Movie Review: TRON: Legacy

Rated: PG

Release Date: December 17, 2010

Genre: Science-Ficton/Fantasy

Running Time: 2 hours, 7 minutes

Child-friendly? Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Many of us dads were around when the original TRON movie was released in 1982 and it's safe to say the film made quite an impact on moviegoers at the time. Of course, the '80s were just getting started – the Atari was wooing the public as much as the iPhone is now and some of the best special effects of the decade were accomplished with nothing more than a green screen. Still, there was something about the Jeff Bridges movie that was captivating, kick-ass and magical.

Nearly 30 years and an Academy Award later Bridges is back for the film's highly-anticipated sequel. The years may have been kind to the handsome actor, but time doesn't stand still for the man. Though his weathered appearance might have been an obstacle (he also must appear as a younger version of himself),CGI takes care of everything.

TRON: Legacy continues the story of Kevin Flynn (Bridges), a computer genius who has been trapped for years in "the Grid," the artificial universe he designed. Although he's been missing for decades, his son, Sam (Garrett Hedlund), locates him. It's then that the father and son begin to bond once again and do their best to take down Clu (also Bridges), a doppelganger that the older Flynn once created.

Ok, it's not brain surgery. The story is thin, the dialogue is often ridiculous and this isn't going to win any Oscars. Still, with the advanced special effects, enough neon lights to blind an audience and an unforgettable, intense climax, it's certainly something that will keep the entire family entertained.

One more notable tidbit – super-hot House MD hottie Olivia Wilde is cast in the film, and she wears a super-tight futuristic outfit. With eye candy such as this, who needs memorable characters and depth?

Child-friendly? TRON: Legacy tells the story of Flynn, a computer genius who is stuck in the digital world he created years ago. When his son, Sam, locates him, the duo works together to take down Clu, the evil being Flynn created years ago. The film contains scenes with intense action and mild language. Recommended for ages 10 and up.