OK for kids 10+
Techie reboot is visually dazzling but short on story.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this highly anticipated sequel to 1982's Tron features some intense sequences that are made even more impactful because the movie was shot in 3-D. While the violence (which includes several near-death encounters) is lessened by the fact that programs shatter instead of bleed, it's still shocking to see and may frighten younger viewers. Language includes exclamations like "damn it" and "stupid," and the sexuality is mostly in the form of female-looking programs who wear second-skin uniforms and stilettos. There's also some flirting and embracing between two major characters. Programs kiss, dance, and drink, though you can't tell for sure that it's alcohol. Messages about technology and father-son relationships are central to this stylized action-adventure.
- Families can talk about the movie's themes of technology and how it changes our lives. Do you think these ideas are more relevant today than in the '80s when the original came out? Why or why not?
- How are Clu and Kevin's approaches to the digital world in opposition? What do they each represent?
- What did you think of the movie's special effects? Were they impressive or distracting?
- How does this movie compare to the original? Do you think it will have as big of a following?
The good stuff
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Messages: There aren't many life lessons in this movie other than that humanity's imperfection is also what makes humans special and that the "digital frontier" is inescapable and constantly changes, which is definitely applicable to our techno-obsessed world. The unconditional nature of father-son relationships is also explored via Kevin and Sam.
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Role models: Sam tries to save his father from the Grid, and Kevin ultimately shows his selflessness. Quorra, who's not human, values the "users" enough to willingly turn herself over to Clu.
What to watch for
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Violence: In the Grid, Sam (and later Kevin and Quorra) are nearly killed by Clu and his minions many times. Sam has to fight in a series of to-the-death "games" with fierce opponents who shatter like glass when they die. A few prominent characters die in the Grid. Quorra's arm shatters, and she looks like an amputee until Kevin fixes the damage. A few drops of blood in one fight scene.
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Sex: In a random sweep of the grid, programs are shown cuddling, flirting, and kissing. Sam and Quorra flirt with each other and embrace. Four female-looking programs are dressed in skintight gear and stiletto heels. Some innuendo.
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Language: Language includes "damn it," "stupid," and "hell."
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Consumerism: Parts of the film feel like a commercial for Ducati, the luxury Italian motorcycle. Sam and Alan drink Coors beer.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Programs "drink" at dinner and at a club, but it's within a simulated computer world. Sam and Alan have a drink together.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
I've never seen the first Tron and I'm not a Trekki by sengseng
For those who want an opinion on the movie from someone who has never seen the first movie nor is a science fiction freak, this may be the review for you. My expectations for the movie weren't high, but the story came together well. It wasn't overly complicated or techie. It was also not like the Matrix where there was a lot of jumping back and forth from two realities. The characters were framed nicely so that it was easy to become attached. The effects were dazzling, and one could go just to enjoy the wonders of a world created by one man (Jeff Bridges) in 3D and still go home satisfied. The ending was slightly confusing, because there were a couple of unanswered questions, so who knows if there will be a sequel. Kids would like this for the effects and the action, since the movie is a little more intellectual than most PG flicks, but that leaves room for parents to enjoy it, too. I would see it again, if that's any indication of my satisfaction.
5
TRON... Win! by Jeff N
This movie was so awesome I created an account just to give it a good review. I don't know what is wrong with the "professional" critics... Answer: The movie didn't have a gay love scene in it so the pros don't like it. Anyways, it had everything most people want like sick special effects, tons of fight scenes, characters you care about, and some romance! I'm definitely going to see it again :)
5
Tron by nwviewer
Loved it. Super scenes and special effects. Kids will love all the action.
4
awesome by michellecruz109
This was a pretty cool movie I saw it with a couple people and we all though it was awesome. It brings your imagination to life.
2
Tron: Legacy by Monicas Fan
Cool special effects. Best when Jeff Bridges appears in the scene. At times, I wanted to go to the lobby to read a book.
4
Tron by Rendalee
Went to Tron with my Husband and our four teenaged kids. Well, one is 20. I didn't read the tickets correctly when I bought them on line, so we went to the 2-D version. I saw the first Tron way back when so I was a little fuzzy on the story line going in. Three of my kids and my hisband had not seen the first one at all. We all enjoyed it. The story kept up a good pace and I like the cg effects and found them to look very realistic. I will have to go again to see it in 3-D.
4
Tron upgrade by Raheli
It's really interesting to see how far technology has come in the past 20 -30 years. Had this sequel been made even a few years ago, Jeff Bridges would have been in young man makeup instead of have a digital re-creation of his face placed on a fit actor.
The story was written well enough to keep the boredom of most Disney flicks at bay and the special effects complimented the story at every opportunity. I know that most people didn't like this movie (especially the digital version of Jeff Bridges--the real life actor has eyes that could warm the sun -- his digital counterpart was as cold as the binary code that created it) but it's visually one of the coolest things out there.