March 29, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Users Rule in “Tron: Legacy”:

By Amy Lyons

In 1982, director Steven Lisberger broke cinematic ground with “Tron,” a thrilling film in which a man is thrust into the dangerous and daunting world of a video game. Director Joseph Kosinski picks up where Lisberger left off with “Tron Legacy,” the long-awaited sequel that finds Jeff Bridges reprising the lead role after more than two-and-a-half decades. The sequel is as much fun as the original, especially if seen in 3-D.

Kevin Flynn (Bridges) is back, but he’s much more meditative than he was in the ’80s. Fans of the first film will remember this character’s youthful swagger as he busted into the mainframe at ENCOM to verify that one of the company’s fat cats was stealing the video game programs Flynn wrote. But in that film, our hero ends up in the video game “grid” where he’s stalked by other bloodthirsty “programs,” characters who want to kill him. There’s much more to the original tale than the man-versus-virtual-man battles, but suffice it to say there are heaping portions of technology lingo and computer geek good times there.

In the follow up, Kevin Flynn is an aging hippie, a yoga practitioner who is hiding out in the computer game universe, holed up in his zen lair, which is far away from the dangerous main grid. The remote location keeps Flynn safe, but it withdraws him from fighting the evil forces of Clu (also played by Bridges, who is made to look younger for the role via the magic of Computer Generated imagery), an program originally created by Flynn, who had no idea his creation would sour so fast.

As the evil Clu wreaks havoc on the grid and hatches a plan to enter the real world, Flynn’s son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund) gets yanked into the computer world. A young rebel, Sam soon becomes the pivotal character, a warrior who fights the good battle started by his now elderly father. Joining Sam Flynn on his quest to stop Clu from spreading his evil beyond the realm of the video game is Quorra (Olivia Wilde), a bad-ass woman warrior.

The special effects are definitely the draw here: as father and son zoom through the video game universe, audiences are awed by the slick motorcycles, planes, and a cadre of techie travel tools they use to get around. The only instance in which effects fail to please is in the case of Clu’s physical appearance – Bridges looks much younger, but his face appears distractingly fake.

See “Tron: Legacy” for the fight scenes, for the chase scenes, for all the reasons you’d play an ultra hip video game. You might also find yourself shedding one or two tears as Bridges works his typical arresting magic, even in a role that’s more dazzle than depth. And if you’re a “Daft Punk” fan, you’ll be totally bowled over by their electronica musical touches and on-screen appearance at an exceedingly slick cocktail lounge that’s clearly not of this world. Actor Michael Sheen also shows up at the bar, hamming it up in a gleefully over-the-top role.

in News
Related Posts

 (Video) Philz Coffee Set to Close Westside Location Next Month

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Franchise Recently Made Headlines for Changing Headquarters @smmirrornews Philz is closing its Santa Monica shop #coffeeaddict #coffee #coffeeshop #losangeles...

Fleurs et Sel Bakery Opens Storefront in West Adams, Welcomes Customers Three Days a Week

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Indulge in Freshly Baked Cookies at the New West Adams Location Fleurs et Sel Bakery, known for its delectable cookies...

Easter Specials Guide: Brunch Spots, Desserts, and More in West Los Angeles

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Discover the Best Easter Eats and Treats in LA for Your Holiday Celebration Easter is almost here, so here are...

Famous Literary Critic and Palisadian Passes Away at 92

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

A Memoriam Post Stated She Overturned Views on T. S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and Other Canonized Artists By Zach Armstrong...

Mixed-Use Development Set for Sloping Property along Chautauqua Boulevard

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

“Canyon Place” Is Set to Include Two Apartment Units and 1,415 Sq. Ft. of Office Space By Zach Armstrong A...

Over Five Miles of Venice Blvd. to Temporarily Close, Become Public Park in April

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

The Initiative, Which Started in 2010, Aims to Connect Communities and Promote Sustainable Transportation Options On Sunday, April 21 from...

(Video) Workers Strike at Luxury Hotel in Downtown Santa Monica

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Meanwhile, Unite Here Local 11 Recently Announced a Contract Was Ratified at 34 Hotels @smmirrornews Workers are striking at Proper...

(Video) Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

March 27, 2024

March 27, 2024

Director Adam Wingard Talks About His Influences While Making GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE at the Beyond Fest Screening...

Historic Union Contract Ratified by Thousands of Hotel Workers At 34 Hotels

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

UNITE HERE Local 11 Negotiates Agreement Ensuring Wage Increases  Hotel workers, who spearheaded the largest hotel strike in modern U.S....

Teen Kung Fu Coming to Pali Rec Center

March 26, 2024

March 26, 2024

This 8-week session, priced at $160, commences in April 2024 Palisades Recreation Center introduces Teen Kung Fu classes, fostering a...

After Securing $200K Grant, City Embarks on Action Plan for Older Adults, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The City Will Engage Experts, Nonprofit Partners, Commissioners, and Stakeholders to Spearhead the Planning Process The city of Santa Monica...

City Commences Phase 2 of Beach Restoration Project

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Project Will Enlarge the Habitat for Significant Native Species, Including the Federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover Phase 2 of...

Caltrans Extends Closure on Topanga Canyon Boulevard Due to Mud and Rockslide

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

PCH Closure on March 26 Adds to Local Road Closures, Seek Alternative Routes The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has...

Animal Rights Groups Demand an End to Turtle Racing at Brennan’s Pub

March 25, 2024

March 25, 2024

The Organization Says Its Tried to Contact the Westside Bar for Months By Zach Armstrong Among its numerous entertainment events...

SMC Unveils Spring 2024 Issue of Acclaimed Literary Journal, Author Readings Coming in April

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2024

The Issue Presents a Mix of New, Returning, and Debut Writers, Reflecting Diversity and Enduring Relationships Santa Monica College announced...