The greatest science fiction stories are those that create whole new worlds in attempt to actually have a moral for the real one. Throw in some fantastic visuals and you've got an instant classic, right? That's the idea behind TRON, a film that's beautiful to look at but puts far too much emphasis on style over substance. The end result is a movie that's fun because of the originality but at the same time a little frustrating because so much more could have been done.

We all have information about ourselves stored on computers somewhere, such as bank accounts, social security numbers, driver's license, etc. It's all just information that doesn't do anything unless we tell it to. In the world of TRON all that data takes on a life of it own because it's based on life. It's a metaphysical take on the standard artificial intelligence story, where programs look and act like humans and take on our best and worst traits.

Jeff Bridges stars as Kevin Flynn, a computer genius who's been trying to hack into the system of his former employer for the evidence that his programs where stolen by Ed Dillinger who went on to become a senior executive. David Warner is excellent as the snide Dillinger, who banters back and forth with the seemingly evil "Master Control Program." At times it's not quite clear who's taking orders from whom. What exactly the company does other than experiment with things that only happen in movies like this is anyone's guess. They've just developed a method of erasing and reproducing matter with a laser. It's perfectly logical within the film's context and when it sucks Flynn into the computer world you buy it no problem.

The first act of the film is a little difficult to follow as we constant cut from the real world and the computer world. Inside the computer we see the same actors playing totally different characters who are at war with each other. Apparently, the computer world is a dictatorship run by the MCP (also voiced by Warner) who is evil for no other purpose, seemingly, because he was programmed to be. Inside this world we meet human-like "programs" who've been abducted from their normal places of work and forced to compete in the realm of video games. There's a quirky scene where one of the prisoners, Crom, talks about how he was designed to calculate interest on a T-bill, not to fight giant robots.

"You guys are going to make my user, Mr. Henderson, very angry. He's a full branch manager."

Next, a conversation starts up between Crom and another program named Ram and we actually get dialog like this:

"Do you believe in the users?"

"Yeah sure. If I don't have a user, who wrote me?"

You can see how this concept could make for some fantastic symbolism, but the screenplay by writer/director Steven Lisberger only scratches the surface. Perhaps because it's dealing with religious themes he didn't want to delve into it that much to steer clear of controversy. That's fine, but why start the film off with this allegory and then completely forget about it? I think the filmmakers try to transition that theme towards a more familiar one of fascism versus freedom, a safe bet in sci-fi, but TRON doesn't press too hard to be the next 1984 or ANTHEM, which is a shame given the innovative premise.

It's in the computer world that the majority of the story takes place in, where programs fight for survival, less they be "de-rezed." This computer world is absolutely astounding to behold. It's dark but colorful as everything emits its own neon glow which is as captivating at the last frame of film as it is at the first. Computer animation also plays a tremendous role in the atmosphere that you really do feel as if you're inside a microchip. Even the filmmakers are clearly trying to show off the special effects technology they keep it consistent. The effects compliment the story so well they don't scream, "Look at me!" like they do in THE LAST STARFIGHTER (and seem so crude in that movie). Here, the film's effects have a timeless quality like STAR WARS and 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY.

Once Flynn is transported into the computer realm he finds himself another hapless program who must compete in the video games. Like an ancient Roman in the coliseum, Flynn, along with Ram and another program named Tron, fight for their existence against nearly impossible odds. They play a form of video jai alai, then take to a giant grid where they race and duel each other on motorcycles that can make 90-degree turns at 200 mph. Eventually they break free and begin their quest to overthrow the MCP and return freedom to the computer world.

Along the way there's a few moments of thematic storytelling which can be corny, such as the programs discovering they're capable of feeling love. There's also an attempt to incorporate a very metaphysical factor where the programs overcome their doubts and reach out to the world of the users. I supposed this could be a spin on Greek mythology, but mostly comes off as a rip off of "The Force" in STAR WARS.

Considering all the elements at work in the movie, it's surprising that TRON is only just plain fun instead of enthralling. The screenplay doesn't place too much emphasis on characterization and doesn't lay the groundwork for a back story. Although the characters are human they don't talk as such to tend to throw around a lot of technical jargon that only computer geeks really understand. I think Lisberger alienates the audience this way because it's difficult to get caught up in the story when you can't understand the specifics. There is, however, a decent amount of action to keep the film nicely paced and there's some pretty suspenseful moments too. The screenplay might not be too thematic but at least you can never tell where the story is heading next.

TRON is the kind of film that you get out of it whatever you wanted from it. If you want to enjoy it for its original story you will. If you want a decent sci-fi flick with some fun action you get that too. At the very least if you just want to see some of the best visuals ever captured on celluloid you'll be very happy with this delicious piece of eye candy.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up to Age 4