It was way back in 1982 when Tron first dazzled us with its stunning world filled with energetic light sequences. Despite being one of the first films ever to use computer generated special effects it failed to ignite public interest and was a flop at the box office. Subsequently becoming a cult hit on VHS, it was deemed by many as 'ahead of its time'.
Now, of course, CGI is commonplace amongst Hollywood Blockbusters which are increasingly shot and marketed in 3D. In bitter contrast to its original, TRON: LEGACY's 2010 outing is in danger of arriving far too late, getting lost in a sea of pretenders to the CGI throne it should have claimed in 1982.
It's been 20 years since entrepreneur and genius Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) vanished overnight, at the top of his game running 'Encom' (Think APPLE), leaving his son behind with only memories of exciting tales of a unique computer system into which humans can enter and interact with the digital world... Stories his son still dreams about.
Having received a mysterious message from his father two decades after his disappearance, Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) is accidentally sucked into the virtual domain that his dad created. Kevin Flynn is now a prisoner in exile, trapped in this hidden universe dominated by an unimaginably colossal gaming arena and ruled by Kevin Flynn's evil alter ego Clu, his own digitally created younger self from 1989.
Unconvincing emotions run high as Sam is reunited with his father, determined to free him from this realm and return home. Along with loyal confidant Quorra (OLIVIA WILDE), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey to escape this highly advanced and dangerous cyber universe known as The Grid (and get over some abandonment issues along the way.)
But Kevin's evil clone Clu has other ideas, having discovered a way to transfer himself to the real world along with a vast army of 'perfect' programs - not a million miles away from the Nazis - which threaten the very existence of mankind. Apparently.
It sounds complicated but the somewhat ludicrous plot is helped along with an abundance of flashbacks, none of which convince the viewer there is any real depth to this high concept piece of sci-fi. However, I was little concerned with where the journey was taking us, having become totally engrossed in the impressive 3D effects and entirely charmed by the laid-back "The Dude"-like portrayal of Kevin Jeff Bridges delivers.
TRON: LEGACY is a true 3D thrill ride filled with light cycle battles, futuristic gladiator light disk duels and even high flying ariel dog-fights. If you can suspend your disbelief then simply enjoy this fun high-tech adventure, a true spectacle for the eyes the likes of which only Avatar has previously come close to. Although it does make one wonder how much appeal it's going to have in years to come on the small screen.
7/10 Let the geek inside you go and judge it in 3D.
TRON: LEGACY is now showing at Odeon Switch Island. Check www.odeon.co.uk for viewing times.
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