TRON: LEGACY Film Review

TRON: Legacy

Sam Flynn needs counseling. No, scratch that: he needs a wake up call. His father,

the famous Kevin Flynn, has been missing for the past 20 years. Sam has grown rebellious,

and pulls pranks on ENCOM (his father's company). He's complacent, and content being

that way.

Then Alan (Kevin's old friend) shows up with a message. It seems someone paged

him from the arcade called Flynn's. Sam's curiosity gets the best of him and soon, he's

sucked into The Grid. Trying to make sense of this new world, Sam has to figure a way out,

and fast.

Positive Elements: Despite Sam's rebellious attitude, he and Kevin deeply love each

other. Both talk about different experiences. Sam transforms from self-centered to sacrificial

throughout the film's runtime. He adapts to the Grid, learning techniques almost quickly. 

Kevin does regret leaving Sam behind. But he steps up, not afraid to risk his life on

multiple occasions. Even Quorra (an ISO program) joins in on the selfless route too. She

instructs Sam to consider his father's wisdom.

Spiritual Elements: Kevin is seen in a meditation pose twice. Users hail him as the

“savior” of the Grid. He mentions that a stressful situation is “messing with my Zen thing.”

(Spoiler Warning): Kevin created CLU to be the “perfect system,” but became consumed

with power. As a result, CLU betrayed him to rid the Grid of its’ “imperfections.”

Sensual Content: Sam is seen shirtless once. After entering the Grid, he is disrobed

down to his underwear before black suit matter envelopes his body. The sirens, Quorra,

and other female characters wear revealing/form fitting outfits.

Violence: The Grid is beautiful to look at, but has a darker side. As such, viewers are

exposed to several battle scenes. Multiple programs are “derezzed” (shattered into a

million pieces). Sam receives a cut (we see a trickle of blood). 

CLU is the film’s main villain, and he revels in destruction. It’s implied he murders ISOs

in a flashback. He has no problem killing alliances either (one of those times happens

offscreen). (Spoiler Warning): Once CLU finds out Quorra has Kevin’s disc, he tries to

interrupt the time travel process. Kevin draws his creation back to him, leading to an

explosion that kills them both. Sam falls from a high height, landing hard on his back.

Language: Four uses of “h—,” one of “d—n.”

Drugs/Alcohol: Some characters drink blue liquid in a few scenes (a nod to the 1982

TRON film). Sam drinks a beer in the real world.

Other Negative Elements: As an adult, Sam breaks the law, trespasses into ENCOM,

and is (rightfully) arrested. He speeds on his motorcycle. A major plot point revolves around

stealing Kevin’s identity disc (which is shown).

Conclusion: The first TRON film released in 1982. 28 years later, Legacy was released

in December 2010. Though the original had great graphics for the 1980’s, Legacy ups the

ante. Indeed, the visual effects are astounding and jaw-dropping. The action scenes are

wonderfully choreographed, keeping you enthralled. Even the father/son storyline is

developed in a timely manner. 

Before sitting down to view Legacy, keep these concerns in mind. Unlike the 1982 film

(where the fight scenes were mostly light), this sequel has intense battle scenes that, while

keeping with the PG rating, might feel a bit jarring to sensitive viewers. Mild language

appears occasionally too. 

However, Legacy still glimmers with love. Sam and Kevin appreciate each other,

risking their lives. Kevin shows mercy to CLU, even as the bitter program desires

vengeance. Quorra shows her resourcefulness too.

Sure, viewers might not be interested in this franchise, and that’s okay. But for people

who like video games and wish to be inside one, Tron: Legacy provides more than enough

reason to watch it. It’s a dream ticket for gamers galore, packed with nostalgia, action and

heartfelt moments to boot. The Grid is one world you don’t want to miss.