After nearly thirty years, it's time for a rezzed-up return to Disney's dangerous digital realm...

On the heels of Hollywood's recent reboot fever comes Tron: Legacy, the latest cult feature to be dug up, dusted off, and given a 21st century makeover. And what a makeover it is. Roughly based on Steven Lisberger's original conception that was produced by Walt Disney back in 1982, Tron: Legacy follows protagonist Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), an orphaned individual whose efforts to reveal the truth behind his father’s disappearance lead him into a world far unlike his own; a world that ultimately enslaved his father over 20 years prior.

After realizing that his father had not willingly abandoned him all those years ago as he had long believed, Sam becomes determined to free his father and his assistant Quorra (Olivia Wilde) from the TRON program. Naturally, TRON turns out to be unlike anything Sam has ever experienced; a world where violence has become a way of life and such life is only valid if it contributes to the greater good.

As a result, Sam finds himself in an epic battle against both TRON and its new leader, a program known as Clu (a CGI-youngified Jeff Bridges). Originally conceived by Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges sans CGI) to help build a “perfect system” free of the problems and corruption that infect the real world, Clu has taken said task too literally, effectively eradicating anything (and anyone) that he sees as “imperfect”. Armed with his Aryan-esque army, Clu seeks to gain entrance to the real world, so as to correct its imperfections as well. In order to do this, he must first capture and confiscate the life disc of TRON’s creator, Kevin Flynn. Enter Sam Flynn, who looks to save his father from Clu's machinations.

When Tron was released back in 1982, it was hailed as one of the most advanced movies of its time, the first wide-release film ever to incorporate live action, CGI and hand-drawn animation, resulting in a rather breathtaking feature that redefined both film and film production. While it may have failed to set any records at the box office, it was Tron’s daring nature and fresh appeal that gained it a status of cult interest and a legion of fans across the globe. These are the fans that will ultimately provide the backbone of this film's success.

"The film is a true example of just how far we have come - its visuals are unrivaled perfection."

For a film like this, it is essential to initially address the film’s look and applaud how visually appealing Tron: Legacy really is. The first installment set a precedent in 1982 and, with a rather similar script and the obvious benefits of modern computer technology, Tron: Legacy looks to raise the bar of contemporary film once more. The digital manipulation of Jeff Bridges into Clu is frighteningly realistic at times, to the point where you find yourself questioning whether it is actually CGI or is somehow the work of a human double. The film is a true example of just how far we have come - its visuals are unrivaled perfection.

The Grid, a characteristic aspect of the original, has benefited significantly from the technological advances of the past 30 years, with phenomenal depth and work gone into its construction. Interestingly, Tron: Legacy’s director Joseph Kosinski was originally an architect, and from the film's ocular depth you can see how his expertise has clearly shaped and influenced many of the designs within the picture. Either way, Tron: Legacy has taken full advantage of its rumoured $300 million budget, exuding 3D brilliance and CGI perfection as a result.

While Tron: Legacy certainly provides an over-indulgent symphony for your retinas, one's viewing experience is further strengthened by its musical score. Daft Punk, the electronic French duo consisting of Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter, has created a soundtrack so perfect for Tron that it earned them brief cameos as DJs - a role befitting the pair considering their somewhat Tron-esque image. Daft Punk's sharp, robotic beats provide the perfect backdrop, offering a crisp and affirming mood-setter for many of the more surreal scenes of the film. It's a rare feat when studios are able to fit music so perfectly to a film, the other major recent example possibly being the soundtrack that accompanied Watchmen. Here, Disney has certainly done it again, successfully infusing Daft Punk's electronic influence with the futuristic feel that Tron: Legacy provides.

The problem with Tron: Legacy, though, and the one that just can't be ignored, is that while such attention has gone into the visual side of the film, the script itself is sorely lacking in substance. Consider the main plot point for a moment: a child's father has managed to get trapped in a computer program and the child must enter the program in order to save him. That honestly sounds more like a pothead’s drug-fueled trip than your standard Hollywood production. And, unfortunately, the tendency is there for some of the plot aspects to come across as slightly stupefying. It is then that one truly appreciates the beautiful visuals, because they are occasionally sorely needed to make up for the weak and dreary script. Think Avatar and you've got the right idea.

