These days, big movies – think “Avatar” – are all about satisfying the inner techie. So, as one of the more anticipated movies of 2010, “TRON: Legacy” undoubtedly had viewers ready for a visual thrill. However, while the aesthetics lived up to the hype, they unfortunately failed to mask a movie severely lacking in both substance and acting quality.
A sequel to the 1982 science fiction hit “TRON,” “Legacy” follows the path of Sam Flynn, son of tech genius and innovator Kevin Flynn, who unexpectedly disappears several years before the events of the film. Seeking closure, Sam visits his father’s old office, where he is transported into a computer universe of “programs” plotting against “users.” Sam is quickly trapped and must find a way to the portal, which will return him to the real world, while avoiding his enemies.
If this is beginning to sound ridiculous, don’t worry; it comes off just as ridiculous in film. Ignoring the flawed premise of “Legacy” – which includes Sam spontaneously picking up and lifting an arcade station to miraculously find a hidden room – the plot is somewhat convoluted, especially for a PG-rated family movie. Talk of isolated algorithms and double agents makes the story more complicated than it needs to be, and any young children watching will undoubtedly be lost.
Often, though, a bad movie can be masked by good acting, or even by the brilliant work of one particular character. Sadly, “Legacy” fails in this aspect as well. Oscar winner Jeff Bridges, who reprises his role of Kevin Flynn and also portrays his evil alter ego, Clu, somehow manages to disappear for most of the film only to reappear for a cliché monologue at its climax. Similarly, Garrett Hedlund plays a bland Sam Flynn and serves mostly as eye candy.
Worst of all is Olivia Wilde, who plays Quorra, an extremely robotic “program” with an odd interest in literature and a horrible haircut. While she has a few useful moments throughout the film, Quorra generally does nothing more than run around with a leather one-piece on. “Legacy” falls into the trap that many other sci-fi movies do, making very clear that Wilde was cast exclusively to attract any and all men to the movie. Meanwhile, her pseudo-romance with Sam guarantees that the audience will bring their girlfriends along, who come with hopes of seeing a cute love story that never actually materializes.
The good news is promising, especially for a movie that gained almost all its hype from the aesthetics of the trailer: the special effects are spectacular. First-time director Joseph Kosinski clearly focused all his attention on this aspect of the film, judging by its high quality. Everything about the sleek design of the alternate universe is appealing; even the actors are good-looking. Particularly noticeable is The Grid, a fighting ground designed similarly to a race track, complete with streamlined neon lights, materialize-on-command motorcycles and a spectacular fight scene. The visuals, combined with a phenomenal soundtrack composed by electronic group Daft Punk, make “Legacy” a true feast for the senses.
For what it was obviously designed to be, “TRON: Legacy” is an exponentially successful movie. Like its predecessor, “Legacy” boasts innovative effects and is sure to attract many viewers in a film era emphasizing the importance of aesthetics. However, for those searching for any hint of acting ability, plot line or substance in general, look elsewhere.