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TRON: Legacy
- Review Date: December 15, 2010
- PG
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Techie reboot is visually dazzling but short on story.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this highly anticipated sequel to 1982's Tron features some intense sequences that are made even more impactful because the movie was shot in 3-D. While the violence (which includes several near-death encounters) is lessened by the fact that programs shatter instead of bleed, it's still shocking to see and may frighten younger viewers. Language includes exclamations like "damn it" and "stupid," and the sexuality is mostly in the form of female-looking programs who wear second-skin uniforms and stilettos. There's also some flirting and embracing between two major characters. Programs kiss, dance, and drink, though you can't tell for sure that it's alcohol. Messages about technology and father-son relationships are central to this stylized action-adventure.
What's the story?
Two decades after computer programmer and video game designer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) disappeared -- but was actually trapped inside the digital world of his computer game -- his son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund), is prompted to track down a mysterious page. Snooping around his father's ancient video arcade, Sam is unexpectedly sucked into the "Grid" as well, where his father's virtual clone, Clu (a digitally enhanced, youthful Bridges), attempts to kill him. Sam is rescued by Quorra (Olivia Wilde), an enigmatic "program" who serves as Kevin's apprentice in a secret digital landscape that's considered "off the grid," where Kevin lives an almost monastic existence and has given up on ever getting out of the virtual world. With Quorra's help, Sam attempts to defeat Clu and get the three of them out of the Grid and back to reality.
Is it any good?
TRON: LEGACY is a visually stunning film. But while many of the action sequences are truly awesome -- including the memorable light cyle race -- the story is a bit lacking in emotion. There are some highlights -- like the hilarious nightclub scene (thanks largely to Michael Sheen, who's deliciously campy as the club's owner). Really, once the novelty of seeing two Jeff Bridges wears off, there's not too much too pull you in beyond the effects ... luckily, for fans of the original Tron, that might be plenty.
Newbies might notice that for a loud and action-packed thriller, TRON: Legacy drags a bit, with an ending that doesn't culminate in the payoff they might have hoped for. There's no denying that the computer-generated effects are worth checking out in 3-D -- If you or your kid is into all things Tron, you'll enjoy the high-tech eye candy -- but the plot almost can't help but pale in comparison.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's themes of technology and how it changes our lives. Do you think these ideas are more relevant today than in the '80s when the original came out? Why or why not?
How are Clu and Kevin's approaches to the digital world in opposition? What do they each represent?
What did you think of the movie's special effects? Were they impressive or distracting?
How does this movie compare to the original? Do you think it will have as big of a following?
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AGE
I just returned from seeing Tron: Legacy with my almost-8-year-old son. He is very into computers and the way programming works and technology in general.
The storyline of this movie was not hard to follow for my son, but at times it was a bit boring. The acting in the movie was sort of forced. There really was nothing that I found alarming about it, very little language (a h--l, a couple of da-- it), virtually no gore (when battling, the CGI characters sort of dissolve into a pile of pixels. No blood other than a small cut on the main character's arm, but not at all upsetting....it was how they discovered he was a "user/human" rather than a 'program').
Visually, this movie was stunning. Lots of fast-paced action, reminiscent of Star Wars, Star Trek, etc. Giant flying machines, fast Light Cycles (quite cool), and some tense chase scenes.
Overall, the movie was fun to watch, though a little slow in places. I think they could have done away with about 20 minutes of the 2 hours+ length and been better off for it.
Life lessons? Forgiveness, understanding, not giving up, asking for help, sticking together.... Nothing really earth-shattering, but there is plenty to discuss with kids afterwards.
Know your child....if they enjoyed Star Wars, Clone Wars, and/or Star Trek, they will likely enjoy this movie. For you? Enjoy the stunning visuals and get a Large popcorn to get you through the slower parts! : )
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AGE
Great Entertainment For Kids & Adults
We have to remember this is a Disney movie, which means it has very little objectional material. If your kid likes video games, stunning visuals or motorcycles then this movie will captivate him even during the plot scenes. My kid was captivated the eintire movie even during the plot scenes.
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AGE
I LOVE THIS MOVIE IV NEVER SEEN THE FIRST ONE BUT THIS ONE IS AWESOME I WATCHED WITH MY DAD ITS REALLY COOL AND ITS EDUCATIONAL
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AGE
Confusing for kids, but harmless
The 3D thing was fun, but I hate paying more for it!! I think the two Sams is confusing for adults much less children. And I agree, the story drags and the ending is weak, but they did sort of set it up for another sequel. I hope they get a different producer or director or something; it has so much potential.
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AGE
Tron Legacy was a fantastic movie. I am a bit of a geek who is a big fan of the first Tron, which definitely helped me get more out of the movie than those who haven't seen Tron.
The soundtrack was awesome. I like Daft Punk, and they did an excellent job at capturing the soul of the computer system. There was also a song from Journey, bringing back some of the tones of the first Tron.
One of the most positive messages of the movie was Kevin sacrificing himself for his son Sam. Both Sam and Kevin seem to forgive each other quickly since both of them had been missing each other ever since Kevin disappeared.
