From The Bargain Bin: ‘Tron: Legacy’ and ‘Skyfall’

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skyfall tron: legacy revisited
In this new feature, we revisit DVD and Blu-Ray releases that you can find for pretty low prices (five pounds or less). Today’s picks two well-known films: 2010’s TRON: Legacy and 2012’s Skyfall, the 23rd entry in the long running James Bond film franchise.

1. Tron: Legacy

The first film we’re looking at is the aesthetically awesome but in other ways unappealing Tron: Legacy, a belated sequel to a pioneering Disney production titled Tron. Released back in 1982 and known for its pioneering use of CGI technology, it forged a path that many in the movie industry would follow. Although certainly lacking in character or wit, Tron Legacy is so visually exceptional that you begin to forget its shortcomings as a movie. That is this film’s biggest plus point.

Everything in this digital world which the main character gets sucked into is so futuristic, cool and exciting in design, from the light cycles to the battle scenes. You find yourself wanting to watch Tron: Legacy from start to finish because of its sky-high visual standards which are the perfect showcase, if there ever was one, for how far CGI and SFX filmmaking technology has come in the last number of years. Couple this with an equally funky soundtrack and you have a blockbuster that can drag you into a dazzling digital world, and is decent escapism although there are some flaws worth mentioning.

Read more: Jared Leto Set To Star In New ‘Tron’ Film

This film, attention-grabbing and eye-catching though it may be, is a case of style over substance, in my opinion. Tron: Legacy feels somehow lacking if you peel away the jaw droppingly good CGI, SFX and lovingly created soundtrack. Beyond those strong points, I found there isn’t much there really that’s first class or worthy of four or five stars, although others may disagree.

The Verdict

I would say that, for the pound I paid, Tron: Legacy isn’t bad and is recommended if you like the sound of the movie and what it offers. A stellar technological showcase but not terribly brilliant outside of that would be how I’d sum this film up, so I will give Tron: Legacy a 3/5.

2. 007: Skyfall

The world of movie-making sees some films fail and flop, while others do fantastically well with audiences and the reviewers. Some movies are released before fading away into obscurity and aren’t given the gift of a sequel, but it’s fair to say that the James Bond franchise always returns and is one of the biggest film franchises to grace the silver screen –even if some of the productions Bond himself appears in are less than great at times.

2012’s Skyfall , directed by Sam Mendes, was (for me at least) the finest Daniel Craig-era 007 film ever and one that I enjoy massively. This is due to the fact that it’s so balanced, well-made and a truly epic production making for a flawless cinematic gem that I have a lot of time for.

Released in 2012, let’s talk a little more about the story that makes Skyfall tick. The plot focuses on an ageing James Bond, who comes back into circulation after being supposedly killed in action because an event has made MI6 vulnerable and resulted in many deaths. The person behind it is tracked down and seemingly behind bars, but then he comes out once again and is out for revenge. His mission? To destroy someone he hates and knows very well – and it isn’t Bond. Naturally it’s up to 007 to save the day and get the baddies dealt with in the usual manner.

Read more: No Time To Debate: Ranking Daniel Craig’s James Bond Films

The plot is actually grounded somewhat in reality and far less wacky and far-fetched compared to certain older Bond flicks. We see this realism in a number of key areas, such as with 007’s back-to-basics reliance on his instincts, strength and skills rather than the increasingly implausible gadgetry and tech seen in the likes of 2002’s Die Another Day (which was criticised for losing the sharp edge of Mr Bond and becoming a little too over the top, cheesy even).

There’s depth too in Skyfall, much more than you may have expected from a Bond movie. For a start, this film explores not just James and his adventures, but also his employer MI6 and its fictional operations significantly more than usual. We see beloved franchise characters such as ‘Q’ get an updated role aiding and assisting Bond throughout the movie (more than in the past) as well as meatier roles for Moneypenny and ‘M’ herself who is a major element of this film, with a connection to the baddie who feels very strongly about her for a very important reason. Skyfall takes things far beyond a simple spy movie and is all the better for it. It really is quite thought provoking at times, with the scene where M quotes classic poetry while under scrutiny being one of those moments.

Craig’s version of Mr Bond is a flawed, battered and bruised hero that is a far cry from the smooth as silk Bond that Pierce Brosnan excelled at and is none the worse for it. But long-time Bond fans need not worry. Alongside the new stuff, there’s plenty from past films present and correct here that James Bond fans know and love which I won’t spoil for those who have yet to see Skyfall. The cinematography is superb, as is the soundtrack as well.

The Verdict

I really couldn’t fault this modern-day masterpiece and first-rate production that I’d recommend to anyone who is into 007, action, spy or thriller movies. It did new things with the world of the main character and mixes the serious stuff with heart and a sprinkling of humour, while being perfectly balanced (as mentioned earlier). Is it honestly the best Bond movie I’ve ever viewed? Yes. From me, Skyfall gets a perfect 5/5.

Words by James Gillespie


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