IN THE FUTURE VIDEO GAME BATTLES WILL BE A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH.

Software engineer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) breaks into the headquarters of his former employer, but is sucked into the company’s mainframe where he becomes a player in martial games.

A groundbreaking sci-fi movie designed by filmmakers who had become fascinated by the early video games; a few ideas are also lifted from Star Wars. The action inside the game becomes a tad monotonous but still has exciting moments.

In the end though, everything not having to do with visual effects (characters, story, dialogue) is disappointing.

1982-U.S. 96 min. Color. Widescreen. Written and directed by Steven Lisberger. Visual Effects: Richard Taylor, Peter Anderson, Harrison Ellenshaw. Cast: Jeff Bridges (Kevin Flynn/Clu), Bruce Boxleitner (Alan Bradley/Tron), David Warner (Ed Dillinger/Sark/Master Control Program), Cindy Morgan, Barnard Hughes, Dan Shor.

Trivia: Peter O’Toole and Deborah Harry were reportedly considered for roles. Followed by two sequels, starting with Tron Legacy (2010), and an animated TV series, Tron Uprising (2012-2013).