Tron (1982)
This was lauded as a technical triumph over a quarter century ago; to my eyes the art design stood out, with the colour-coded programs battling on grids of light. However aside from the novel concept (going into a computer), the arcade game themes, the aforementioned design, and the dated special effects, the dialogue wasn't great and movie didn't really contain an emotional core. This is quite common in concept-centric sci-fi films (I felt it in Surrogates, for example): characters have little motivations and personalities outside of their role, speak only to explain things or move the plot along, and events happen to them in a dry point-to-point manner. I didn't feel I got to know Flynn or any of the other characters at more than a superficial level.
By the way, David Warner was brilliant as the triad of villains. Somehow, Shakespearian stage actors make the best villains (see Christopher Lee).
I'm looking forward to seeing Tron: Legacy now; I'm hoping that a more modern narrative aesthetic will improve the experience, even if it's a formulaic plot.
By the way, David Warner was brilliant as the triad of villains. Somehow, Shakespearian stage actors make the best villains (see Christopher Lee).
I'm looking forward to seeing Tron: Legacy now; I'm hoping that a more modern narrative aesthetic will improve the experience, even if it's a formulaic plot.