“Tron: Legacy” is visually stunning! This movie has a heart and a wonderful theme even though it is encased in the guise of science fiction. Jeff Bridges returns in this follow up to the 1982 movie “Tron” and in this story which picks up years later, he is missing. His grown son, Sam lives with the burning question of why his father disappeared one night after leaving for work on his motorcycle. This is ultimately a story of sacrifice and a father’s love for his son. Of course before that, there is a lot of science fiction action and razzle dazzle and a few mysteries to be solved.

When father and son find each other, their reunion is bittersweet. Both have to re-learn what their relationship was like, and under the unnatural conditions of an electronic world that is literally closing in on them. Sam Flynn has to learn to forgive his father, Kevin after believing that he had abandoned him, while Kevin has to re-gain his faith in both his created world and in his son, who offers to help rescue him. The virtual reality is made up of “programs” invented by Kevin. Another life-form that was spontaneously generated from some code Kevin has written into the programs is a “virtual ghost” Clu (Kevin’s alter-ego) that shows up when the game appears to have a life of its own. We see “program” after “program” (all in human form, on-screen) hit by a symbolic boomerang of death and shatter into a million pieces. However, there is very little blood in this movie and the characters are inside a world of gaming and fantasy, although it seems very real to the participants.

We list the violent content for those who may be sensitive to this issue. However, since the violence is mostly within the fantasy world of the game itself, we approved “Tron: Legacy” for ages twelve and above. This is one the teens and sci-fi faithful will no doubt enjoy.