When programs get "derezzed" during the gladiatorial games of the Grid, there isn't any blood, just some particles falling apart. When Quorra gets her arm cut off, there's nothing graphic there either; if your child has seen Star Wars: Attack of the Clones they'll be fine. The only blood seen is a brief scene when Sam gets cut, but it is somewhat stylized.
One of the messages throughout the movie was Sam's desire to get back with his father, and Kevin's regrets for not being able to be there for his son.
In the beginning of the movie, Sam is shown being a rebel by breaking into the Encom building, but this is due to his feelings of abandonment when his father disappeared.
Do not be surprised if your kids become interested in motorcycles after watching this movie. Sam rides a Ducati in the real world and a fast light cycle on the Grid.
Go see this movie, and be sure to watch Tron first for a complete experience. You won't be disappointed.
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AGE
Why Does Everybody Hate This Movie?
What can I say? I loved this movie. Most of my teenage guy friends who saw this thought it was a really good movie as well. So, I was kind of surprised at all the flack this movie seems to be getting from critics and from many viewers. I don't know what exactly they're criticizing it for. No, it's not as deep as say, Inception, but it's still an interesting and entertaining film with some positive messages about the relationship between a father and a son. Because of this movie, Garrett Hedlund has become one of my new favorite actors. I love his sarcastic wit and energetic bad-boy persona. The action scenes are cool and the musical score pulses with energy creating great excitement and tension. Jeff Bridges does a good job playing dual roles (as the main-character's father and the bad-guy) and Olivia Wilde makes for a cute romantic interest. One of the biggest pluses for me was that I didn't have to feel guilty while watching this film. While it can be a little intense, for the most part, there was no graphic violence, extreme bad language, or sexual content in this movie. When people get killed, they disintegrate into pixels without any blood or gore on display. There are a few h-words and some of the lady's outfits are a little tight for my taste, but overall, this was a clean film which stayed more or less within the confines of its PG rating. There is some strange spiritualism in it (an odd mix of evolution and zen mysticism) which I was a little uncomfortable with, but overall, nothing that a mature twelve year old couldn't handle with some discussion. SUMMARY: A good clean adventure movie for parents who are looking for something to show their tweens on up that doesn't have graphic violence, sensuality, or bad language.
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AGE
Tron was my inspiration to pursue computers...
I am a big fan of the original Tron and was excited that they made a sequel. I was around 9 or 10 when I watched the first one/ That caused me to get interested in computer animation and game design.
So I definitely went and watched the sequel. It is great you don't have to see the first one to understand Legacy. Only deals I have are the oversexuality of the women. Also I didn't like the blood involved. Granted it was one or two teeny drops, but it seemed out of place.
The ending was a little bit of a let down... Although after I heard there will be a Tron 3, it made sense... It also excited me again!
PS: In the original, there was a love scene between Tron and Yuri. However the semi rendered scene and a 'morning after' scene were cut from the final film... This caused a fight between the director and the editor!
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AGE
This was a beautiful movie filled with everything I love. It's officially my second favorite movie. I loved it. I don't really see what was bad about the story. Plus, Sam is EXTREMELY hot. The whole theater of sixth,seventh, and eighth graders whistled when he took off his shirt. I LOVED this movie.
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AGE
check out my page for more great recomendations
The good stuff
*
Messages:
There aren't many life lessons in this movie other than that humanity's imperfection is also what makes humans special and that the "digital frontier" is inescapable and constantly changes, which is definitely applicable to our techno-obsessed world. The unconditional nature of father-son relationships is also explored via Kevin and Sam.
*
Role models:
Sam tries to save his father from the Grid, and Kevin ultimately shows his selflessness. Quorra, who's not human, values the "users" enough to willingly turn herself over to Clu.
What to watch out for
*
Violence:
In the Grid, Sam (and later Kevin and Quorra) are nearly killed by Clu and his minions many times. Sam has to fight in a series of to-the-death "games" with fierce opponents who shatter like glass when they die. A few prominent characters die in the Grid. Quorra's arm shatters, and she looks like an amputee until Kevin fixes the damage. A few drops of blood in one fight scene.
*
Sex:
In a random sweep of the grid, programs are shown cuddling, flirting, and kissing. Sam and Quorra flirt with each other and embrace. Four female-looking programs are dressed in skintight gear and stiletto heels. Some innuendo.
*
Language:
Language includes "d--n it," "stupid," and "h--l."
*
Consumerism:
Parts of the film feel like a commercial for Ducati, the luxury Italian motorcycle. Sam and Alan drink Coors beer.
*
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Programs "drink" at dinner and at a club, but it's within a simulated computer world. Sam and Alan have a drink together.
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AGE
Good for the age of 8
I just simply loved this movie for what it was. We had some visual effects that were just fantastic.
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| Topics: | adventures |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Joseph Kosinski |
| Cast: | Garrett Hedlund, Jeff Bridges, Michael Sheen, Olivia Wilde |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 125 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 17, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | April 5, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language |
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