Movie Review: Tron Legacy

By Michael Vass | December 19, 2010

If you were among the few that did not rush out to see Tron Legacy yet, you are missing out. This is actually the first film where seeing it in 3-D was not a complete waste of money. That said, the film is flawed.

Tron Legacy is the continuation of the storyline from the Tron film in the 1980′s. This sequel does a decent job of taking the first few moments to explain the backstory. It also is our first look at the impressive CGI effect of making Jeff Bridges look 20 years younger. Which makes clear one thing immediately about the movie, looking good is the most important thing in the movie.

It cannot be stated too clearly that the visuals in Tron Legacy are astounding. The bulk of the money for the film was dedicted to the CGI in the film. From the improved Light Cycles to Light Planes and the Grid City, the details work. Even the digital fireworks fit and add to the concept of a complete world functioning within the computer.

Sadly the plot suffers from the over-committment to visuals. Plot holes are huge. There are characters introduced for no apparent reason, as well as unresolved issues surrounding them. Key characters have motivations that are unexplained. And the character of Zuse (my definitive favorite in the movie) just jumps off the deep end.

Add to the bad plot the underwhelming acting. Garrett Hedlund, playing the lead as Sam Flynn, was just horrible. His acting varied from uncommitted to confused. This works for the early part of the film when his character needs to portray detachment and them bewilderment in arriving at the Grid. But after that it just detracts from the film.

Olivia Wilde, playing Quorra, is equally flat throughout the film. Her character distinctly lacks emotion and intensity in a role that demands both. Watching her action/fight scenes leaves you a distinct desire for something better or exciting. Her look in the film is perfect, but it’s about the only thing she gets right. Except for the scenes where she lays basically comatose.

Thankfully Jeff Bridges is excellent. In both his roles. He adds much needed depth and belivability to the movie. Plus he gives each role a seperate feel, with each character being fleshed out and well motivated.

For music fans, keep an eye out for Daft Punk. They make an appearance about mid-way thought the film. While their faces will not be visible, they really aren’t required to act much. They are obvious as they do in the movie exactly what they do in real life.

One of the best roles in the entire film is that of Zuse, played by Michael Sheen (no relation to Martin and Charlie). The character is a mix of Ziggy Stardust and an albino, with a touch of insanity and the Merrovingian thrown in. Perhaps the best scene in the film is watching him as one of the films less than fulfilling fight scenes plays out below him. It’s a gleeful and chaotic bit of overacting that just steals the movie.

Moving away from the acting, the soundtrack has to be addressed. Often over the course of the film anyone who has seen the Bourne Ultimatum will be reminded of that film. It’s not that the soundtrack is a rip-off, exactly. But the similarities are clear enough to be distracting at times.

The worst thing though is the plot. It just kills the film. By the end of the movie audiences will be left with questions, like what was the point of presenting Edward Dillinger Jr. (Cillian Murphy) or anything to do with ENCOM. Or if Zuse survived the highly escapable bomb trap. Or how a digital being can exist in the real world. Or if Tron survived and what he might do if he did. And there are many more.

All the questions aren’t significant enough to distract too much from enjoying the movie while it’s on. But once it’s done they just flood on in. It leaves the distinct impression that the film was just a major set-up for yet another sequel, or series of films. Essentially Tron Legacy is an extended trailer for an entirely seperate film.

Overall, Tron Legacy does not live up to the hype. It’s visuals are stunning and an upgrade to the original film. But the plot and lackluster acting can’t keep up with the standard the CGI sets. Though if you see it, it is worth dishing out the extra money to see in 3D.

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