Despite its ground-breaking use of visual effects, TRON was disqualified by the Academy on the grounds that using computers to generate effects was "cheating", a statement that couldn't sound anymore ridiculous today (especially considering the presence of the 2010 sequel, TRON: Legacy). The premise is inherently ridiculous (Jeff Bridges gets digitsed and must attempt to survive inside a brutal digital mainframe filled with hidden dangers) and the plot and characters aren't really up to much, but oh my, what a spectacle this movie is. Yes, it's been overshadowed substantially by its sequel's technical brilliance and the visuals are fairly dated over three decades later, but there's an undeniable charm to the neon hues and Wendy Carlos' spectacular score. For nerds in 1982, this was like nothing they had ever seen.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
