welcome to the grid

[reverancepavane]

Last night I went to see the long-delayed sequel to a seminal science fiction film that revolutionised the movie industry and was inspirational in developing many of the ideas of net-running in the early cyberpunk genre. I am, of course, referring to TRON Legacy. Whilst a sequel in some ways, it has been modified to account for the presence of ubiquitous computing. Now, instead of an abstract realization and anthropomorphisation of programs and systems in a mainframe, The Grid is much more of a virtual reality inhabited by avatars, making it far less fantastical. It shared a lot in common with the original (the original games were there [except for battletanks] as was the solar sailer simulation), but reimagined and upgraded. [I think I preferred the original Space Paranoids however, and I found the introduction of an actual physics engine to lightcycle movement rather disappointing, but then I was a fan of Automan's car.] And of course, new toys that they get to play with. I wonder how antiquated people will find this TRON movie in another 28 years. Anyway, well worth seeing. Excellent visual effects, great soundtrack by Daft Punk, and plenty of droolworthy eye candy in illuminated suits (regardless of your preferences). The 3D effects of the 3D version were mostly understated (too much so in some cases), making it a pleasure to watch in 3D (as opposed to the "2.5D" of most modern "3D" films). Definitely something I want to see again on the big screen. And they've quite obviously left open the possibility of a sequel. Hopefully it won't take 28 years for it to appear. I don't think I can wait that long.