By Isaac Siegemund-Broka
Web Entertainment Editor
The beautifully crafted and intense “Tron” sequel “Tron Legacy” was released on December 17, 2010. With crazy action and a grooving soundtrack, this Joseph Kosinski film does not fail to continue the ideas of its ‘80s predecessor while it brings stunning visual effects and 3D technology to the screen.
Entertaining, surprising and always moving, “Tron Legacy” would be an archetypal action movie if not for the bizarreness of its plot. The film is a sequel to the 1982 film “Tron.” While the mentality of this cheesy science fiction cult film could have been lost with the arrival of new special effect technology, the utilization of Steven Lisberger (who directed the original “Tron”) as a producer managed to maintain the ideas of “Tron” in this new movie.
The plot of “Tron Legacy” revolves around The Grid—a virtual, programmed universe created by Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), populated by people called “programs” and controlled by Flynn’s alter-self dictator known as Clu (also Jeff Bridges). Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), a young rebellious son of Kevin Flynn, enters The Grid and soon begins a quest to change its workings while also trying to free himself and his father from the clutches of Clu.
“Tron Legacy” finds its strongpoint in visual effects, most of which constitute the vast video-game world called The Grid. Beautiful, surreal but barren landscapes construct a world like no other in an impressive display of digital art, a good alternative to what could have turned out as a tacky light show.
The 3D technology in “Tron Legacy” is rarely flaunted, and to the films advantage. Along with a few exciting moments in which objects fly toward the audience, the 3D helps to truly bring viewers into the peculiar and spectacular Tron world in a way unachievable with standard 2D movies.
Each notable actor brings to the table exactly what is needed. While Jeff Bridges’ (as Tron’s creator, Kevin Flynn) acting may be a little too reminiscent of his role as The Dude in “The Big Lebowski,” his laidback, friendly but helpless attitude perfectly portrays Flynn’s situation. Bridges’ other role as the evil and maniacal Clu is played with a flawless balance of poise, charisma, and unbridled malevolence. Bruce Boxleitner subtly brings pensive composure as programmer Alan Bradley and a security officer in The Grid.
Olivia Wilde plays a program of The Grid who is essential to Kevin Flynn’s plans. She comes across calm and almost robot-esque, matching her character as a computer creation. And rebellious 26-year-old Garrett Hedlund is thrown into the mix as Sam Flynn, if not only to attract some non-male members to the relatively geeky audience.
The soundtrack was created mainly by French electronica duo Daft Punk with supervision from Jason Bentley. Daft Punk’s energetic house techno comes through loud and clear, although undertones of Hans Zimmer are present with occasional booming orchestra hits or periods of repetitive moving strings.
“Tron Legacy” has everything going for it, with an entertaining plot, fantastic action, beautiful special effects, spot-on acting and an exciting score and soundtrack. “Tron Legacy” is PG and playing in theaters everywhere.
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