Film Review: TRON: Legacy (PG)

THE PLOT
Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), the 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), finds himself drawn into the futuristic cyber-world from the original Disney classic in a bid to find answers to his father’s disappearance 20 syears earlier. Rescued from a gladiatorial Lightbike dual by Quorra (House’s Olivia Wilde) Sam is reunited with his father, but none of them will be safe if they cannot reach the portal back to the User world.

THE REVIEW
For nostalgic fans of the 80’s original this film has a familiar style to it as well as offering up the expected homage’s. For those too young or living in a box at the time this sequel can stand alone as much of the background plot (what little there was) is sufficiently recapped for the uninitiated. Like it’s 1982 predecessor, TRON: Legacy substitutes plot for flashy lights and CGI. This is not in anyway a brain twister, and that’s OK. This film has a good tempo and is purer escapism, a point that should not be overlooked in the absence of a good plot.

In fact, the plot echoes TRON in almost every way; Lightbike tournaments, sail ships on beams of light and disc duels. And let’s not forget the race to reach the portal and final showdown. David Warner’s sinister Master Control Program is replaced by a dubiously CG’d Jeff Bridges as Flynn senior’s creation, Clu. But there is a lot here that is familiar.

The effects are top notch by comparison to TRON, as you’d expect after nearly 30 years of development, and 3D was made for just this kind of flick. Daft Punk also contribute a great soundtrack.

TRON: Legacy is a hard film to be particularly enthusiastic about but is equally difficult to rubbish. It is what it is and does what it does perfectly adequately.

THE VERDICT
For what it is TRON: Legacy is enjoyable and entertaining and good family holiday fodder. A good way to escape the pre-Christmas shopping dash or the post-Christmas sales.
TC

NOW SEE THE TRAILER...

UK Release Date: 17 December 2010

AWARDS
Academy Award Nominee - Sound Editing: Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague

Film Review: Machete (18)

70’s exploitation was never this good

THE PLOT

Mexican Federale ‘Machete’ Cortez sees his wife beheaded in front of him and is left for dead in a burning building. Three years later in Texas, seeking work as a day labourer, Machete is hired to publicly assassinate an outspoken Senator vying for re-election on a platform of ‘keep out the illegals’. Double-crossed and injured he sets about tracking down those responsible to clear his name and right the wrongs.

THE REVIEW
I will say it now, just to save time, I loved this film!! Violence and dialogue are over the top. The editing is shoddy and the soundtrack kitsch. All is exactly as it should be and perfectly delivered. Machete is gory and funny in equal measure; the intestine rope-cum-bungie escape from a high-rise window gloriously captures this. Machete (Danny Trejo) is old school, a no nonsense hard-man with ethics and only speaks when he has something to say, like ‘Machete don’t text’. Beautiful.

Machete also boasts a number of cameo and support roles with seemingly unlikely stars, along with usual collaborators Cheech Marin and Tom Savini. Michael Booth (Jeff Fahey) is the man bankrolling Machete’s $150k assassination of Texas Senator John McLaughlin (Robert De Niro). We first meet McLaughlin accompanying boarder patrol vigilantes led by Don Johnson’s xenophobic redneck sheriff, Von Jackson. Of course these patrolmen don’t arrest and deport, they shoot to kill. Booth works for Mexican drug lord Torrez, the samurai sword-wielding murderer of Machete’s wife, 3 years earlier.

Much groaned at Steven Segal plays the part of bad guy Torrez and hits just the right note. Of course that note is the same drone as in every other Segal film ever made; the difference here is that it works. Segal’s usual monologuing during a fight scene usually evokes a feeling of compassion for the other guy, this time it’s the other guy that is supposed to win, so that’s just fine! Listen for the brilliant use of the Six Million Dollar Man slow-mo sound effect each time Torrez draws his sword. Superb.

Michelle Rodriguez heads up ‘The Network’, a group established to aid and support illegals and is under surveillance by Jessica Alba’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, Sartana Rivera. Rounding out the female leads and surprisingly/unfortunately providing the ‘tits’ part of this ‘tits and guns’ flick, is Lindsay Lohan.

If you don’t come away from watching this with a stupidly excited grin you deserve an axe to the groin. As I write this several hours after viewing I’m still revelling in Rodriguez’s masterpiece. Don’t let my excitement overpower; this film is not without its faults, for example, his former chief was on the take and present at the time of his wife’s murder, an obvious target for revenge you might think, but we never see him again. And Tom Savini’s hired gun disappears from the script after an impressive entry and subsequent involvement in the crucifixion of ‘Padre’ Cortez (Marin), Machete’s brother. DVD deleted scenes perhaps? Or will we see more of them in the alluded to (and assumed fake) teaser titles ‘Machete Kills’ and ‘Machete Kills Again’? Who cares really? For me it still perfectly fits with the 70’s exploitation-style feel and is just as likely intentional for that reason alone. In fact, due to the style of film it’s easy to put any faults down to thoughtful deliberation.

Being a fan, I find it a pity that this is only Danny Trejo’s first lead role of any significance, but then that’s possibly because too few directors have the vision of Rodriguez. More please sir.

Machete will likely only have a short run in cinemas so see it while you can, if you miss it make sure you pick it up on DVD/BluRay.

THE VERDICT
One of the best, most enjoyable films in a long time. Highly recommended for anyone with a sense of humour and lovers of pointless action. A must watch. If this review can’t convince you the trailer will!
TC

NOW SEE THE TRAILER...


UK Release Date: 26 November 2010