The original 1982 Tron was one of the first movies that used computer imagery to create three-dimensional environments. Since then, it has become somewhat of a cult hit, building itself into a franchise consisting of video games, theme park attractions, and light cycles.

Tron: Legacy takes place 20 years after the original. Legendary programmer and CEO of ENCOM Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) mysteriously disappeared years ago, leaving his young son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) alone left wondering where his father went. One night, Sam is told by Flynn’s lifelong friend about a page he received from the old arcade. While investigating, Sam is suddenly digitized and sent to The Grid, the world his father created and home of the programs. There he reunited with his father although that celebration is short lived as they must evade capture from Clu 2, the security program made by Flynn who has taken over command and will stop at nothing to escape into the real world.

Reprising their roles from the first film are Jeff Bridges (Kevin Flynn) and Bruce Boxleitner (Alan Bradley/Tron). For Clu 2, digital effects were used to create a younger version of Bridges. Think along the lines of the 2007 animated film Beowulf. You can clearly tell that he’s CGI up close but his likeness to Bridges is uncanny, and is one of the most impressive features in the film, even though it may be somewhat off putting.

Joining the cast is Olivia Wilde as the computer program Quorra. She’s an adapt fighter and her mission is to protect Flynn at all costs, eventually helping Sam escape the Grid. She’s one of the few programs who actually appears more human than computer. She has character and personally; she isn’t some mindless drone like many of the others. The electronic duo known as Daft Punk not only score the official soundtrack of the film but also make a cameo as DJs at the End of the Line club high above the city skyline. Their presence is a bit humorous but their musical contribution is awe inspiring. If you haven’t listened to the soundtrack yet, you’re missing out.

The Grid has evolved immensely over the years. The entire city’s infrastructure has changed. Recognizers, tanks, and even the famous Light Cycles have all been upgraded with new features. Making their debut are two new vehicles, the Light Runner and Light Jet. I wish there would have been more of them shown but they managed to make their impact in the film. This brings me to my next point.

The plot. Personally I enjoyed the story of Tron: Legacy but I feel that it was very transparent. Not too many details were given of what exactly was going on beforehand, such as Clu 2’s uprising, the ISOs, and more. Luckily, I’ve played the new video game Tron: Evolution which explains many of these details but for the majority of those who will watch the film, that aspect will be missed. There are a few flashbacks and such that try to tell the story but for the most part, you simply go with the flow and take what’s presented.

Visually, Tron: Legacy is one of the best looking films out there. What Tron accomplished visually during the 80s, Tron: Legacy does for the current generation. The audience becomes fully immerged into the digital world.  Colors are typically bright reds, oranges, and blues, or black. There is no in between, making the contrast all the more vivid. Combine that with Daft Punk's digitized score and some booming sound effects and you’ll never want to leave. If you have the opportunity to see it in IMAX and 3D, take it. It's well worth the extra few dollars.

Tron: Legacy is the sequel that fans have been waiting for, and it manages to live up to expectations. The visuals are some of the best in the business and even though the story isn't as detailed as I had hoped, you won't want to look away. 

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