Guest post by the rockin’ hubby who thoroughly enjoyed the movie from the laser light show to the end credits.
I have to admit, as a teen I was a bit of a nerd and enjoyed my fair share of science fiction. So, it was with both nostalgic joy and nerdistic glee that I went with the wife to see TRON: Legacy. She is admittedly less interested in the genre… knowing this still did not prepare me for the revelation that would come in the car on the way to El Capitan Theatre. Not only did she have little clue what this film was about, but had never even seen the original! I was utterly speechless… after all, this was one of the most anticipated films of the year! To be fair, I was only 3 when TRON was released in 1982, and vaguely remember the first time I watched it on VHS. So, driven by nostalgic memories and an altruistic expectation for the sequel, I was on my way to experience what I hoped would live up to both personal and socially manufactured hype.
As a matter of locale, if you are in the position to see TRON: Legacy at the El Capitan in Hollywood, it was worth every penny! They host a laser light show just prior to the movie that is truly amazing and totally sets the atmosphere for the film. Of course, immediately following, a trip to Disney California Adventure Park’s ElecTRONica, complete with Flynn’s Arcade, would be the ultimate themed evening… I think I feel a Saturday in the near future slipping away!
If you haven’t guessed by now, I really enjoyed Legacy. It took the original concept and story of the 1982 film to the next level and explained story lines that were left hanging for 28 years. Despite the negative criticisms out there, I actually appreciate that the filmmakers pursued the same heart of the original film in technological innovation: stunning CGI visuals, and pushing 3D further than ever before in one of the best uses of 3D I’ve seen (rather than over the top 3D that seems to be all the rage in some recent films).
Here is a quick synopsis from the site:
TRON: Legacy is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the old Flynn’s Arcade—a signal that could only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a digital world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of the fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe—a universe created by Kevin himself that has become far more advanced with never-before-imagined vehicles, weapons, landscapes and a ruthless villain who will stop at nothing to prevent their escape.
Because the wife did not see the original, she had a few questions along the way. However, apart from the opening flashback, it truly is a new story that could stand alone. The visuals really set the movie apart and the technology that went into creating the film is unlike any other movie before it.
What would a good Disney film be without at least a few open ended options for another sequel to build the next franchise? Only time and box office results will tell. Ultimately, it was a win for me and one I want to watch again… likely with a review of the original with a fellow nerd and a trip to an IMAX screen to get the full immersion experience! This is definitely one that must be seen in the theater.
TRON: Legacy is currently playing at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood through January 20, 2011. One person will win a pair of tickets to Disney California Adventure Park at each show. Be sure to check out the TRON: Legacy Light Cycle on display at the theater. For a preview of what to expect, check out the video the theater posted on their Facebook page from opening night.
No compensation was received for this post. Media tickets provided.
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My 8 year old and I had a chance to see TRON over the past week. I didn’t think I was going to like it but I was wrong. I really enjoyed it. Excellent!
Awesome Melissa! I wasn’t quite sure if I was going to like it either. But it was really neat! : )