Tron: Legacy

Tron: Legacy

Tron 2 is not a prefect film, and does have some pacing problems, but it is certainly one of the best visual films I’ve seen since Avatar.  The special effects are truly breathtaking.  Even most of the fight scenes are well shot.  The problem with the film is mostly some of the padded scenes toward the middle. 

Tron Legacy is set 27 years after the first film and deals with Kevin Flynn’s son Sam Flynn.  Sam discovers a gateway to “The Grid”, an upgraded world from the first movie.  Just like the first Tron movie, normal programs find themselves being pushed around by mean programs that round them up for various reasons.  Clu, a program created by Kevin Flynn, now rules the Grid with an iron-fist.  Clu is the main bad guy this time around, and he looks like a young version of Flynn. 

In the real world, which is only in 2D, the film shows us Sam as a prankster/hacker guy that seems to live an aimless life.  This probably has to do with the fact that his father left him 20 years earlier.  I also enjoyed the nice little knock against Microsoft with the boardroom scene.  These early scenes show that the digital real world has surpassed the original world of Tron. 

The new world of Tron truly feels like a videogame world coming to life.  We get a good look at this new world through the amazing disc and light-cycle battles.  And, let me just say the light-cycle battle is one of the coolest visual treats in the movie.  Each cycle explosion feels fluid and each zip pass the 3D camera is flawless.  The scene truly displays the masterful work from the CGI creators.  It is a shame we don’t get enough of this kind of work in the rest of the story. 

The story is weakest component that audiences will discover in this sequel.  Some critics call the story thin, but I disagree.  I found the back-story interesting, and wished the writers fleshed it out a bit more.  It feels jumbled and rushed.  Like Avatar, it falls into normal plot clichés and set pieces that aren’t that interesting.  Then, the story limps along during the middle of the film as well. 

The soundtrack/score really stands out and enhances the digital atmosphere of the movie.  The techno/dance Daft Punk composed the score.  I’m surprise how well written the music is coming from a group that is known for catchy dance tunes. 

Overall, Tron: Legacy is a sight to behold with its amazing FX shots and pure fun factor.  It is a real shame the makers of the movie could pace the movie better and write a better story.  Despite its shortcomings, the 3D is good, the FX is excellent, and the music wonderful in Tron Legacy.

Grade:  B-