In 1982, TRON was one of a kind. A computer aided marvel that was so far ahead of it's time, so visually unique that audiences didn't really know what to make of it. Unfortunately it tanked at the box office, and at the time was seen by many as something of a joke. In fact, when Disney announced what was then called "TRON 2.0" the project was pronounced dead on arrival by many. Yes, even after they saw this:
For Disney, expectations are high. With good reason, rookie director Joseph Kosinski executes a visually stunning, utterly mind blowing vision, and former "Lost" writers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis deliver an intriguing tale that cautions against the dangers inherent with pursuing a perfect society. Unfortunately for Disney, critical reception has been exceptionally cold. So, cold in fact that it makes you wonder if they are reviewing the 2010 incarnation or are they simply offering their opinion of TRON in general. As I said, many people regard the original film as a joke, and that is the kind of opinion that lingers.
Exactly half of the critics who reviewed TRON: Legacy on RottenTomatoes.com have it wrong. The general consensus seems to be that while the film is visually stunning the story is lacking and some have even gone so far as to say that the story only serves to the purpose of delivering the audience from one action sequence to another. Again, I say they got it wrong.
In fact some critics got it so wrong, that I have to wonder if I saw the same film they did. Honestly, I dont think I did. You see, Much of your opinion on TRON:Legacy is going to depend on your perspective. Most film critics see and review hundreds of films a year, and to many TRON:Legacy was simply the next film on their list.You dont see hundreds of films a year. You have a life. A life that you sometimes want to get away from for just a couple hours.
I, however have a history with this film. I saw the first TRON film at a Drive in Theater when I was 7. It was not my favorite, in fact I was one of those people that thought TRON was a joke. However, As long as DisFanreview.com has been in existence, we have been covering this film. Thats two years. If Disney's blitzkrieg marketing machine has worked on anybody, it worked on me. I have been unbelievably excited to see this film and from the first frame, It did not disappoint.
The 3D effects in the action sequences are truly astounding, and during moments of less intensity the audience is immersed in the palpable dark and dreary atmosphere of the GRID. TRON:Legacy is escapism at it's best. The GRID is a hyper reality unlike our own, with its own rules an realities. Even if some those rules dont make total sense, it is till riveting. Not since Avatar or the Lord Of the Rings trilogy has an audience been so utterly immersed in a fictional world. This effect is accomplished in two different ways. first and most obviously through painstakingly intricate computer animation, and secondly by a predictable but none the less JAW DROPPING, Wizard Of Oz-esque transition from 2D to 3D.
Now, most critical reviews of TRON:Legacy are not really criticizing the dazzling visual effects. No, it is the much maligned script that has drawn some very unkind critical scrutiny. Which again I have to believe hearkens back to the prejudice that so many people have against the original TRON film. The films story touches on themes as timely as cyber-corporate greed, and as timeless as the dangers of fascism, totalitarianism, and the pursuit of the perfect world.
Is it a perfect story? No, but it isn't cardboard like the Star Wars Prequels and It isn't massively confusing and ultimately ridiculous like the Matrix sequels. In fact Tron: Legacy would probably be regarded as a groundbreaking franchise starter if the 1982 TRON had never existed. Ultimately, that is what TRON: Legacy is about. Sam Flynn struggles with the weight of his missing fathers hefty legacy and tries to find a way to be his own man. Tron: Legacy is a potential movie franchise trying to shed the reputation of it's "father" and establish an identity of it's own.
Tron Legacy is a stunning adventure that transports you to another world and immerses you in a digital realm that looks and feels like nothing you have ever seen. From the opening Disney logo (Which is an UNBELIEVABLY cool TRON-ified version of the timeless Disney castle)to the films wildly cool credits sequence to the powerful and entrancing soundtrack by Daft Punk, you will be blown away by the ballet of "biodigital jazz" that is TRON: Legacy.
-Admiral Duke
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