skills. Kalil is Mr. Charisma with unbounded ambition looking to cinch the big deal and steam roll anybody in his path.The business is formed and funded. Tom and Kalil's personalities clash. A power struggle ensues between Tom and Kalil. GovWorks' shaky business model, the internet mania, and the odd freindship all unravel at about the same time. This outcome is predictable. What is fascinating is watching all the ambition and hubris foment from inception until the ultimate devistation- shut down day.This movie is a fine example of the times. Tom and Kalil are highly talented and intelligent with excellent career tracks. Inexplicably, they quit their jobs to go for the big score, instant IPO wealth, and ultimately get trashed by the juggernaut they create.