On a number of occasions, the dialog is downright painful. The main culprit is Jeff Bridges (go figure) who spouts such beauties as “it's biodigital jazz, man,” and “you’re messing with my zen thing, man”. Maybe the writing team was trying to replicate Bridges’ laidback persona as The Dude (a little nod to The Big Lebowski fans amongst you). Or maybe they were attempting to present the 61-year-old as youthful and 'hip'. In either case, all they actually manage to achieve are moments of genuinely cringe-worthy viewing. The scriptwriters appear to assume that the entire audience has seen the original Tron and knows how the digital world 'worked' in the original; a dangerous assumption, considering that film was released 28 years ago and this film will open with a PG rating. Subsequently, the script spends too much time feeding us limp catchphrases through Bridges instead of what is actually needed - more on-screen presence and development of his iconic character, Kevin Flynn.

"Overall, Tron: Legacy's stunning visuals make for enjoyable viewing, but the film sadly falls short of a ‘must-see’ due to its lack of depth and uninspiring script."

Early rumours had hinted at a terrible performance by in-and-out actor Garrett Hedlund, but I did not find this to be the case. While the former Troy actor’s performance is unlikely to win him any Oscars, his performance is fitting of the script, with moments of real intensity and passion. Penned as an eccentric, base jumping, tech-geek badass (sound familiar, Iron Man fans?), Hedlund does what he can with what he has and provides an enjoyable, if not awe-inspiring, performance. On occasion, Hedlund really emotes in the role and provides genuine moments of raw enjoyment. Furthermore, he magnificently portrays the confusion and awkwardness that would understandably be present between father and son after 20 years apart, and it's easy to empathize with the pair. However, it is probably worth stressing that the relationship has its weak moments, again owing to the script.

Other mentionable performances come from eye-candy Olivia Wilde, whose performance as Quorra is probably one of the film's saving graces, script-wise. Michael Sheen’s rather random casting as Castor / Zuse is interesting. Hardly recognisable at times due to his remarkable makeover, Sheen plays the unconventional club owner Castor (whom viewers soon discover to be more than meets the eye), a performance that really shows his versatility. At times, I found it to be reminiscent of Heath Ledger’s legendary performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight, an individual whose control on reality has descended into one of chaos and insecurity.

Overall, Tron: Legacy's stunning visuals make for enjoyable viewing, but the film sadly falls short of a ‘must-see’ due to its lack of depth and uninspiring script. Also, whether purposely or not, the film leaves a number of unanswered questions in its wake, resulting in further confusion and a reminder of the aforementioned lack of depth. Why are some characters' storylines left seemingly unresolved? Why do rules of the TRON world seem to apply to some people, but not to others? Why does the TRON world behave differently at different points of the story? So many questions, so few solutions.

Overall, Tron: Legacy's stunning visuals make for enjoyable viewing, but the film sadly falls short of a ‘must-see’ due to its lack of depth and uninspiring script.

However, it would be unfair to be overly critical of this film, as it does manage to easily keep your attention for the full two hours. Tron: Legacy has a real accommodating feel to it and numerous moments of déjà vu (try watching the scene of a hooded Sam entering the world of TRON without reminiscing on a young Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith) help to provide the audience with a far deeper connection than is initially obvious.

Unfortunately, like Avatar, Tron: Legacy's reliance on creating a visual masterpiece inevitably proves to be both its highlight and its downfall, but it will undoubtedly earn impressive box-office numbers when it hits cinemas worldwide on 17 December.

In regards to a star rating, I admit that this particular type of film generally comes down to personal preference and whether you see film as purely a form of entertainment or as an extension of the arts. On an entertainment level, the film comes highly recommended and will appeal to the vast majority of mainstream audiences. Unfortunately, as an art form, it offers far less. To be honest, my true recommendation would be to travel to your nearest IMAX theater and be prepared to appreciate the visual style of Tron: Legacy (which is unmatched). On the other hand, If awkward dialog puts you off, you might spend a good part of the movie pretending not to listen.

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