"Tron Legacy": Movie Trailer Review

By our guest blogger, Spencer Morton

Generally, it’s exceedingly difficult to gather any solid information on a film based on a teaser trailer. The teaser for Tron Legacy, screened at this year’s Comic-Con, is no different. However, it is interesting nonetheless.

"Tron Legacy" is the long-awaited follow-up to 1982’s "TRON." Jeff Bridges reprises his role as Kevin Flynn and Garret Hedlund will take the lead as his son, Sam Flynn. The film follows Sam as he uncovers clues about his father’s disappearance into a cyber universe 25 years before. This alternate world is dangerous, high-tech and full of fierce gladiatorial matches.

The trailer hints at what these competitions will look like. The trailer follows two men chasing each other on light cycles, futuristic motorcycle-type vehicles. They end up in an arena setting with Bridges’ character looking down at them from above. The rider dressed in green causes the other rider in blue to crash. The blue rider begs for mercy stating that, “It’s just a game.” The green rider slays him and says “Not anymore.”

End of trailer.

Not really much to take in here as far as plot is concerned, but visually we learn a lot. The light cycle chase is visually engaging. The audio is equally impressive. The cyber universe seems very dark, with light blues and greens providing illumination.

Tron Legacy will be shot in Disney Digital 3-D as well as IMAX 3-D. The effects will no doubt be top-notch. Daft Punk, electronic music mainstays, will compose the score to the film, a fitting and exciting selection.

Hedlund is an intriguing choice to take the lead. He impressed the heck out of me in “Friday Night Lights” and “Four Brothers.” It’ll be interesting to see what he does with his first primary role. Look for Bridges to continue his impressive career with another strong performance. The director of the original "TRON," Steve Lisberger, will produce the second installment, while Joseph Kosinski will make his directorial debut here.

With a release date set for December 17, 2010, there’s a lot to look forward to yet. The first still images and posters are just now being released. James Cameron’s “Avatar” started garnering hype about a year from its release, and that film is receiving phenomenal reviews. We’ll see if Tron Legacy follows suit.

View the trailer for "Tron Legacy" below. Thoughts?