Tron Legacy

28 years after the original, Tron is revisited with the special effects that were intended the first time around. Unfortunately, the story hasn't received much of an upgrade.

Jeff Bridges links two films that may win him two Best Actor Oscars with this ambitious re visitation to the cyberworld of the "Grid". He once again plays Flynn, the gaming geek trapped in a video game. The special effects are absolutely mind-blowing, and with two major action sequences, this film is worth the price of admission to the 3D and IMAX experience. The rest of the film however, has only one bearable quality; Olivia Wilde.

Garrett Hedlund takes the torch from Bridges as the prodigal son who conveniently inherits his computer hacking skills, and embarks on an accidental adventure to find his long lost father and bring him home. Once in the world of the "Grid", the film begins to fall apart. Acting is terrible, and the CGI attempts to make Bridge's alter-ego, CLU appear younger is phony and out of place. They would have been better off scouring the earth for a doppelganger. This is no Benjamin Button.

Hedlund's lack of surprise, and unjustified confidence in this gladiatorial arena is simply unbelievable. Not that being sucked into a cyber world could be believable, but I know how I would react, and calm and confident is probably not it.

Olivia Wilde is simply gorgeous. Clad in black spandex, she is the perfect actress for the role of Quorra, a program created by Bridges' Flynn who serves as a right-hand woman and personal assistant.

In its defense, the two main action sequences (three if you count the Frisbee fight) of the cycles and jets are visual euphoria. The score, done by Daft Punk is the perfect complement for the action, and for a moment, you lose yourself in the raw special effects of the film.

Then you come back to plot and acting.

The evolution of the film takes on a sort of mystical Star Wars meets Matrix quality, and it is not true to the simplicity of what should have been. I didn't appreciate the holes and lack of continuity.

Definitely kid-friendly, and a good time for 10-15 year old boys, but not up to the potential of the budget or platform on which it was created. A must see in 3D and IMAX, and extra points for that. 6/10.