Reviews Film / Tron Legacy

Thematically Effective and Brilliant

Tron Legacy is a movie about human flaws: about hubris and irresponsibility, but also about recognizing that and growing beyond it.

While the original Tron dealt with exploring the new world of the computer, coupled with exploring faith and religion (particularly amusing in that the characters were revering a manchild in the form of Kevin Flynn) Tron Legacy takes a similar but different tack. As the name implies, Tron Legacy explores the legacy of Kevin Flynn, with an interesting study of both human failings and the need to carry on into the future - and best of all, the movie does this in a way that doesn't feel Anvilicious. Sam and Kevin Flynn's respective development is done quietly, without a lot of fanfare and declarations, carried in as much inflection and gesture as it is in actual words.

Overall, I feel that the movie handles its story well. Kevin Flynn's fall-from-grace at the hands of his own metaphysical son in Clu is the fundamental driving force of the plot, and some of the best scenes in the movie involved that opposition between Kevin and Clu. By comparison, the scenes between Kevin and Sam were rife with Sam beginning to understand the need to take responsibility, lest he lose everything like his father had. This dual exploration of the lead characters' flaws - Kevin and Sam's respective failings as humans, caused by their personal hubris - was juggled surprisingly well.

Though these two characters are central to the movie, it isn't complete without the other characters. Clu serves as an effective villain and face to Kevin's failures as a god-like being, while the flamboyant and hammy Castor/Zuse shows a more interesting and "human" element of that hubris - not the overt cruelty and destruction that is Clu's reign, but rather the quiet treachery brought about by loss of faith and trust. Finally, Quorra adds an element of hope and the chance to rebuild, and serves as an agent of change for both of the Flynns.

Ultimately, this is what I feel makes the movie so effective. The theme of a fallible creator and irresponsible child is handled brilliantly. Of course, there are some problems with the movie itself - the ISO backstory could have been integrated and developed far better - but it is still an excellent exploration of both characters's flaws and their growth from confronting them.