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I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal......

Wednesday, 5 January 2011

Derezzed: My review of Tron: Legacy.

This is my first review on my blog. There is going to be many more like it. They are going to be simple reviews. I don't intend to delve deep into the film's story as that would lead to spoilers. More like give an unbiased opinion on the film's quality. Sound good?! AWESOME! =D

Today's first review is on the latest installment in the Tron franchise, Tron: Legacy.


Right, where to begin? Well, 28 years ago, back in 1982, the original Tron was released and quickly developed a cult following. At a time when technology was greatly changing the way in which the population communicated and lived, Tron was something of a gamechanger for cinema in that it had state-of-the-art CGI. Whilst its story was often conceived as preposterous and sometimes ludicrous, most critics were of the opinion that the film was loaded with visceral delights. Fast forward 28 years to 2010 and with Tron: Legacy we have yet another gamechanger.
It delivers an entirely different and more realised vision of Tron than seen previously and since CGI has come into its own in the last few decades, with notable examples such as Transformers and Avatar using the format to create new worlds and creations, Legacy is no exception. 

Honestly, I was not expecting much from this. Its safe to say that I shut up after the first 30 minutes. I was engrossed and the visual world of Tron is simply stunning to look at. The fight sequence on the Grid is so well done, you feel like you're actually a part of it. And on that note, the 3D aspect must be mentioned.

Unlike more recent 3D installments that have the pleasure of being absolutely dire as a result of using the format, I can actually say that Legacy benefitted tons from its use. It really brought to life all the colour, glamour and action of the visuals which made for a more satisfying experience.

However, like its predecessor, the story is flat. Very flat. The acting is surprisingly good, especially Jeff Bridges who uses his Dude persona every now and then to ignite the film's story with a much needed spark. It seems a shame for such a talented cast to be given such a mediocre story but then again, it is science fiction and anything is possible. Yet this still doesn't excuse it: Many sci-fi films are made fantastically. I guess it all comes down the execution of the screenplay but not in the case of Legacy.

A final word on the musical score of Legacy. It is without a doubt one of the best soundtracks I've heard and its all due to the producers hiring renowned French dance duo Daft Punk to score it for them. Out of their depth you might think but go see the film and believe me, it adds a great deal of fun and excitement to the visuals. Look out for their cameo as the DJs in the bar. That scene in particular features some of the standout tracks such as Derezzed (Notice anything?) which is an absolute monster of a tune, it makes the fight sequence it plays to all the more fantastic!

So, overall, I would give Tron: Legacy a good 3 out of 5 based on the fun I had from watching it and Jeff Bridges being the Dude once more. Imagine that though. The Coen Brothers directing the Tron sequel.....messed up! 

Next up, 127 Hours! Laters!

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