Tron: Legacy

I actually wasn't expecting to enjoy TRON:Legacy, but coming from someone who is fond of the original 1982 film, I did. TRON:Legacy isn't a perfect movie though, then again neither was the original movie. The film thematically is deeper than the original, but there are some parts where it comes across as rather formulaic for my tastes. Also while the characters are likable, they aren't given that much depth, and again while the dialogue is intriguing at most some of it is weak and dare I say stilted.

That said, TRON:Legacy has a lot to redeem it. Jeff Bridges is great and Garett Hedlund is likable, but when it comes to the acting the film is stolen by a gleefully enjoyable Michael Sheen and a wonderfully edgy Olivia Wilde. The action sequences and chases are very exciting, and help keep the momentum of the pace and story going, and the soundtrack is just fantastic. But the real revelation is in the film's look. The film looks amazing and one of the most visually stylish films of the year- I just loved the cinematography and editing and the special effects and use of neons are outstanding.

In conclusion, a surprisingly enjoyable film that I wasn't expecting to like. 7/10 Bethany Cox

The sequel to Tron took the right approach to the marketing and went into effect a good year before the film came out. Recognising that many people (apart from real fans) will only have a hazy recollection of the film and will probably vaguely remember it as "good" but really only remember the iconic bikers and design of it all, the marketing focused on the updated design, bikes etc that make up this world. In every interview there was always a smattering of talk about father/son and comments made on the power and omnipresent nature of computers and networks but really it was the visual aspects of the film that were pushed to the front. So it was with the marketing, so it is with the film where we join the rebellious son of Flynn as he gets sucked into the grid and discovers that his father's dream has been corrupted by a clone programme of himself.

It is advisable to start with the world that has been created within this film because ultimately this is its main selling point. It looks great – faithful to the original creation but never feels dated by an old view of computing, it is a vibrant place and even some forced "places" (like a nightclub that makes it feel a little Cool World) don't hurt it beyond the bigger idea and feel. I saw it in 2D but the looming ships and bikes and such all worked well and looked great. The effects that produce a young Jeff Bridges are technically impressive and mostly they work well – it is only the very small movements of skin and face that don't convince but it is so good that, rather than "not working" it just looks like something is a little freaky with him. Although I'm not a massive Daft Punk fan, their soundtrack does work well and they fit the film well.

The film is mostly moved forward by this style and frequent action sequences; mostly this is enough and I did find it to be entertaining considering that I expected the 2 hour long film to drag once the novelty wore off after 15 minutes. The basic plot (get to the exit before the other guy does) is enough to provide room for action but not for characters. Occasionally we will get attempts at this and they kinda work just for that moment but not to make me care about the people/programmes. Hedlund is likeably athletic and that is what he brings to the role – not much in the way of performance but he fills the lead well enough. Bridges seems to be channelling the Dude for a reason I cannot totally understand and, although he is cool and effective in his roles, it isn't really a performance per se. Sheen hams it up in his brief moments while House's Wilde makes an appealing female programme even if she has nothing in terms of substance to offer.

Overall it is an effects film and in this regard it works very well, getting the style right in an engaging and slick manner that is all style. The substance is not really there to match it but if I'm being honest I didn't really miss it; mainly this was due to the style and action making up enough of the time and engaging me enough to not worry too much about not caring about anyone in the film. A hollow film then in many regards but it will be good looking enough to win over viewers despite this empty core.

Kevin Flynn (Bridges) is the CEO of Encom and the world's best video game developer. One night he simply vanishes without a trace and leaves his company in chaos and his young son. Fast-forward 20 years, Sam Flynn (Hedlund) is a rebellious 27 year old and a thorn in the side of Richard Mackey (Nordling), a suit trying to take over his father's company with the help of a software designer (an uncredited cameo from Cillian Murphy). Though Sam is the heir, he refuses to play an active role in the decision-making process. Alan Bradley (Boxleitner) meets him one night with the news that he has received a page from Kevin Flynn's arcade - a number that has been disconnected for 20 years. Thus ensues the inevitable investigation into his father's whereabouts and Sam's transportation into the world his father has created and been trapped in for decades.

Where to begin? Tron: Legacy is a visual feast for your eyes and an auditory pleasure thanks to Daft Punk and Joseph Trapanese. The soundtrack feels ethereal almost and fits perfectly with this new world we have been introduced to for the first time (or the 2nd time if you've seen the 1982 original).

3D, for me, is a recent scourge that has been infecting and affecting the movie industry. Yes, maybe it is a more lucrative avenue for the movie industry after the setback of heavy piracy but enough is enough! Joseph Kosinski, however, had a vision (and an architectural degree behind him) to give us a mouth-opening, simply beautiful world with the correct blend of 2D and 3D! It is quite simply worth it just to go for the visuals.

What the movie makes up for in spectacular imagery, it lacks in storyline. Maybe I should have watched the 1982 version as so many people have pointed out to me but even without it, the plot seems a little disjointed. The underlying connections to the real world are numerous such as The Holocaust, God complexes, evil doppelgangers and more. You are left with more questions than answers as it is never revealed just what it is about this world that would "change everything" in the real world.

Jeff Bridges is great as both the villain and hero and his computer animated self is simply amazing although at the same time off-putting (this might be the Uncanny Valley hypothesis at work). The acting overall is not anything to write home about (no Oscar winners here) but Hedlund as Sam Flynn holds his own against a more charismatic Jeff Bridges. Quorra (Wilde) provides a potential love interest and the key to changing our world and a doe-eyed innocent view of life that is endearing.

This is a movie that should be simply taken for what it is, a pandering to the original fan base whilst garnering new ones, one not to be over- analysed but simply to be marvelled at with a group of friends. The actions scenes are just jaw-dropping with light cycles (that I wish I owned!) and deadly Frisbees amongst other things. Disney took a risk to continue a series almost 3 decades later rather than going for the easy option of re-imagining it. A wise move.

While the performance delivered by the son in this movie might not be Oscar-worthy, the allure of this film does not rely heavily on its acting prowess. It lies in the striking and ground-breaking visuals, accompanied by the captivating music score that is truly an auditory treat. The avant-garde aesthetic elements are profoundly impressive, pushing the boundaries and setting the film ahead of its time.

This cinematic production is a feast for the eyes and ears, immersing you in an experience that is sure to leave you in awe. The bold and imaginative visuals coupled with the profoundly moving soundtrack create a mesmerizing amalgamation of sight and sound. This movie transcends beyond the realm of conventional storytelling, offering an immersive and captivating spectacle that tantalizes the senses.

What sets this movie apart is its simplicity in terms of plot. It does not delve into a complex narrative or convoluted character development; rather, it revolves around the concept of visual and auditory satisfaction. It's an experience that encourages audiences to sit back, relax, and simply absorb the breathtaking visuals and mesmerizing music. It's a unique approach that breaks away from the typical expectations of what constitutes a movie, redefining it as a symphony of artistry that takes place on the silver screen. This movie is not just a film-it's a spectacle that stimulates and soothes, a true pleasure to watch.

Everything about this film works. The visuals, writing, acting, everything. There are very few wrong things I can find with Tron, especially the soundtrack which is timeless even almost a decade later. I still remember watching this film in theaters and not regretting it at all. I highly recommend this film for fans of anything quality.

From the pacing to the cinematography this film is astoundingly well made, and truly deserves more recognition. It is timeless in every meaning of the word.