All things considered, the original Tron seems an odd film to turn into a franchise. Released in 1982, the visually striking, groundbreaking for its time adventure was filled to the brim with ideas about the nature of technology and how the internal world of computers would come to mimic our own reality. It was also, for all that, not a very good film, a dramatically inert narrative with a plodding pace and rather dull characters. Hell, even the well remembered action scenes (the Disc Wars and the Lightcycle sequences) are not particularly exciting. Still, something about the genuinely accomplished look of the film, combined with the (at least theoretically) interesting concept led Tron to become a favorite amongst a certain subset of people – namely geeks.
Which brings us to 2010. Nowadays the geeks have inherited Hollywood and it seems that every weekend brings some new property geared specifically towards them: Comic Book movies, movies based on cult tv shows and videogame films to name just a few. This new tendency towards nerd-friendly films, combined with a seemingly pathological desire to remake, sequelize or reboot any and all pre-existing properties has led to the inevitable conclusion of a sequel to the strange but still-beloved Tron. As the Disney marketing machine tries with all their might to turn this into a new franchise, the question remains: Is Tron: Legacy a worthy successor to the first film? And does it even have to be a good film to accomplish that?
There is one area where Tron: Legacy immediately betters itself from its predecessor: It is engaging to watch. While the events of Tron often seemed as if they were occurring underwater, first time director Joseph Kosinski makes his sequel a sensual feast. The action scenes, when they occur, are genuinely thrilling on both a conceptual and a visceral level. The lightcycle race, in particular, is a standout. I don’t often compliment the “mood” of an action scene, but these sequences (aided immeasurably by Daft Punk’s incredible score) are infused with a hypnotic rhythm that renders them mesmerizing on a different level than your typical chaotic action scene. The glassy, geometric design of the world is always gorgeous to look at as well. I’m usually wary about the claim that a film can (or should) exist purely as eye candy, but Legacy makes the case as strongly as any film I’ve seen, as I found myself totally immersed in the world of Tron.
Unfortunately the film suffers in other areas. Strangely enough, Tron: Legacy features many of the same problems as the original film. The characterizations are purely functional and the acting is extremely spotty. Garrett Hedlund is, I suppose, no worse than many of the stars of today’s action spectacles (Sam Worthington, Channing Tatum), but he nonetheless does not display the charisma to truly carry the film, Olivia Wilde, while suffering from an ill-defined character, does lend the film a bit of wide-eyed wonder that the film frankly needs more of. Jeff Bridges is in an interesting position, portraying both the aged Kevin Flynn and his evil, younger doppelganger Clu. His turn as Flynn is one of the best parts of the film, portraying Flynn as a mixture of The Dude and Obi Wan Kenobi. His Zen maxims and laid back charm are an asset in a film as ostensibly serious as this. Unfortunately the role of Clu is somewhat problematic due to the CG de-ageing that has been done to his face. In certain shots (his first confrontation with Sam, the scene in Flynn’s apartment) the effect is convincing, but in other areas Clu looks slightly off, rooted firmly in the Uncanny Valley. Special mention must also be made of Michael Sheen, whose totally nuts performance provides a jolt of electricity just as the film requires it desperately.
The script is probably the biggest problem with Tron: Legacy. Much like the first film there seem to be fascinating themes and ideas that could be explored that seem to be ignored or treated perfunctorily. Not to say that there isn’t anything interesting or discussion-worthy about the movie, just that it doesn’t always take full advantage. Beyond the thematic issues, however, the film has a confused script that sometimes explains too much and sometimes fails to clarify crucial plot elements adequately. The nature of the ISOs, Clu’s master plan and the circumstances of Sam’s arrival on the Grid are just some of the most notable plot elements that are only vaguely explained. Important character revelations just sort of happen, with no build up or fanfare and characters seem to change their motivations simply because the script tells them to. Luckily, while these issues certainly detract from the film, Legacy as a whole is entertaining enough to make one mostly forget these issues.
Tron: Legacy is, in many ways, the perfect sequel to the first film. It is a gorgeously designed, dramatically lacking experience in which developed characters and a strong story take a backseat to technology and spectacle. Luckily in this case the spectacle is enough to carry the film past these deficiencies, making it a somewhat frustrating but always fascinating sensory experience that I found exciting and engaging from beginning to end.
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