The movie's innovative digital special effects were jaw-dropping at the time and still seem pretty cool. But somehow the plot congeals early into an old-time medieval epic and gets pretty dull.
Comment
05/26/06
Tron (1982)
68
%
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:37
Fresh:25
Rotten:12
Average Rating:6/10
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins
Genre: Childrens
Synopsis: The MCP, a master computer program, is appropriating all other programs in order to become the controlling program in the world. To regain access to the computer for users, hacker Kevin Flynn... [More]
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, David Warner, Cindy Morgan
Director: Steven Lisberger
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Reviews for Tron
Tron looks almost as startling as it did when I was much shorter, largely because the designs by Moebius and Syd Mead complemented the austere style of early CGI.
03/03/02
Tron never reaches a level of excitement commensurate with its effects budget.
06/24/06
Visually, this film is state of the art, à la 1982, and Jeff Bridges turns in some of his better work.
03/10/03
while it touts its technological influence, Tron is actually more instructive a model for the special effects extravaganzas that continue to litter the multiplex.
02/19/02
A dazzling movie from Walt Disney in which computers have been used to make themselves romantic and glamorous. Here's a technological sound-and-light show that is sensational and brainy, stylish, and fun.
10/23/04
Top CriticAnyone nostalgic for monochrome computer screens, BASIC or '80s video games should definitely check this out again.
09/11/03
It's a simple idea that ought to serve, but Lisberger's failures of pacing, structure, variation, and characterization ultimately make the film seem monotonous and distant.
06/04/07
Top CriticA must-have DVD for us former adolescent computer nerds
03/13/02
Its computer sequences exist in a blue-gray scheme filled with flashing lights, speeding objects and dizzying motion. Its visual effects are wonderfully new. They are also numbing after a while.
08/30/04
Top CriticThe biggest letdown -- the MCP is a big red cylinder with a face reminiscent of the Kool-Aid Man.
01/19/02
There are some stolid sci-fi elements in it and some neat one-liners that'll appeal to computer users.
01/01/00
Despite my reservations about the film’s story line, I’m sure I’ll be watching it a few more times before either the disc or I wear out.
02/21/02
A superb 20th Anniversary DVD proves that Tron wasn't just groundbreaking; it's also great fun.
11/07/02
One of those rare movies that manages to be silly and cool and important all at once.
12/31/04
Tron’s images intoxicate; this computer world, depicted in the vocabulary of computer graphics that are highly contemporary, is a deserved dog-ear in the history of cinema.
04/03/02
Tron is loaded with visual delights but falls way short of the mark in story and viewer involvement.
06/04/07
Top CriticAlthough Tron's state-of-the-art, computer-generated visuals look primitive by current standards, it's intelligently conceived (on a visual level, at any rate) and largely good fun.
06/04/07
Top CriticNot only does it introduce the humanity/technology themes that would surface in later cyberpunk fantasies, it boasts some of the most unique visuals in any film, then or now.
03/09/09
Top CriticThe special effects are dated, but at the time they were awesome.
08/09/02
Latest News for Tron
March 31, 2009:
Disney/Pixar Delivers at ShoWest 
Disney rolled out its ShoWest presentation today, including 3-D footage from the "Tron" sequel, news on the "Toy Story" 3-D reissues, a peek at "Alice in Wonderland," and more.... More...
March 04, 2009:
Daft Punk Scoring Tron Sequel Soundtrack?
Although Disney has yet to confirm, Billboard is reporting that Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter -- the electronica duo better known as Daft Punk -- have been... More...
March 03, 2009:
Tron Sequel Story Details Revealed?
If you're geeked for the "Tron" sequel -- and you don't mind gorging yourself on spoilers -- then you'll want to read the plot summary that made its way to AICN yesterday. More...
February 09, 2009:
Tron 2 to Make Second San Diego Comic-Con Appearance
Director Joe Kosinski is already filming "Tron 2" -- and planning on wowing crowds at the San Diego Comic-Con with footage from the sequel for a second straight year. More...
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