Twenty-Eight years after the original movie Tron was released, Disney is finally bringing it into the modern age. Disney is doing this with the sequel Tron Legacy, a visually astounding and thrilling experience. Unfortunately, after 28 years the major challenge in creating a sequel is the reliance on your viewers’ knowledge of the first movie. The first movie hasn't stood the test of time for all viewers, but it did have an effect on many. So can Tron Legacy stand alone or does it too heavily require past knowledge?
The story of Tron Legacy is one of exploration of the world inside our computers, but at its heart, it is about the affects of a father on his children. The most obvious example of this is the affect of Kevin Flynn, played by Jeff Bridges, on his son Sam. Sam, played by Garret Hedlund, grew up happily with his father, but after events no one ever understood Kevin disappeared and left Sam in the care of his grandparents and Kevin's old partner Alan Bradley, played by Bruce Boxleitner. Sam and Kevin eventually reunite in the digital world but the effects of such a long separation cause them to no longer understand each other and to spend the remainder of the movie trying to rekindle what was lost in a 20-year gap.
Furthering the fatherly affect story is Kevin's interaction with the characters Clu, also played by Jeff Bridges, and Quorra, played by Olivia Wilde. Kevin created Clu to be his representation in the digital world when he himself was too busy handling his work at Encom and raising his son. Clu, out of god complex and lack of understanding, trapped his creator in the Grid, the very digital world Kevin had left Clu to manage. Kevin gets away but remains trapped in the computer, leaving Clu hunting him and longing to understand why the "real world" was so important. Kevin then begins to mentor Quorra, a quirky and unique program. Kevin teaches Quorra about the real world, giving her the life lessons he could never give Sam.
As a result of these three relationships the story at the heart of the movie is greatly explored, but the remaining stories begin to suffer. Throughout the early parts of the movie you learn that during the 20-year gap the program Tron, the hero of the first film, was murdered by Clu during the beginning of his attacks to "bring order" to the system. You also learn of his mass genocide of a group of programs known as ISO's, or isometric algorithms. These pieces of the story feel like great framing for the true failures of Clu and make him the character we all want to hate, but are never explored in true depth. Those fans who have read the comics and played the video game will know much more about the events in-between the two movies. For those who haven't seen the first movie, I could see how it would be hard to understand why Tron himself is important and why his part in the story is so sad.
The visuals are where Tron shines at shines brightest. At no moment does the movie truly allow its atmosphere to be lifted until the very end. Even the real world beginning has similar lighting to its digital counterpart. What's created is a dark world where every light, whether projected from someone's glowing suite or shooting out the back of their light cycle, feels planed and well crafted. Even when the characters are simply sitting around trying to understand the events in their world the tension stays strong, keeping you wondering what is around the corner. One of the most impressive effects of this movie is Clu, a digitally created young Jeff Bridges when in the digital world. In the grid he is truly real. Unfortunately this effect doesn't hold as strong during the opening scene when the same effect is used to show young Kevin talking to Sam. He just doesn't fit right, but it does show where the technology could go.
It should be said that I am not a fan of stereoscopic 3D. Besides Avatar, rarely have I seen it used in a way that makes me excited to put on a pair of uncomfortable glasses and avoid ever tilting my head. Tron Legacy is an example of where 3D could be going. During all the "real world" parts of the movie, everything remains 2D. But immediately as you enter the digital world, everything starts coming at you. The more active the scene is, the more effective the 3D. Some parts, like when Kevin and Sam are just talking across a digital dinner table don't feel very 3D at all. On the other hand, a light cycle battle or dogfight really gets an extra pop from the 3D effect. The division between real world and digital world is a artistic idea that could be pushed further and has me wondering what Hollywood will do next.
The musical sound track by Daft Punk is another amazing aspect from the movie. Though I'm not sure how well it would stand alone on CD for all listeners, in the context of the movie it is perfect. It captures every moment, every emotion and keeps your heart pounding. The sound effects are equally amazing, combining enhanced versions of the first movies sounds and new digital effects.
A movie is nothing without its actors, and this one has an all-star cast. First you have the award winning Jeff Bridges, who not only play's modern Kevin Flynn, a man who has lost himself to the digital world, but also his younger self from the original films and a cold calculating digital version of himself. Each role feels unique and each entertains in its own way. Garrett Hedlund feels like the modern version of the original movie’s Kevin. His portrayal of an arrogant young genius is well done, and is further increased as he slowly grows and learns what he should be doing. Olivia Wilde adds new energy to the serious nature of most the other actors. Her naively curious nature towards our world comes off as cute and is balanced out by strong and quirky ways of dealing with her own world.
These actors are enhanced by the performances of the minor characters, such as Bruce Boxleitner who plays Alan Bradley. His character comes off as serious but still light hearted and helps the viewers really understand who Sam is at the beginning of the film. James Frain as Jarvis, one of the right hand men of Clu, actually shows a bit of character growth as he watches the Users, real life people who come to the digital world. Michael Sheen as Castor adds some much needed comedy and energy after many heavy scenes between Sam and Kevin. Last but not least Anis Cheurfa, who plays the physical parts of the rarely speaking Rinzler, portrays a deadly assassin with a secret revealed only through his actions
It's hard to rate this movie overall. As a fan who has experienced every bit and piece of the Tron universe, I was able to understand the many references to the different mediums of Tron. From the fan stand point this movie is next to perfect. From the perspective of the average moviegoer this film will still be lots of fun. It's filled with outstanding action, over the top fights and a heartwarming father son story. It would help all viewers to have seen the original 1982 Tron, but isn't mandatory if your just looking to have fun with some visual eye candy. A must see for fans of digital effects in films and stereoscopic 3D lovers.
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