Films To Watch Before You Die #43

D.J. Haza presents the next entry in his series of films to watch before you die…

TRON: Legacy, 2010.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski.
Starring Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Michael Sheen and Bruce Boxleitner.

Tron: Legacy is the sequel to the 1982 classic Tron. This time around Kevin Flynn (Bridges) has long since disappeared, but his son Sam (Hedlund) heads to the old arcade where he believes a message has come from his father. When Sam finds a secret room hidden at the back of the arcade he is transported into the digital world of The Grid, where his father is held prisoner.

Sam is tested in a series of computer-based games as the digital world’s ruler, CLU (also Bridges), tries to capture him and his exiled father. Aided by Quorra (Wilde) the three of them fight their way across The Grid with the help of other programs as well as having CLU and his army in pursuit. Not only do they need to get across The Grid to get home, but they also need to stop CLU from invading the real world with his army.

Tron: Legacy is a fantastic visual feast of stunning CGI and animation mixed with live action. The detail and quality of the visuals used in the film are of the highest order and between the original and the latest film is the story of CGI and how it has developed from its humble beginnings. Tron: Legacy is a little lacking in story, but that is more than made up for with awe-inspiring visuals.

Tron: Legacy is also a film you must see before you die because it has a stunning original soundtrack composed by French electronic music duo Daft Punk. The soundtrack is so well suited to the digital world of The Grid and in one scene played out in a nightclub Daft Punk even make a cameo as the club’s DJs.