Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Visually dazzling techie reboot has peril, fighting.
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Why Age 10+?
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TRON: Legacy
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 31 parent reviews
Parents say this film dazzles with exceptional visuals and a fantastic soundtrack, appealing to fans of the original and newcomers alike, though the story lacks depth and character development. While it is engaging for older kids and teens due to its action and themes, some parents express concerns about the complexity of the plot and its suitability for younger audiences, particularly regarding its emotional depth and mild violence.
- stunning visuals
- suitable for older kids
- weak plot
- thrilling action
- emotional themes
- engaging soundtrack
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 112 kid reviews
Kids say this movie offers stunning visuals and engaging action, making it appealing for both children and adults, though the plot can be confusing. While many viewers appreciate the incredible graphics and nostalgic ties to its predecessor, some criticize the weak storyline and dialogue, suggesting it's best suited for older kids due to its mild violence and themes.
- visual effects
- confusing plot
- suitable for kids
- weak dialogue
- engaging action
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In TRON: LEGACY, computer programmer/video game designer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) disappears after creating the "Grid," a virtual reality that humans can physically inhabit. Two decades later, his son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund), is prompted to track down a mysterious message. Snooping around his father's ancient video arcade, Sam is unexpectedly sucked into the Grid, where he finds his father trapped and his father's virtual clone, Clu (a digitally enhanced, youthful Bridges), intent on destroying both father and son. 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 escaping the virtual world. With Quorra's help, Sam sets out to defeat Clu and get the three of them out of the Grid and back to reality.
Is It Any Good?
While the action sequences are visually stunning—including the iconic light cycle race—the story is lacking, as are the characters. Still, TRON: Legacy has some highlights, like the hilarious nightclub scene (thanks largely to Michael Sheen, who's deliciously campy as the club's owner). But, really, once the novelty of seeing two Jeff Bridges wears off, there's not much to pull you in beyond the effects, backed by Daft Punk's slick techno soundtrack.
For fans of the original TRON, that might be plenty. But 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, though. Bottom line? If you're into all things TRON, you'll enjoy the high-tech eye candy—but the plot pales in comparison.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the virtual world created in TRON: Legacy. What's the appeal of a computer-generated world over the real world? Would you want to live in the Grid? What would your own Grid look like?
What are Clu and Kevin's approaches to creating the "perfect" digital world? How are they similar, and how are they different? What do they each represent?
What did you think of the movie's special effects? Were they impressive or distracting?
Did you find the female characters in this movie empowering? Why, or why not?
How does this movie compare to the original TRON? Why do you think these movies have become cult films?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 17, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : April 5, 2011
- Cast : Garrett Hedlund , Jeff Bridges , Michael Sheen , Olivia Wilde
- Director : Joseph Kosinski
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Robots
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language
- Award : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee
- Last updated : November 4, 2025
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