The Instant Critic steps into the Grid: Reviews of Tron: Legacy and The Pixar Story
Welcome back, fellow film enthusiasts!
In case you missed last week, I offered my two cents on two movies featuring horses.
By popular demand, this week’s post will take a look at a stellar adventure and an intriguing documentary!
TRON: LEGACY (PG, 125 minutes – featuring Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde)
A sequel to the 1982 gem, Tron: Legacy excels as being a visual treat as well as a moving narrative.
The story takes place inside the Grid, a fictionalized computer world where Kevin Flynn (Bridges) has been trapped since the early 80s. His son, Sam (Hedlund), stumbles upon a portal that takes him into the Grid, igniting a series of events that will reunite father and son just in time for a battle of epic proportions.
Those looking for rip-roaring action have found their match. The film’s strongest moments come from the eye-popping visual effects. A certain light-cycle battle in an arena of thousands will leave you breathless.
The score, orchestrated by the techno duo Daft Punk, brings an added fury to the film.
Bridges channels his inner mellowness for Kevin Flynn, and Hedlund provides a strong, anchoring performance as Sam.
Tron: Legacy makes for a wonderful sequel, but the film also works extremely well as a standalone feature.
Now, let’s go from the Grid to Emeryville.
THE PIXAR STORY (G, 88 minutes – featuring interviews with John Lasseter, Steve Jobs, Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and George Lucas)
There is not a film studio that comes close to rivaling Pixar.
Any film that bears the Pixar logo enchants our imaginations in ways that most studio fare cannot. Over the years, audiences have been spoiled by the astronomical levels of quality a Pixar title brings to the table. Toy Story, The Incredibles, Ratatouille and Monsters Inc. are just a few of the classics the studio has produced.
Care to see how this humble studio came to be?
A good documentary always tells a story that can rival the fictitious creation of a Hollywood screenwriter. A great documentary almost seems fictitious itself. I am happy to say that The Pixar Story falls into the latter category. This fascinating documentary gives viewers an engaging look into the storied past of the famous studio.
I do not want to spoil the surprises the documentary has to offer, but did you know the late Steve Jobs had an impact on the studio’s beginnings?
The Pixar Story is a success because the viewer will truly feel as if they have been granted an exclusive backstage pass into the world of Pixar.
What’s your take? Do you agree with my praise for Tron: Legacy?
How about The Pixar Story? Let me know in the comments section.
Next week, I’ll be taking a look at a pair of Oscar-nominated documentaries.
Until then, may your popcorn be fresh and your movies wonderful.
The Instant Critic
The Instant Critic 